5 & In ! is the ultimate “starter” band resource. It works on the premise that if a student can play and read 5 basic notes (sometimes less than 5) they deserve to be “in the band !”
This resource includes parts for all brass instruments and is designed in such a way that these parts can be combined together to form a wholesome sounding, harmonically complete “band” for 3 to 30 (or more) brass players plus an optional drummer.
The resource begins with a series of short pieces based on an initial chordal theme – “Off to Band”, thereafter the subsequent (longer) ten pieces each embrace “One More Thing”. This “One More Thing” may be an accidental, a new articulation such as an accent or slur or contrasting dynamics – all to add musical interest.
As the “band” works its way through these pieces, my progressive aim is not to continually add more new notes / pitches to the mix, rather having kept the number of notes / pitches to a workable minimum, I seek to add musical and technical development (not to mention programmatic interest) by implementing the varied uses of “rhythm” to give each piece its own unique character.
5 & In ! enables the first steps to be made on an incredible musical journey
Off to Band - This is the initial activity of the 5 & In ! initiative.
In this, the musicians initially play a thematic chorale-like chord progression.
From here, each subsequent activity retains this chord progression but adds rhythmic detail in a progressive manner.
