Trumpet book cover

Oceanna Music Publications Inc of Ontario, Canada have just released "North America's first ever band theory workbook series ... an extensive and innovative theory/activity workbook for young instrumentalists ", entitled Beginning Band Basics and written by Canadian composer Stella Claire terHart. It is presently available through music retail stores in Canada, and online.

Oceanna Publications' press release tells us: "the series consists of thirteen instrument specific workbooks. Included in each workbook is a new junior level composition written for each instrument. The philosophy behind the workbooks is as follows: a beginning tuba player and a beginning clarinet player can play in a band together, but they do not read the same notation. It is frustrating for young instrumentalists to learn 'piano' theory - and notes that they will either never encounter in their music, or encounter at a much later date. What if they could learn to read music in the same order and manner as the way in which they are learning to perform? They would learn faster, easier, with greater confidence and considerably less complaint! Theory would make sense to them, as they could apply it to both their written work and performance."

The company continues: "From her own experiences as an instrumental music teacher, Ms. terHart realized the need for a theory program that catered to instrumentalists. In particular, workbooks designed for each individual instrument. In Beginning Band Basics, music notation is taught from the same common denominator - the B flat concert scale. Treble instruments begin to notate in the treble clef based on the first note they will learn to play in their particular key - bass instruments likewise. Thus music theory is taught to young players from the same starting point and sequence as performance. Notational and rhythmical focus is on the notes and patterns that they will be exposed to in their playing.

Trumpet facts page

"The workbooks aid the learning process further by using colour. Instructions, information and descriptions are colour coordinated, keeping young minds focused and interested. The language is easy to understand and instructions are outlined in point form, which greatly helps students complete each question completely, without getting lost in the directions. Original illustrations and graphics are used to keep the workbooks fun and upbeat. Interesting and imaginative activity pages are included for variety and learning reinforcement.

"Extensive exercises in notation, rhythm, time signatures, key signatures, scales, musical terms, composers and instrument fundamentals ensure a thorough introduction to instrumental music. Cumulative reviews and final quiz solidify all concepts. Supported by an extensive educational website, the Beginning Band Basics Theory Workbook Series is a first in the music education field. For more information visit: www.BandBasics.com, or call: +1 (877) 296-9079."

Trumpet-specific content

Readers will be pleased to know that there is, of course, a trumpet-specific book available in this series. As well as trumpet versions of the music there is trumpet content including a facts and fundamentals page and a trumpet wordsearch.

Trumpet-specific versions will be found in the current US/International catalogue at references 007, 020 and 036 and in the Canadian catalogue at 008, 27 and 40.

Websites:
Band Basics
Oceanna Music Publications