I'd like to share with you a few of my favorite web-based resources. I have them listed on my Webliography, but they're listed here in a little more detail....
1. Soundtrap This is a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), kind of like GarageBand but BETTER. We'll be giving this DAW a try this year in class, but if you don't have me for music theory class, it's okay. You can try the free version on your own. It's completely web-based, so it won't take up space on your hard drive and you can access your projects from anywhere. I'm looking forward to showing you how to experiment with loops, how to create your own drum beats, how to import recordings and make revisions, how to record yourself and add elements, how to edit/transpose/revise midi files, etc. The possibilities in music creation are endless. I can't wait to show you! 2. Noteflight and Flat We're going to try both of these web-based music notation sites as well in the new year. Again, completely web-based, no hard drive use. Entering notation is SUPER easy with Noteflight, the keyboard shortcuts are easy to remember (and they give you a list), and editing doesn't take long either. I also love that you can take any Noteflight score, play along with the notated music, and get feedback on your progress. You can compose anything in Noteflight and export it directly to Soundtrap to continue adding to your project. I cannot wait to hear what you're going to create! Flat is awesome because it's an Add-on in Google. I wouldn't use it for large projects, but if you'd like to add musical examples to your Google Doc, you just have to notate your example and insert! No more screenshots! 3. MusicTheory.net We've used this site before! But, sometimes I can't get over the fact that it's FREE. There are a million ways to practice your music theory written and aural skills here and just like many things in life, it's all about repetition. You can practice anytime at home and there are also step-by-step review lessons, just in case you can't remember how to do your homework! 4. Sight Reading Factory If you're auditioning for MEBC Senior County Band or PMEA District 10 Band, this is a website that you should bookmark NOW! Again, repetition. You'll continue to improve on your sight-reading skills by continuing to sight-read and this is the perfect place to do it. You can customize your exercises to work on specific rhythms or key signatures. You can work on rhythm only, and you can tell the site your preferred example length, too. You'll be much less stressed out on the day of your audition with help from this website! You'd like to start playing an instrument and don't know where to start? You are already a band member and your instrument stopped working? You need instrument HELP, you have a playing test on Monday, and it's the weekend? My valves stopped moving, my reed is broken, a key fell off, my instrument doesn't stay together, I need a repair but can't afford it, etc, etc, etc ...... Let me give you a little advice........
Mrs. Kline's BEST BAND TIPS for success in instrumental-land: 1. DO NOT BUY the cheapest instrument that you can find on eBay because it'll save you money and it's purple. Dyed metals are typically not the best quality and in the long run, you'll pay MORE in repairs to keep a cheap instrument working than you would if you buy something of quality. ASK MRS. KLINE or another music teacher ... that's what we're here for and we're happy to help :). The READING MUSICAL FOUNDATION (RMF) is a FABULOUS resource for all student musicians in Berks County. If we don't have anything available at school, RMF has the capability to help you find an instrument, assist in paying for an instrument, or provide you with an instrument. JUST ASK ME! 2. Your instrument is like a car ... it requires maintenance in order to work properly. Take your instrument to a PRO AT LEAST ONCE PER YEAR to avoid any issues during the school year. No, this isn't a commercial, I promise .. Proactive maintenance WILL save you from large expenses and emergencies. Call JS Woodwind Repair and Lesson Studio. Tell Ms. Francisco I sent you. She will take great care of you and your instrument. DON'T TRY TO REPAIR YOURSELF! 3. ALWAYS carry EXTRA supplies in your case. Extra reeds, extra valve oil, extra cork grease. If you need extras, just ask, but always be prepared in the event of an emergency. Oh, and it wouldn't hurt to also add a pencil to your case, too ;) 4. Consider private lessons. Not required or mandatory, but if you really enjoy playing, this might be for you. Your music teachers do the absolute best that they can to provide you with a quality education, but sadly, we're often given additional responsibilities or the schedule doesn't allow for extra individual instruction. We'll make the time whenever we can, but don't be afraid to ask for outside help. Again, JS Woodwind Repair and Lesson Studio is an awesome place to go for lessons. Don't have a job to pay for lessons? It's okay! RMF to the rescue again!! They have LOTS of scholarship opportunities available to YOU. 5. Don't forget about HAMA (Hamburg Area Music Association). If you are a music student, HAMA is here for YOU! Remember those subs that you sold last year? HAMA maintains a grant fund for you when you participate in fundraisers. That grant fund can help pay for private lessons, music, repairs, music field trips, etc! And, if Mom or Dad needs something to do, send them to HAMA. We're always looking for parents to help to support our music family! Hello, Everyone! Welcome to Mrs. Kline’s first ever Podcast!
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