Music Vocab

Tone

The characteristic sound or “color” of a given instrument.

Intonation

Ability to play in tune with yourself and the pitch center of the ensemble

Blend

The ability to match all elements of your sound with other players

Balance

The relative presence needed for a given part in relation to other parts

Vertical Alignment

The ability to align all rhythms of the ensemble

Levels of Listening

Three levels that an individual must constantly monitor:

1. Self

2. Section

3. Ensemble

Staccato

. Light and separated

Accent

> Lifted and separated with implied space

Marcato

^Lifted and separated with audible space

Tenuto

-Sustained full note value with a slight stress on the note and short taper before next note

Legato

Smooth and connected style with light articulation “du”, 100% length to every pitch in phrase

Taper

Decrescendo

Lifted

Open

Hard

Tongued, stopped

Required for good tone

Correct posture, embouchure, breathing

Band Pyramid

Lowest voices are loudest, middle are softer, upper are the softest. This applies to each section

Self

Section

Ensemble

Levels of Listening