Where To Breathe
When learning any wind instrument, it is important to learn how to take a new breath without losing your timing. To begin with, breath marks will be indicated above the music with this symbol :. Take a quick, deep breath from your diaphragm, and be careful not to lose your timing when you breathe. Counting as you play should help you become more confident with this. Breathing technique is discussed in detail on pages 31 to 33.
Notice the counting numbers underneath the staff. The bigger bold numbers tell you to play a note and the smaller numbers tell you to sustain it until the next note.
The Half Rest
A rest indicates a specific period of silence in music.
The symbol shown here is called a half rest.
It indicates two beats of silence.
When you see this rest, count for two beats without blowing.
Small counting numbers are used under rests.
This example uses half notes along with half rests.
The Quarter Note
This is a quarter note. It lasts for one beat.
There are four quarter notes in one bar of * time.
This example contains both quarter notes and half notes. Don’t forget to tongue each note.
The Quarter Rest
This symbol is a quarter rest. It indicates one beat of silence. Do not play any note. Remember that small counting numbers are placed under rests.
Remember to count silently to keep time regardless of whether you are playing a note or a rest.
The Note A
This A note is placed in the second space of the staff.
This example uses the note A along with the note G. Listen carefully to the notes as you play them and try to produce a strong, even tone. Pay attention to the breath marks and get in the habit of breathing each time you see one.
