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, 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 25 and 26.
The big numbers 1 and 3 tell you to play the note. The small numbers 2 and 4 tell you to sustain it until the next note. Notice that there are four beats in each bar.
The Half Rest
This symbol is called a half rest. It indicates two beats of silence. To play this rest, count for two beats without blowing.
Small counting numbers are used under rests.
This example uses half notes along with half rests. Anywhere a rest appears in a piece of music is usually the best place to take a breath. To get into the habit of breathing when you see a rest, breathe on each of the rests shown here, even if you don’t need a breath.
The Quarter Note
This music note is called 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. Make sure you tongue each note.
