Breath Marks (;)
Take a quick, deep breath from your diaphragm every time you see this mark ;. Be careful not to lose your timing when you breathe. Counting as you play should help you become more confident with this. Breathing is discussed in detail in the Breathing Technique section.
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.
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. 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.
