Stuff Mrs. Ehli Says
Either of these are Mrs. Ehli's favorite gender-neutral way to address the whole class.
What is "y'all" or "folks"
The Italian term that is written as "FF" in written music.
What is "fortissimo"?
Mrs. Ehli is the worst at playing this double reed instrument.
What is the bassoon?
This is the name of the special mallet used on timpani and tam tam to make otherworldly sounds in "The Cave You Fear".
What are superball mallets?
…when they walk into band class, without looking at the board:
"Are we playing today?"
What Mrs. Ehli says to get kids to stop messing around with their EXPENSIVE INSTRUMENTS.
What is "Treat it like it's worth hundreds of dollars"
The instruction for a player or band to get gradually softer.
What is "decrescendo"?
All percussion instruments can be sorted into these two categories.
What are pitched and unpitched?
Who is the composer of Marche Diabolique (and Mrs. Ehli is a big fan of this composer!)
Who is Brian Balmages?
…when they walk into band class during marching band season without looking at the board:
"Are we going outside today?"
Who knew this thing that happens in every class period could have a theme song?
What is (sung) "IIIIIIIII'm gonna take attendance, ready begin"
The Italian word for "separated".
What is "staccato"?
This famous American band composer and conductor invented a marching instrument, which he named after himself.
Who is Sousa, or John Phillip Sousa? (invented the Sousaphone)
Who is Erin Keaton-Howard?
…when kids frantically come running up to Mrs. Ehli before the concert:
"I lost my music!"
What Mrs. Ehli says after taking attendance.
What is "please stand"?
When there are two different notes played by the same instrument or part.
What is "divisi"?
This kind of clarinet is in the key of E-flat, like alto and bari saxophone.
What is an alto clarinet or sopranino clarinet?
Our marching arrangement of "Take Me Home Country Roads" is written in this key.
What is concert A-flat major?
…after Mrs. Ehli describes concert attire:
"But what about <enter article of clothing that likely isn't acceptable here>??"
This is a way less-fancy way of talking about syncopated rhythms.
What is "And-And Land"
The category of terms describing volume.
What are "dynamics"?
Mrs. Ehli shares a birthday with this instrument inventor.
Who is Adolf Sax?
This is the literary and film script-writing tool that was the concept for "The Cave You Fear".
What is the Hero's Journey?
…when a clarinet or saxophone player makes a mistake:
<looks at reed>
"My reed is <enter excuse here>!"