Vocabulary
This symbol allows the conductor to hold the note as long as they want.
What is a fermata?
This means to play smooth and connected.
What is legato?
This dynamics tells you to play very loud.
What is "ff" or fortissimo
Advice of Mr. Burnham's when he first hands you an instrument - "Rule No. 1....."
What is "Rule Number One: Dont Drop It!"
Picture #1
What is the top of a mallet for xylophones.
This tempo marking means to play at a walking pace.
What is andante?
What is staccato?
This dynamics tells you to play very softly.
What is "pp" or pianissimo?
Mrs. Labonte suggests you place your music stand here if you are a brass player.
What is "On one side of your instrument or the other?" Or in other words, don't play into the stand.
Picture #2
What is the cap on a flute headjoint?
This tempo marking means to play at a moderate pace.
What is moderato?
A sideways "V" that appears above or below a note; you should play with a percussive attack.
What is an accent?
The Italian word for wanting your dynamic level to be in the "medium" range.
What is "mezzo?"
Mr. Burnham is always happy to help you conquer your fear of this.
"What is Don't be afraid to be right?"
Picture #3
What is a ligature screw?
When you see poco rit. in your music, you should do this.
What is slow down little by little (or a little bit)?
A straight line above or below a note; often is seen following a different type of articulation. Generally means to play the note at its full value.
What is tenuto?
To gradually get louder as you play music.
What is a crescendo?
Just before a concert, Mr. Burnham wants you to check for....
"What is loose screws?"
Picture #4
What is a cage screw for a saxophone?
It's what accelerando means.
What is to gradually get faster and faster.
A jazz accent. A short, percussive attack.
What is marcato?
This means to gradually get softer as you play your music.
What is decrescendo or diminuendo?
Where you should keep your eyes, according to Mr. Burnham.
What is Keep one eye on the conductor, one eye on your music, and one eye on your instrument?"
Picture #5
What is a rubber foot for a wire music stand?