How to Start to Get Back in Shape in 3 Days- Part #2

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Range

Developing your high range is not something that you can substantially increase in three days but getting back to a “useable” range is possible. When I say a usable range I am speaking of notes up to and including high C which is the normal upper register for most of us when performing in church or normal concerts. Playing shows and lead parts in big bands do require more upper range playing but if you are expecting to be called for these jobs, you shouldn’t let yourself go in the first place.

Increasing your upper register can be approached in several ways. Some feel that the Claude Gordon Method (Systematic Approach to Daily Practice) is the best way while others swear by Spading’s Double High C in 37 Weeks. Others believe that arpeggios work for them and with any of these methods, with regular practice; you will improve your high note playing.

My approach to improved high notes is simple; I prefer to work up to these notes using chromatic scales. In addition to the chromatic approach, I also include my “rest as much as you play” concept.

I have included not only an exercise sheet to follow in this Blog but I have also included a MP3 recording which I use for helping me keep the upper notes within range.

Instructions for use-

• Slur all notes at a mf dynamic
• Rest the same amount of time that you have previously played
• Once you have performed one octave, continue playing two octaves.
• Continue up to the point that you are feeling a little difficulty.
• Even though the recording continues up, remain on the last scale that you found a little difficult.
• Keep repeating this scale until the recording comes down to your current scale.
• Follow the recording down to the point where you started with a one octave scale.

I hope you find this helpful as I have.

Range-Lesson-1-Chromatic-warm-up

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Bruce was a member of the faculty at the University of Northern Iowa, School of Music in Cedar Falls from 1969 until his retirement in 1999. He has performed with many well-known entertainers such as Bob Hope, Jim Nabors, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme, Anita Bryant, Carman Cavalara, Victor Borgie, the Four Freshman, Blackstone the Magician, Bobby Vinton and John Davidson.

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