Scales, Arpeggios and Chorales

Description

This presentation of two-octave scales with corresponding arpeggios is designed to be used in orchestra classes with all the instruments together. It presents the most common orchestral keys and develops facility in all positions through carefully designed and notated modern fingerings.

Generally, positions are not indicated. If no other fingering is present, the scale starts with the usual first-position finger. An ascending line prior to a fingering indicates an upward shift. A descending line indicates a downward shift. A fingering preceded by “x” (e.g., ×2) indicates an extension. All extensions are forward, except for the first finger, which uses a backward extension.

The scales may be used in a variety of ways. For tonal development and to build familiarity with the scales, use long tones or several bows per pitch. The scales may also be repeated in a cycle as follows: mm=50, quarter-notes, single bows, then eighth-notes slurring two, then sixteenth-notes slurring four, ending with the whole note. Other bowing styles may be incorporated as well.

The arpeggios should be introduced carefully and slowly, building speed as students become more familiar with them.

The chorales are all harmonizations by J. S. Bach. The customary fermati have been eliminated in order to allow the teacher to instill an intuitive sense of phrasing in the players. The fingerings provided are meant to encourage artistic playing and tonal development. The chorales are invaluable for refinement of intonation and improvement of tone quality.

Published by: String Instrument Specialists