Variable Difficulty(VD) Series
The Variable Difficulty (VD) Series of music allows for learning in a music classroom with varying capability levels. These pieces have 2 difficulty levels, both of which can be played simultaneously. This allows juniors the chance to play along with their seniors, and at the same time, the seniors can still be suitably challenged, resulting in a meaningful learning experience especially when juniors first join their seniors. Melodic importance is shared amongst all 5 parts in all the pieces, encouraging linear playing across the ensemble. A wide majority of the pieces use folk songs as material, for familiarity and ease of learning.
The Score
Pieces in the VD Series are scored in a 5 part flexi-ensemble format, each part has an A and B part. The A part ranges around grade 2.5-3.5, and the B part ranges around 1-2. The two parts can be played simultaneously.
The parts are sorted by range:
Part 1A/B - in C 8va: Piccolo, Flute
in C: Oboe, Violin
in Bb: Clarinet (high), Soprano Saxophone, Trumpet (high)
Part 2A/B - in C 8va: Flute
in C: Oboe, Violin
in Bb: Clarinet, Trumpet
in F: French Horn (high)
in Eb: Alto Saxophone, Alto Clarinet
Part 3A/B: - in C: Bassoon (high), Trombone (high), Euphonium (high), Cello
in C alto: Viola
in Bb: Clarinet (low), Trumpet (low)
in F: French Horn
in Eb: Alto Saxophone, Alto Clarinet, Tenor Horn
in Bb basso: Bass Clarinet (high), Tenor Saxophone, Euphonium T.C.
Part 4A/B - in C: Bassoon, Trombone, Euphonium, Cello
in Bb: Bass Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone, Euphonium T.C.
Part 5A/B - in C: Tuba, Bassoon (low), Trombone (low)
in Bb: Bass Clarinet
in Eb: Baritone Saxophone
in C basso: Doublebass
Some percussion instruments are also given A and B parts, which can also be played simultaneously if there are sufficient instruments. Tuning changes will be provided for timpani B parts, but not A parts.
Educational possibilities are limitless with these scores. A trumpeter who might want to focus mainly on developing high range without letting other technical difficulties get in the way can attempt part 1B. Similarly a clarinetist who wants to develop his/her chalumeau register can play part 3A or 3B. Students can also break out into smaller ensembles to perform these pieces, giving them an opportunity to learn chamber playing. Selective orchestration can be done to vary the timbres across the ensemble during a performance.
The Parts
The default part score contains both A and B parts, so that players can see the two different difficulty levels. For the juniors, this allows them to further challenge themselves in selected passages, should they feel comfortable. For the more advanced players, they can also see the B parts and help guide their juniors.
A set of standalone B parts are also provided for a less intimidating score reading experience for juniors if they find the default score too daunting to read.
Supporting Audio Tracks
As part of the package, each purchase comes with the following:
1) A reference track
2) A reference track for only the B parts
3) A play-along track that has a clicktrack embedded, as well as 2 bars of prepatory clicks
These tracks allow students to learn their part in context with the music on their own before rehearsals. The play-along tracks encourages students to play the pieces outside of rehearsals, and even do digital multi-track performances with other ensemble members. Slower versions of the play-along tracks can be produced upon request. Pieces with many rubato possibilities will NOT come with a play-along track to prevent students from being conditioned to inflexibility of tempi.