They are finally here!!!!

TUNING DRONES!

Below, you will find 14 MP3 files of tuning drones for you to practice with.  All of you have experienced playing with drones during rehearsal.  Now, you can do the same thing at home while you practice!

Why use drones?  Well, there are plenty of reasons.  For one, it will help your tuning immensely.  This is by far the chief reason for drones.  Also, it will help you begin to use your ears more efficiently during practice and rehearsals.  Yes, listening is important.  Hasn't you mother told you that all your life?  In music, listening is almost as important (and sometimes more important) than playing.  This will help you learn to use your ears.

Here are a few suggestions and hints at how to use these files for their maximum effect:

• 1.  Drones only work if you use them!  Everytime you practice, use these and you will see great results.
• 2.  The drones can be used with stereo or computer speakers as well as headphones.  Better yet, download it onto your iPod or MP3 player!  (Come on... you know you have band stuff on there)  Just make sure you can hear the drone as well as yourself.
• 3.  Scales, scale patterns and drones go hand in hand.  Try to hear how the notes of the scale relate to the drone and always come back to that drone note.  Oh... and make sure it is in tune!
• 4.  Speaking of tuning... you can tune any note with these drones.  Tuners are great, but use your ears to tune instead!  Are you having problems tuning your C#?  Well, find that track and find out how to get it in tune.

There are plenty more, but those are the important ones.  If you have questions, you can always talk to Mr. Meyers or Mr. Libby for more ideas.  For now, use these drones immediately and improve!