Click on any question to show the response.
Can I really just put the band on auto-pilot?
In short, yes. Once you have established your warmup expectations, the band can independently play through these warmups. Each part includes extra instructions, tips, and fingering guides to set up students for success.
And if you find the band is not playing to your expectations, you always have the option of having them repeat a line or, if you can’t do so in the moment, addressing the issue in the next rehearsal.
Does this require a big sound system?
Not necessarily, but it depends on the size of your band. Because of the way the warmups are constructed, the audio tracks do not need to be played super loud. Just be sure that your snare drummers play on practice pads, as one drummer can potentially pull the band off tempo.
To check if your speakers will work for these warmups, try out the free sample warmup (see below).
Will students develop bad habits if I’m not leading the warmup?
These warmups have been built around exercises that have benefits even if they are played imperfectly. Consider key studies exercises as the type of work that is not included here. When those are played wrong repeatedly, a student learns incorrect patterns. That’s why I avoided those kind of exercises in these warmups.
Contrast that with exercises like brass lip slurs. There is a perfect way to play brass lip slurs, but even if the approach isn’t perfect, the student still has the horn on their face and is not developing bad habits.
I do recommend that along with these warmups, that you round out your fundamentals by working on technical exercises, sight reading, and intonation work. I certainly do! However, for the first five minutes of rehearsal, I don’t think anything else matches the productivity of Amplified Warmups.
I have a band that combines two grade levels. Which warmups should I use?
Use the warmup designed for the younger of the two grades. For example, if you direct a band that combines students in years three and four in your program, use the Level 3 warmups. There will still be plenty of benefit to the older students in using a level that’s a bit easier.
What are the steps to implementing these warmups?
Simply purchase, download the files, print parts, pull up the audio track, and press play.
For the first few times, the goal is to train students to simply keep going all the way through. Tell them it’s OK if they can’t play everything right away. Once the routine is established, you can stop and give instruction as you choose.
Can I buy using a school or organization purchase order?
Yes – click here to request an invoice. You can also purchase Amplified Warmups at JWPepper.com.
Try it for free
To try out a sample warmup, fill out the form below. The sample includes an audio track and full set of printable PDF’s. It’s shorter than the full warmups and not targeted to a specific grade level, but it includes a 60-second rehearsal start countdown and four lines of warmup exercises.
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