In Grade 3, there’s a track called Joy Spring. Now, Joy Spring was in my class at school. (That’s not true). Joy Spring is actually a swing number with a typical skeletal chart. And at Grade 3, I think that’s quite a change from what we’ve had previously.
‘Whenever I see one of these tracks the first thing I think is: students are not going to know what to do with this! What I usually do is write out the whole thing fully, for better or worse, and explain it to them that way. Because it’s actually really hard for beginners to visualise the swing ride cymbal pattern in relation to snare drum phrasing. I just think it really helps if you do that for your students. Over time they’ll start to understand how the ride cymbal and snare drum relate to each other. There aren’t many bass drums in Joy Spring either. It’s one of those really light swing numbers, with just a few heavy strokes nearer the end. (But I guess there’s no harm in slipping in some bass drum ‘bombs’.)
So, if Grade 3 is anything to go by, this syllabus maybe a little bit harder than the previous one. Although, having said that there are a lot familiar-looking patterns too. But it does look a little bit more demanding than the previous Grade 3. If you’ve got a student who’s on their way to Grade 3 now, you might want to prepare/warn them!
My first foray into the wibbly wobbly world of Grades (to follow schooled daughter’s progress with an idea of what’s involved!) is the ‘new’ Grade 4.
Prolly should start lower, but decision now made…
Your review is very helpful, and probably explains why I’m floundering somewhat on the Exercises. Is there any resource where I can find slow tempo demo’s for those of us with no teacher who are challenged in the reading department?!
I’m (hopefully!) not the only inept dinosaur trying to get aboard…
Thanks again,
Bards
Glad you found the review useful. I can’t find any resources available at the moment but I might be able to put something online in a week or two. All the best, R.
I use “music speed changer” app (android) with my students. It’s great for when you are building stamina on a piece that’s just out of reach by 5-10bmp. It means you can still get the rhythms and form mastered while enjoying the ensemble feel. Just don’t forget to get it faster for the exam! The app will go as slow as a quarter of the normal speed to over two times faster, but with some alien sounding results. Also changes the pitch for that chipmunk feel.