Can't sight read music that well?

Question

i have only been taking private lessons for about 5 years now with my clarinet and sax. i just joined a summer concert band at a nearby community college. i find it difficult keeping up with the tempo, counting rhythms/rests etc. can someone help? i have no band experience i look like a fool out there. :(

Answer 1

If you already have the music, one thing that usually works, is counting the rhythm before playing it (if you need to, write it down on the music in pencil), so that while you're playing you can be counting it too.

If you need help playing at the right tempo, I suggest getting a metronome and setting it a little slower than the actual performance tempo, and slowly speed it up to performance tempo.

One thing my music teacher always makes sure we know, is that every time you make a mistake, you need to play it 3 times correctly. So, if you mess up 5 times, you'd have to play it correctly 15 times (in a row), So that you wouldn't mess up on that part again. (although it does sound annoying, it does actually work)

Also, if all you really need is a little more practice with the instrument, try getting a method book. Most method books have book 1,2,3, etc. and seeing you've been playing for 5 years, I'd suggest book 2 or 3.

Hope I helped. =)

Answer 2

I can't help much but just keep on practicing.  You could take some classes on piano as well and learning to sight read music in that instrument might help.

Another thought is maybe volunteer if you have time at classes for teaching young kids band.... you will pick up info in a class situation for kids band and that might be useful ...

just thoughts, hope you get better answers.

Is there anyone in your concert band that will help with outside practice?