Ellen’s Tube Tips #12
How Far Is It?
The ability to hear and sing intervals is a wonderful asset for all musicians. Use numbers or fixed Do Solfege syllables to practice interval singing.
Review how to build a C major scale in Tube Tip #9. Once the scale pattern is completed, verbally number the tubes (or use sticky notes) from lowest to highest. Point out that the half steps are between tubes 3 & 4 and 7& 8. Have a keyboard (or a picture of one) for reference to show half steps and whole steps.
Start with Middle C as #1 and explain that intervals are the distance between two notes. We count both the starting note and the ending note to determine the interval name. Sing and play #1 and then #2 (Do, Re.) This is a 2nd. Ask all the students to sing it with you.
Start with Middle C as #1 again and count up to G. This is a 5th. Touch or tap very lightly on the notes between the designated interval notes and then play louder when you reach the target note. Say and sing 1 (Do) and 5 (So). With two mallets play the intervals harmonically as well as melodically. Demonstrate and sing all ascending intervals. If you want to talk about songs that start with certain intervals, see the list below.
Variation 1: Have eight students line up shoulder to shoulder and distribute consecutive tubes from Middle C to C’. Practice playing and singing numbers or Solfege syllables several times. For interval recognition, ask the two players with the correct notes to step forward and play their notes three times. For example, you would say “interval of a 6th” and the C and A would step forward to play. If an incorrect note is played, just go back to C and count again.
Variation 2: For a competitive game, have 2 or more teams and see which team can find the correct interval first.
Variation 3: For more advanced work, work in other key signatures. Besides the Diatonic Set, you will need the Chromatic, Bass Diatonic and Bass Chromatic Sets (or capped equivalent) and the Treble Extension Set. You may want to have key signature cards to show the correct order of sharps and flats.
Songs and Intervals
2nd London Bridge
3rd Oh, When the Saints Go Marching In
4th Here Comes the Bride
5th Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star
6th My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean
8th Take Me Out to the Ball Game
If you know a familiar song that begins with a major 7th, please let me know!
