Nuvo WindStars 2 Instrument Essentials – teachers’ book

Written by Brittany Bauman and Dr. Cassandra Eisenreich, the WindStars Series is a simple, effective, and affordable way for primary school children to experience the joy of playing music together. Through WindStars, children learn to play a musical instrument and develop a life-long love of music at an early age. It is a book-based program with supplemental materials available online (instructional videos, audio backing tracks, and printable PDFs).

A great method of learning for individuals and groups

Comprised of the following five elements of music: Rhythm/Tempo, Pitch/Tone, Melody/Harmony, Structure, and Expression, The WindStars Methodology is focused on the holistic approach of teaching the "whole child" through the WindStar of music education. It can be used in a solo or group setting with appropriate tunes for each level. The method introduces and develops fundamental beginning instrumental skills while creating an exciting and engaging experience for all students.

An effective learning process to help progress to traditional concert band instruments

WindStars 2 is a flexible method book for Nuvo's general music and pre-band instruments. The method books can be used for individuals and/or in the classroom. WindStars 2 introduces standard music notation as well as beginning technique. Skills learned in the WindStars 2 method books are directly applicable for students who move on to play traditional concert band instruments. Each Student Book focuses on a single instrument, either jFlute, jSax, Clarinéo, or jHorn. While the Teacher Book includes all four. The Student Books include questions to reinforce comprehension after new songs and spaces to practice writing new musical styles. The Student Books include 23 fun songs in various styles along with backing tracks. Songs are written to reinforce notes learned along with rhythms. Parts are written with rhythms in unison, but harmony notes are introduced.

WindStars 2 focuses on the following elements

• Assembling and holding the instruments
• Making first sounds
• Articulation
• 4/4, 3/4, 2/4, and 6/8 time signatures
• Repeat signs
• Breath marks and breathing techniques
• Improvisation

WindStars is a 3-level program which can be easily adapted to fit into existing programs:

Level 1:

Designed for ages 5-9, with an emphasis on Sound Before Sight. Level 1 books are written for the Dood and Toot instruments. Written for the general music classroom, level one encourages students to learn by ear as much as possible. This level is available in either standard or iconic notation. Students will use instruments to explore their own musical creativity, develop fine and gross motor skills, and proper playing techniques.

Level 2:

Designed for ages 6-10, with an emphasis on transitioning to notation. Level 2 books are written for the jSax, jFlute, jHorn, and Clarineo instruments. Books are intended to build on the experiences in Level 1 and those learned in general music classes. Level 2 is written for individual and/or class lessons that extend woodwind and brass skills while playing fun tunes in various genres.

Level 3:

Designed for ages 7-10, emphasizing pre-band ensemble playing. Level 3 introduces multi-part music for the jSax, jFlute, jHorn, and Clarineo in a variety of styles. All tunes are written in standard notation.

Available in handy classroom packs

You can also get the Windstars 2 Teacher Book as part of Nuvo's classroom packs, including the Windstars 2 mixed class set, which can help to kickstart your classes' musical development! These packs include a selection of instruments as well as teaching books, making them extremely convenient for primary teachers.

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