It's Just Intonation

Explore techniques and strategies for improving your ensembles intonation by incorporating prepared chorales, technology, and other resources.  This session will survey best practices for introducing various intonation concepts and will identify tangible techniques that can be immediately instituted and can significantly improve instruction.  Concepts explored will include “beat-less” tuning, resultant tone listening, and just intonation.  Throughout the presentation we will also explore various technological devices and applications that can aid in ensemble instruction including Yamaha’s Harmony Director and Tonal Energy.

Resource Downloads

Prepared Chord Progression in Bb
A standard chord progression in Bb with chord members color coded to identify function in chord (root, third, fifth) and therefore what adjustments need to be made for just intonation.

Intonation Maps/Surveys
A tool for mapping the individual intonation tendencies of performers and their instruments.  By completing these over a period of time one can narrow the variability of their intonation throughout their instrument. 

Chords of Just Intonation
Chart displaying adjustments that need to be made to standard chords to achieve just intonation.  

Intonation Apps

Tonal Energy App - IOS and Android
$3.99
Does much of what the Harmony Director does.
InTunator - IOS and Android
$6.99
Uses mic to identify note being played and instantly sounds that pitch (intune) in headphones.
Harmonize - IOS and Android
Free
Excellent app for developing high level intonation skills.

Video Demonstrations

Resultant Tone Demonstration

Yamaha - Harmony Director Overview

HD-300 Overview Part-1

A Physicists Explanation of Intonation

Yamaha - Ensemble Warm-up

HD-300 Overview Part-2

Recommended Resources

Texts

Sheet Music
Shelly Jagow: Tuning for Wind Instruments
​Shelly Jagow: Developing the Complete Band Program 
Winds: Basic Training for Concert Band
​Winds: Sonority for Winds