PHHS Wind Symphony and Percussion
Scale Pass-off Plan
Scale Pass-off Rules
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
All 12 major scales must be passed off all at one time, and they must be memorized.
In order to pass, scales must be passed off at least three times in a quarter, and the score on
EACH scale must be at least a “5”. You will be graded on your final score, plus your improvement.
Scales are to be played in as many complete octaves as possible within the chromatic range on the
instrument. See below for chromatic ranges.
Articulation is legato tongue up and down, rhythm is “quarter-eighth note pattern”. Performance
tempo is quarter note = 100
Do not play too fast. You’ll be scored higher if your speed is slower and you play more accurately.
Scale Performance Level Rubric
1: Student attempted to play the scale but it is unrecognizable
2: Tone quality may be poor, and the student may have missed the key signature. The
student may not have finished one of the octaves.
3: Almost all of the notes are correct, particularly in the easier octaves. Tone quality is
acceptable. Pulse is steady even though the tempo may be slow. The correct range may not
have been attempted.
4: The student understands the key and the easier octaves are correct. Tone quality is
acceptable. The correct range was attempted but may not have been completed.
5: All notes and fingerings are correct. The correct range was performed. Tone is
developing properly. Vibrato may or may not be present. Articulation is consistent, but
may be in need of further attention.
6: Starts and articulation are clear and tone quality is generally good. The scale is not
perceived as slow. Tuning is satisfactory. Vibrato is present on long notes.
6.5: The scale takes on all positive characteristics of a “6” at a faster tempo.
7-8.5: Tempos are approaching the maximum for the instrument. Tone quality is consistent and
well developed over the range of the scale. Vibrato is refined and mature.
Inconsistencies in pitch in extreme ranges may exist to a small degree. Articulation is
clear throughout and does not cause distraction.
9: Maximum tempo is used for the instrument. The scale is well in tune and the performance is
perceived as effortless. There are no distractions.
10: There are no discernible flaws to the most discriminating listener.
Scale Ranges and Tempo listings
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Piccolo D below staff to altissimo C. (2 octaves + 7th)
Flute C below staff to altissimo C. (3 octaves)
Oboe C below staff to E above high C. (2 octaves + 3rd)
Bb Clarinet E below staff to G above high C. (3 octaves + 3rd)
Bass Clarinet E below staff to C above staff. (2 octaves + 6th)
Alto Saxophone B flat below staff to F above staff (2 octaves + 5th - hold high F for 2 counts prior to
descending). Tenor Sax Same as Alto Sax (see above)
Bari-Sax Same as Alto Sax (see above) Cornet/Trumpet G below staff to C above staff (2 octaves + 4th).
Horn G below staff to G above staff. Minimum tempo MM=120
Tenor Trombone Low F to 4th ledger line B flat (2 octaves + 4th). Legato tongue ascending,
staccato tongue descending.
Euphonium (BC) Low F to 4th ledger line B flat (2 octaves + 4th). Tuba Lowest F to highest B flat (2 octaves + 4th).
PHHS Concert Band
Scale Pass-off Plan
Scale Pass-off Rules
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
9 listed major scales (E, A, D, G, C, F, Bb, Eb, Ab) must be passed off all at one time, and they
must be memorized.
In order to pass, scales must be passed off at least three times in a quarter, and the score on
EACH scale must be at least a “5”. You will be graded on your final score, plus your improvement.
Scales are to be played one octave, ascending and descending.
Articulation is legato tongue up and down, rhythm is “quarter-eighth note pattern”. Performance
tempo is quarter note = 100
Do not play too fast. You’ll be scored higher if your speed is slower and you play more accurately.
Scale Performance Level Rubric
1: Student attempted to play the scale but it is unrecognizable
2: Tone quality may be poor, and the student may have missed the key signature. The
student may not have finished one of the octaves.
3: Almost all of the notes are correct, particularly in the easier octaves. Tone quality is
acceptable. Pulse is steady even though the tempo may be slow. The correct range may not
have been attempted.
4: The student understands the key and the easier octaves are correct. Tone quality is
acceptable. The correct range was attempted but may not have been completed.
5: All notes and fingerings are correct. The correct range was performed. Tone is
developing properly. Vibrato may or may not be present. Articulation is consistent, but
may be in need of further attention.
6: Starts and articulation are clear and tone quality is generally good. The scale is not
perceived as slow. Tuning is satisfactory. Vibrato is present on long notes.
6.5: The scale takes on all positive characteristics of a “6” at a faster tempo.
7-8.5: Tempos are approaching the maximum for the instrument. Tone quality is consistent and
well developed over the range of the scale. Vibrato is refined and mature.
Inconsistencies in pitch in extreme ranges may exist to a small degree. Articulation is
clear throughout and does not cause distraction.
9: Maximum tempo is used for the instrument. The scale is well in tune and the performance is
perceived as effortless. There are no distractions.
10: There are no discernible flaws to the most discriminating listener.
Chromatic Scale Ranges
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Piccolo D below staff to altissimo C. (2 octaves + 7th)
Flute C below staff to altissimo C. (3 octaves)
Oboe C below staff to E above high C. (2 octaves + 3rd)
Bb Clarinet E below staff to G above high C. (3 octaves + 3rd)
Bass Clarinet E below staff to C above staff. (2 octaves + 6th)
Alto Saxophone B flat below staff to F above staff (2 octaves + 5th - hold high F for 2 counts prior to
descending). Tenor Sax Same as Alto Sax (see above)
Bari-Sax Same as Alto Sax (see above) Cornet/Trumpet G below staff to C above staff (2 octaves + 4th).
Horn G below staff to G above staff. Minimum tempo MM=120
Tenor Trombone Low F to 4th ledger line B flat (2 octaves + 4th). Legato tongue ascending,
staccato tongue descending.
Euphonium (BC) Low F to 4th ledger line B flat (2 octaves + 4th). Tuba Lowest F to highest B flat (2 octaves + 4th).