"Imagination is more important than Knowledge." Albert Einstein

FUNCTION CHORALES comes on CD-ROM. Please download a PDF of the unedited April 1999 Band & Orchestra Article on Function Chorales above.

Many conductors have expressed a desire to improve their Music-making via a mastery of the Basics. Function Chorales are designed to time-efficiently teach and reinforce the ability to SEE where a Pitch will Sound, dramatically improve Tuning, Intonation, Ensemble Listening, Vertical Hearing, Knowledge of Function & Transposition, Knowledge of Progression & Harmony, Knowledge of Interval, Form, and Knowledge of Inharmonic Devices such as Suspension, Retardation and Passing Tone. This is an immensely powerful tool which will achieve, via your efforts, discernible results.

In conjunction with the Function Chorales, I suggest considering SCALEWORKS!

Testimonials from Waynesburg College, PA:

"Music has been my life. I’ve held the upper chairs in flute sections and was section leader of my high school band. I can play a variety of instruments. However, the Stormworks Suite caused me to see music and its theory in a totally different way. I’ve never taken a music theory class, but now I can transpose music and play 15 major scales. Stephen Melillo’s teachings have changed music for me. More importantly, it has changed my life. Being able to read and understand music better has re-inspired me to write music. I gave up composing due to my lack of music theory knowledge. All I can say is “Thank you!” Stephen Melillo’s Teaching Suite is priceless and will affect yours and your students’ lives drastically…and permanently." Heather Bryner, Flute/Piccolo, Freshman, Waynesburg College

"Steve Mellilo’s work is without a doubt the bright future of music education. Many students create mental barriers, believing that music theory and technique is beyond their reach. These concepts are very intimidating to students, so they don’t want to learn it. Furthermore, theory is often over-looked within our schools. Steve completely breaks these barriers and makes learning not merely attainable, but surprisingly easy. With Steve’s method, ANY student can succeed." Jesse Maxwell, Trumpet. Freshman, Waynesburg College

"Scaleworks, to be specific, has helped me a great deal. I now have a much greater understanding of the sharps and flats. With the scale sheet, I can see the arrangements of sharps or flats in a scale and know exactly how to manipulate the notes for any given scale." Steve Zak, Euphonium, Junior, Waynesburg College

" If every music class used Stephen Melillo’s teaching tools as a starting point, development and understanding of musical theories and ideas would increase exponentially and endlessly…guaranteed!" David Call, Percussion, Freshman, Waynesburg College

"Steve Melillo is a mentor teacher for me! He constantly encourages me to reach farther than I initially believe possible. Our music program at Waynesburg does not currently have a music degree. After our ‘non-music majors’ were connected with Steve’s Scaleworks, Rhythm Readers, and Function Chorales, their understanding and level of engagement was combustible…off the charts! I started using the Teaching Suite this past spring term. The financial investment in this program is minimal in comparison to the rewards for our students. I have literally overheard my students explaining scales and rhythms to their friends on campus – these are the same students who began the year saying, “I can’t really count,” and “What’s a triad?” They are now saying, “Oh, that’s just music in threes,” and “Can you go through the section again, because I missed my leading tone.” Our goals are now MUSICAL GOALS! With my summer preparation time, I can’t wait to get my former students back in the fall, as well as introduce the incoming freshman class to these amazing methods, just to see how far we can go. As Steve would say, “Let’s Find Out!” Dr. Ronda DePriest, Waynesburg College, PA

"Mr. Melillo, My goodness! It's been about two weeks since I started using the Function Chorales and ScaleWorks in my band classes/rehearsals, and I am BLOWN AWAY!!!!! I am a brand-new teacher straight out of college. I have struggled a bit to find different techniques that work for my students, but your model for ScaleWorks was so excellent I hit one out of the park right away (not that I won't go back and refine, of course). My students absolutely LOVE the function chorales--they keep asking for "the next one". We are moving quickly but cautiously, striving for precision in each. We are making effective transfers into the literature with these--we are doing an arrangement of Shenandoah, an obvious transfer, but I'm noticing things like a sense of direction on long notes and listening "vertically" for intonation in ALL of our playing, up to and including our spring musical. As for ScaleWorks, BRAVO! My students LOVE the method and process. I presented the information as you do on your DVD (an excellent model), and my students eyes got to be the sizes of dinner plates--they were drawn in within minutes. "Sing and Fing" has become a regular part of my vocabulary--for scales, but also chorales and difficult passages. I had my doubts about the "stopwatching" (because I'm a brand new teacher and know everything, right??), but I did it and it had its intended effect--some harmless competition amongst the students that creates a sense of "urgency" in order to not have the lesson become stagnant. My next project is Rhythm Readers--I can't wait!! My only regret is I did not use this source sooner. Bravo! Best," Keith Roeckle, Ridley High School, Folsom, PA

"We now have students wanting to write their own function chorales! I know this has happened at other schools, but I felt it was necessary to continue the story of how great these are. We rendered the first student's chorale affectionately entitled "Godspeed" yesterday. I since received "A Mighty Forbidden Fortress" and "In School Suspension". These are all settings of theory class projects, but they have really grabbed the students. I thank you for the gift of them and please know they are being put to excellent use. Also, thanks for the new clarinet player! Now you may ask what do I mean? The students have been trying to convince a 9th grade girl who felt she was too busy for band to join. I finally decided to get involved after some research and invited her to spend a period with us. The lesson plan included "By Love Compelled" I spent our time warming up etc. and did an indepth rehearsal on By Love...never coming close to the end. (It was very good too! That is another story) Needless to say we did not finish, but the girl (right in front of the podium) looked up and said "But I need to know how it ends!" To which I replied "That is the next rehearsal." She is with us now." David Knott, Bishop MCDevitt High School, Harrisburg, PA

"Stephen, a word about the Function Chorales. The kids became so successful at the process that for 2 years we've moved away from a tuner. At first this was the most uncomfortable thing I have ever done. After the new kids learned the system the pay off was huge! I moved and began using this process with the new kids. They had a tuner stuck in their face by a previous director to the point where every student was required to own a tuner. I had a copy of your Basic Change and started using this choral. My colleagues are amazed whenever I tell them we don't use tuners. Students are beginning to understand that tuning goes much further than tuning one note. They are beginning to understand that all notes must be constantly tuned over time within the ensemble (horizontally & vertically)... something the tuner can not do." Brian Ellis, Shelby County, KY

"I have been following your music for about 3-4 years now, ever since I first heard it and subsequently did a research project for a Wind Band Literature course. Over the course of that time, I have tried Function Chorales, STORMQuest, and most recently Fountainhead and the Let's Find Out DVD. The music is very powerful, and very playable by ensembles at ALL levels. I teach grades 5-12. Last year I began making full use of the PAD Bass concept with Time in the Balance, and liked it so much that I use it now with ALL literature, and can't imagine not having it. Scaleworks and Rhythm Readers are without a doubt 2 of the most important components of my teaching repertoire. At ALL levels, they have proven time and again to be valuable, reliable, and meaningful to the KIDS as well as opening my eyes to see some things that I always knew were there, but never really noticed. The scores are LARGE size, which makes for very easy reading. I am especially moved by Steve's personal signature on every score and CD ordered. The kids really enjoy playing this music because it touches and speaks to them, and they feel that they are touching and speaking to their audience in a more direct manner. Who says sixth graders can't learn 15 scales? In short, I have been transformed by this approach, and my students have also. Thank you." Glenn Roberts, Lisbon, New York

"Stephen Melillo's FUNCTION CHORALES will expand the musical foundation of your band program. The Chorales allow students to experience a beautiful world of musical colors through harmonic progressions designed to immediately open ears to tuning, balance, blend, and intonation. Thank you Steve for this outstanding contribution in developing ensemble tone quality, sonority and harmonic awareness." Edward S. Lisk, Author/Clinician/Conductor

"I just completed my first Scaleworks lesson with a group of 6th grade saxophones... They LOVED it! I just said to them, "What would you guys think if I told you that you can learn and play all of your major scales in less than a half hour?" Of course, they were skeptical. Then I said "Let's find out!" and away we went! They quickly came to the realization that if they can play all of their scales, then they can play every note of every piece of music that was ever written, and they were astounded by how easy it is! Yay for Scaleworks! Thanks Steve!" Nate Sanders, PA.

And another small triumph for LOGIC!

"Too often, we are caught in the daily grind of deadlines, tension, and frustration, occasionally interrupted by brief fleeting moments of beauty, energy and order. Stephen Melillo offers a philosophy as well as a "greater meaning" to us all in the form of musical composition as well as fundamental approaches to music in general. A comprehension of these two things has helped me to better understand myself and the greater purpose behind what I have chosen to do with my days. As a result, my days are filled with beauty, energy, and order, occasionally interrupted by brief fleeting moments of deadlines, tension and frustration. Musically, an intensive relationship with Function Chorales (sharpen the ax) in tandem with inspiring literature has helped reduce the level of resistance within my classroom and has shortened the distance between my mind and the minds of my students. Thank you, Stephen." Anonymous

"I knew that it would take some time, but we a finally seeing the results of starting our kids in the "STORMMethod" right from the time they start playing. We see our beginners twice a week for 30 minutes. They can all play a chromatic scale from low concert E to Ab in the middle of the staff, and most of them can write all the notes and fingerings in for their instruments.

Our 7th grades know all 15 major scales by the end of the year, and a 2 octave chromatic scale, and our 8th graders can play all 15 scales two octaves where possible, with the arpeggio and thirds, and start learning their minor scales. The kids work out of the rhythm readers, and play the function chorales. The 8th graders are going to start writing some of their own chorales by the end of the year." Roy Maxwell

"Now the important stuff. My kids think that I've completely lost all common sense. We've been sharpening our ax and (here's a news flash) IT WORKS!!!! I've been energized. My kids, although they think I'm crazy now, also know that they can do this stuff. I set them up pretty good. I told them what they were going to be able to do in a few minutes and most of them said "Yeah, right." Within a few minutes it was with great pleasure that I said, "See, I told you so!" I wish I would have video taped their faces. You could just see the lights go on in not only my brightest students but more importantly those struggling students. I could just see them say to themselves, "He's right. I CAN do this." Feel free to use me as a reference. I'm ready to go do clinics about this method. I'm a true believer. My email address if you would care to post it is - ewesrussell@msn.com. THANKS and Godspeed to you!" Wes Russell, Joliet, Illinois

"Wow! I am a believer in what you are doing! The passion, excitement, uniqueness, musicality - and also fun, practicality and educational worth to be found in your creative work is all quite impressive. A very sincere and hearty thanks from me to you! During the past several months I have been using your Function Chorales in daily rehearsals with my students, and have found them to be a significant and essential tool in my teaching. The students have found them helpful and interesting, especially for understanding balance and intonation issues across the entire ensemble. I really believe that my students are better ensemble musicians as a result of the versatile ways these chorales can be used to help students understand scoring, balance and intonation, as well as practical theory applications, and transferring these specific concepts to the music we are rehearsing. Function Chorales are an incredible innovation and indispensable learning tool for me and my students. Thank you! In addition, we have thoroughly enjoyed performing STORMWORKS! Your writing is distinctive, beautiful and exciting! We look forward to exploring many more of your unique compositions! Sincerely." Steve Olsen, Eden Prairie High School, Minnesota

"I have found the use of your Function Chorales invaluable in advancing the musical independence of my students: listening, blend, balance, intonation, phrasing, style, theory - they cover it all - in all keys! They make the student's think! Bravo, Steve!" Wayne Dorothy, North Dakota State University

"Steve! I just wanted to write and thank you again for all that you've contributed to the music ed world. Between your methods and those of our friend Sir Edward Lisk, this has been a truly remarkable year for my bands! Less than three weeks into my daily rehearsals and the groups are tuning so well that they're getting the overtones to sound! I've been rendering By Love Compelled... with my 9th grade band. The levels of teachable music are astounding. I even took your suggestion about relating the music to the literature the english classes are reading. When I told them this music was "heroic like Atticus Finch" (every 9th grader just finished the book) the sound clicked! So thanks again for everything. And be on the lookout for a PO from Lower Merion HS for Escape From Plato's Cave - I can't wait to turn my advanced wind ensemble onto the same piece that introduced me to the world of stormworks! Sincerely", Aaron Datsko, PA

"Hi Stephen, I just wanted to write and tell what has been happening with my teaching since I watched your DVD. Luckily Ihave a whole group of clarinet pupils who were just at the right point for 'Scaleworks'. I was so inspired by everything on the DVD that straight away on the first lesson I got them writing on the board and doing Sing and Fing and the first time they played D-flat Major it was perfect. This was really motivating for them and for me.

AHA!!! Excellent! And in German!!! Brava! I mean Fantastiche!

They all really enjoyed it! With any other scale system this would have been completely unmotivating but the whole idea of using the stopwatch just transformed the whole exercise. It showed clearly the most efficent way to practice. The kids who just tried to play as fast as possible all the time got a slower time than the Kids who played and practiced slower and more effectively. For the first time I could prove to my pupils that slow practice works!!!! I think that the whole thing can be summed up in the words of a 12 year old boy who is always difficult to teach. At the end of a half hour lesson of basically just doing scales he said 'This is so cool, can we do this next week'!!

AHA! Perfect! With your permission I need to put this on the STORMSite!

I followed it up with a scale competition afternoon and now use the scale sheet every week. I just wanted to say a big thankyou for producing and giving away to other people what you have learnt. I have become a different teacher since Iwatched your DVD.

Now I need to show you ALL of the MANY MANY things that come after this!!! This is just a BEGINNING!

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