A series of movements and steps arranged together to play to a specific song is called a pattern and can easily be recorded in the form of “Box Symbols”. In fact, the term ‘box symbols’ has become the more common term used for referring to a pattern.
The base format of a box symbol (pattern) is as follows:
Hints
The number in the upper right should indicate how many times the entire box of steps/movements should be played.
Letters/Numbers in the upper left are codes to indicate what part of the song is being notated.
To remind timbrelists when to begin playing, circle the word in the song’s title when it is time to begin playing. Sometimes you should start playing before singing begins, in which case you should write the note value representing how early to begin playing to the left of the title and circle it.
Codes
I: Introduction
C: Chorus
V, V1, V2 etc.: Verse, Verse 1, Verse 2 etc.
B: Bridge
E: Ending
1-8, 9-12: Individual beats of a movement to be played. 1-8 = beats 1-8 of a movement should be played – no need to play beats 9-16.
∞: Play indefinitely
Look!
A real life set of box symbols!
These are a set of box symbols used in our church in Hong Kong. We keep them in plastic pockets so they remain undamaged, can be easily organized and easily changed if needed!