help with choir tetrachords..?

Question

Hi,
I was wondering if you could help me...
I take choir and i have to do music theory.
I have a test coming up that has to be done.I have to finish the packet i'm working on, but I can't understand this.
I'm learning about tetrachords, half steps and whole steps.
I've asked for help at school, but it seems to confuse me more.
Here's what i'm wondering..
1. Is the pattern ALWAYS whole,whole,half,whole,whole,whole, half.
or is it subject to change with the different notes?
2. how do you tell when a note needs a flat?
i know i've probly gotten it all screwed up, but any help would wonderful, or a website that explains it simply and clearly
thxs a ton! : )

Answer 1

1. it is subject to change with different notes

2. it depends on what key signature you are in...

http://www.empire.k12.ca.us/capistrano/Mike/capmusic/Key%20Signatures/key_signatures.htm

Whatever key you are in, whatever flats you have in the key signature,.. that means that those particular notes will need a flat. However, that is not a rule... because in different pieces, flats are sometime double-flatted (2 flats) and sometimes naturalized... same thing with sharps...

Answer 2

1) Scales always w,w,h,w, w,w,h.
2) Key sig. gives flat notes - eg Key "F" uses Bb. Otherwise by relation to next note.s in tune Eg a half step up from G would be Ab. If that sounds right in the tune, then U know the A has to be flat. Does this help at all?