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WOODWIND TECHNIQUESMUSIC 28A
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| Purpose of Course | Practice Expectations |
| Grading Criteria | Attendance Policy |
| Written Tests | |
| Notebook | Text |
PURPOSE OF COURSE. To acquaint Music Education majors with the five woodwind instruments, viz., flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, and bassoon. Students will cover woodwind acoustics, fundamentals of playing--embouchure, holding positions, hand positions, fingerings, articulation, pedagogical principals and procedures, and a limited playing knowledge of each instrument.
GRADING CRITERIA. The final grade will be a based on two written exams and a brief playing exam on each woodwind instrument covered in class. Each category, viz., written exams and playing level, will be weighted equally, (50% for each each). In addition, the following characteristics are traits which I believe would enhance the success of any teacher and will be taken into consideration: attitude, enthusiasm, class participation, attendance, and punctuality.
PLAYING REQUIREMENTS. PRACTICE EXPECTATIONS. Students will spend the longest period of time on the clarinet (or first instrument). Each subsequent woodwind will be allotted a lesser period. Most techniques learned on one woodwind will be applicable and will transfer more easily to the others. It is expected that you will play a few minutes each day, several times (ca. 3-5) per week. Daily practice--especially in the beginning weeks of class--will facilitate a lasting familiarity with the workings of the woodwind family. Proper embouchure, holding and hand positions, correct fingerings, fundamentals of attack and release, etc., will be of paramount importance.
TEXT. “A GUIDE TO TEACHING WOODWINDS”--by Frederick Westphal. Required. It is assumed that you will read the text. It is a cornucopia of pertinent information. You will quickly learn where to skim and where to study in detail. Be sure to acquaint yourself with the excellent fingering charts. It also contains a "fairly" comprehensive trill chart for each woodwind. I consider this to be one of the most valuable resources any band director, instrumental music teacher, etc., will have in his/her library. Verb. sap.
ATTENDANCE POLICY. This class is divided into three parts; viz., acquiring playing skills on woodwind instruments, acquiring knowledge which will help students to teach woodwinds through class demonstration, and acquiring general knowledge which will assist students in teaching, playing, and understanding woodwinds. Therefore, attendance in class is paramount. Frequent absences result in slowing the progress of the class. A student can practice individually but cannot make up the experience from an absence from class.
NOTEBOOK(optional). A well-organized notebook could be a valuable resource for you. This might include notes from class, observations from practice, programs from recitals, or advertisements, and materials gathered at seminars, clinics, conventions, workshops, or music stores,. Extra credit will be given to any notebook which is evaluated to be superior or excellent. If you choose to compile a notebook, it will be YOUR responsibility to bring it in for extra credit. In order to be evaluated, this must be turned in before the final exam.