2015 FMEA IN-SERVICE CLINIC-CONFERENCE A QUALITY START FOR BEGINNING BAND STUDENTS

LESSONS I HAVE LEARNED There are no shortcuts!!! The surest path to success is a relentless focus on FUNDAMENTALS!!! No one has ALL the answers. Surround yourself with people who have had success and learn as much as you can.

BEGIN WITH THE END IN MIND What do you want your beginning students to be able to do at the end of the year? End of middle school? In high school? Beyond…? *Develop a long-term vision and share with students Spend time in high school band rooms. Listen to college/professional groups *Don’t forget what they sound like!

DEFINE “CHARACTERISTIC TONE” Both individual and ensemble Give students examples of each instrument and outstanding ensembles Imitate the BEST!!! Teach students vocabulary to describe what they hear ex. Bright, dark, airy, strong/weak, resonant… This mental image of tone will guide embouchure formation and the use of air

INITIAL TONE PRODUCTION Look out for bad habits. NOW is the time to fix them. Two very common bad habits: 1. Breathing through nose – listen for the sound 2. Incorrect use of the tongue (or no use at all) Seat students in a circle so you can easily get in front of them. Music stands only get in the way at this point. *Listen to each student to ensure correct inhalation and articulation

TONE PRODUCTION/ARTICULATION Teach a relaxed, but full, intake of air. *Use a silent “Hah” syllable *Use bow and arrow imagery Start the sound with simultaneous use of air and tongue. *Release the air with the syllable “Dah” *Combine the two syllables to produce: “Hah-Dah” (In-Out) *Think 90% air, 10% tongue. The tongue does not produce the sound, the air does!

ARTICULATION For repeated articulations, use quarter note / eighth note patterns using “Dah” syllable. *Will happen naturally for most students and will help identify students that need extra attention. All of this should be done on the mouthpiece prior to using the entire instrument.

FINAL THOUGHTS Consistency is key – include these fundamental concepts into your warm-ups and lessons EVERY DAY!!! Set high standards – whatever you accept in the first few weeks of school you will deal with for 3 years! Keep it FUN!