Class Brass
Curriculum guideline
Students will form a brass ensemble, consisting of trumpets, French horns, trombones, euphoniums and tubas. The instructor will demonstrate proper playing techniques on all instruments, and will lecture on theoretical concepts that go beyond the playing abilities of the students.
Through lectures, demonstrations and group practice, students will become familiar with the most common brass instruments: the trumpet, French horn, trombone, euphonium and tuba. Students will be issued brass instruments from the College’s collection, and will be taught basic playing techniques on three of these five instruments. This will include instruction on proper playing position, breathing, embouchure, articulation, fingering / slide positions, tone and intonation. Students will also be expected to understand basic maintenance of brass instruments, and will be expected to clean and lubricate the instruments they have borrowed before returning them.
As it is impossible to become proficient on a number of brass instruments in a single semester, students will be expected to understand theoretical concepts that go beyond their personal playing abilities. Understanding the limitations and possibilities of the instruments will be valuable later on, therefore the written tests will evaluate the student’s understanding of this information.
This class has been designed primarily for those students who wish to pursue a career in instrumental teaching in the elementary or secondary schools. Those interested in composition or simply wanting to expand their knowledge of brass instrument theory and playing techniques will also find this course useful.
The successful student will learn to perform simple melodies on three brass instruments, and will become familiar with fingering, tone production, theoretical concepts, and specific playing techniques of all common brass instruments.
| Playing test #1 (trumpet) | 15% |
| Written midterm | 25% |
| Playing test #2 (horn, trombone, euphonium or tuba) | 15% |
| Playing test #3 (horn, trombone, euphonium or tuba) | 15% |
| Written final | 30% |
| Total | 100% |
*NB. In a performing group, regular attendance is vital to the learning of ensemble skills and the achievement of high performance standards. Absences affect every member of the ensemble; therefore 5% of the final mark will be deducted for each unexcused absence, to a maximum of 30%. Excused absences will include illness and urgent family or personal matters.
All evaluation components must be completed in order to achieve a passing grade.
A list of recommended textbooks and materials is provided on the Instructor’s Course Outline, which is available to students at the beginning of each semester.
Acceptance to University Transfer Music Program or permission of instructor