MainStudentLecture
MainStudentLecture
GENERAL
HOW TO TEACH LOW BRASS 5
BREATHING 6
OVERTONES 8
FINGERINGS/SLIDE POSITIONS 9
MOUTHPIECE BUZZING AND WARM-UPS 12
GENERAL MAINTENANCE 14
THE MOUTHPIECE 16
COMPACT DISC
TROMBONE CDS 18
EUPHONIUM CDS 19
TUBA CDS 20
HISTORY
TUBA HISTORY 21
THE EUPHONIUM AND BARITONE 24
ACCESSORIES
MUTES 25
LOW BRASS REFERENCE BOOKS 27
MARCHING BAND
THE SOUSAPHONE 28
METHOD BOOKS
TROMBONE METHOD BOOK EVALUATION SHEET 30
EUPHONIUM METHOD BOOK EVALUATION SHEET 31
TUBA METHOD BOOK EVALUATION SHEET 32
SOLOS
SOLO SELECTION FOR FESTIVALS 33
EUPHONIUM MUSIC RECOMMENDATIONS 34
TUBA MUSIC RECOMMENDATIONS 35
TROMBONE SOLO EVALUATION SHEET 36
EUPHONIUM SOLO EVALUATION SHEET 37
TUBA SOLO EVALUATION SHEET 38
WHITENER NOTES
WHITENER LECTURE NOTES 1 39
WHITENER LECTURE NOTES 2 40
WHITENER LECTURE NOTES 5 41
WHITENER LECTURE NOTES 6 & 7 42
DR. LINDAHL
DR. LINDAHL’S LECTURE 43
DR. LINDAHL’S HANDOUTS 44
EXTRAS
EXTRA NOTES #1 57
EXTRA NOTES #2 58
GRADES
NOTEBOOK GRADE SHEET 59
2
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
7. Playing Exams* - Pass or Fail (you must PASS all brass instruments to pass the class)
*All examination and assignments are due by the date given by the instructor.
CMU provides individuals with disabilities reasonable accommodations to participate in educational programs,
activities or services. Students with disabilities requiring accommodations to participate in class activities or
meet course requirements should contact me as early as possible.
3
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
LECTURES: READING:
L1 How to teach/Breathing pp. 133-147; 152-164; 165-176
L2 Fingerings/Slide Positions; Transpositions; Overtone Series pp. 359-366; 370-371
L3 Breathing (cont.); Mouthpiece Buzzing; Warm-ups
L4 General Maintenance pp. 322-328
L5 Mouthpieces; Special FX; multiple tonguing p. 353
L6 Trombone, Euphonium and Tuba CD’s (homework) pp. 346-347
L7 History of Low Brass; Method Book Review pp. 117-123
L8 Mutes (All Low Brass instruments)
L9 Sousaphones
•INSTRUMENT ROSTER•
NAME TRB EPH TBA
(A) 1 2 3
(B) 2 3 1
(C) 3 1 2
(D) 1 2 3
(E) 2 3 1
(F) 3 1 2
(G) 1 2 3
(H) 2 3 1
(I) 3 1 2
(J) 1 2 3
(K) 2 3 1
(L) 3 1 2
(M) 1 2 3
(N) 2 3 1
(O) 3 1 2
(P) 1 2 3
(Q) 2 3 1
(R) 3 1 2
(S) 1 2 3
(T) 2 3 1
(U) 3 1 2
4
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
Beginner O
• TUBA (PLACEMENT; POSITION; RANGE; ETC.)
O
Intermediate
Intermediate
O
• TROMBONE (PLACEMENT; POSITION; RANGE; ETC.)
Beginner
Intermediate
O
5
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
BREATHING
• MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT OF BRASS PLAYING:
• INTERNAL QUANTITY
• QUICK BREATH
• PRESSURE
• POSTURE
6
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
BREATHING (CONT)
= thin sound
= Sound
= BIG SOUND
AIR s o u n d S
O
=long phrases
= length of time U
N
D
= short phrases
Extra Notes:
7
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
OVERTONES
OVERTONE SERIES
1 2 3 4 5 6 (7*) 8
Fundamental P8 P5 P4 M3 m3 (m3*) M2
* 7th partial
is too flat -
do not use
Partials = overtones
TROMBONE
1 2 3 4 5 6 (7) 8
EUPHONIUM
1 2 3 4 5 6 (7) 8
TUBA
1 2 3 4 5 6 (7) 8
8
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
FINGERINGS/SLIDE POSITION
• DETERMINING FINGERINGS AND SLIDE POSITIONS
TROMBONE
TROMBONE
EUPHONIUM
EUPHONIUM
TUBA
TUBA
9
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
Individual Valves: 1. 2. 3. 4.
2&3
• 4TH VALVE
Trombone Position:
• TROMBONE SLIDE
10
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
11
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
• COMPENSATING EUPHONIUMS
Extra Notes:
12
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
•SMILE EMBOUCHURE
• PUCKER EMBOUCHURE
• PLACEMENT
•DOUBLE BUZZ
• MOUTHPIECE BUZZING
13
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
•VISUALIZER:
Horn-Trumpet Trombone-Euphonium
Tuba Visualizer
Extra Notes:
14
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
• SUPPLIES
• VALVE OIL
• MISTING BOTTLE
• SLIDE GREASE
• SLIDE CREAM
Snake
• SNAKE
• MOUTHPIECE TRUER
Mouthpiece Truer
15
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
• MOUTHPIECE PULLER
• MOUTHPIECE BRUSH
Mouthpiece Brush
16
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
THE MOUTHPIECE
BASIC OUTLINE
1.
2.
3.
4. 5.
1. RIM
2. CUP
3. THROAT
4. BACKBORE
5. SHANK
17
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
MOUTHPIECES (CONT.)
• MOUTHPIECE MANUFACTURERS
• ALLOYS
18
TROMBONE CDS Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
19
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
20
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
21
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
22
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
23
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
24
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
TUBA HISTORY
• HISTORY OF TUBA
• SOLO
• VALVES
•KEYS OF TUBAS
• Bands
•BBb (Contrabass Tuba)
• Eb (Bass Tuba)
25
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
26
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
• ORCHESTRA
• CC (Contrabass Tuba)
• F (Bass Tuba)
• MANUFACTURERS
• B & S (VMI) • Mirafone
• Besson • Perantucci
• Cerveny • Rudolph-Meinl
• Hirsbrunner • Sanders
• Kalison • Willson
• Meinl-Weston • St. Petersburg
•PURCHASING A TUBA
27
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
28
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
•WALL HANGER
•TUBA STANDS
Extra Notes:
29
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
30
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
DOUBLE BELL
EUPHONIUM
•MANUFACTURERS
• Besson • Perantucci
• Cerveny • Sterling
• Hirsbrunner • Willson
• Mirafone • Yamaha
• CASES
• STANDS
31
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
32
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
MUTES
• TWO BASIC TYPES
• MOST COMMON
TYPE CHARACTERISTICS
Straight
Cup Mute
Harmon
Harmon Mute
Practice
Practice Mute
Plunger
Plunger Mute
33
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
MUTES (CONT.)
• TROMBONE
• EUPHONIUM
• TUBA
• CORK
Yamaha Silent
Brass
34
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
35
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
THE SOUSAPHONE
BELL
• ORIGINAL SOUSAPHONES
• CHARACTERISTICS
MOUTHPIECE
Con: Con:
BODY
•ASSEMBLY
• DISASSEMBLE
36
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
•ACCESSORIES
•SOUSAPHONE STAND
Sousaphone Stand
•SHOULDER PAD
Sousaphone
Shoulder Pad
Yamaha
Sousaphone
Protector Pads
37
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
ARRANGER(S)/TRANSCRIBER(S)
CRITERIA EL JR HS AD Y N DESCRIPTION
1. Range
2. Technical difficulty
4. Scale-wise passages
5. Arrpegiated passages
6. Variety of meters
7. Variety of tonalities
8. Accompaniment
9. Overall appearance
Comments:
38
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
39
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
ARRANGER(S)/TRANSCRIBER(S)
CRITERIA EL JR HS AD Y N DESCRIPTION
1. Range
2. Technical difficulty
4. Scale-wise passages
5. Arrpegiated passages
6. Variety of meters
7. Variety of tonalities
8. Accompaniment
9. Overall appearance
Comments:
40
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
41
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
ARRANGER(S)/TRANSCRIBER(S)
CRITERIA EL JR HS AD Y N DESCRIPTION
1. Range
2. Technical difficulty
4. Scale-wise passages
5. Arrpegiated passages
6. Variety of meters
7. Variety of tonalities
8. Accompaniment
9. Overall appearance
Comments:
42
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
43
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
44
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
INTERMEDIATE LEVEL
STUDIES
√ Arbans - Famous Method SOLO WITH PIANO
√ Blazhevich - 30 Legato Studies √ Barat - Andante & Allegro
• Blume - 36 Studies, Vol. 1 • Blazhevich - Concert Piece No. 5
√ Fink - From Treble to Bass Clef √ Capuzzi - Andante & Rondo
• Fink - Introduction to the Tenor Clef • Corelli - Prelude & Minuet
√ Kopprasch - 60 Selected Studies • Ewald - Romance
• Marsteller - Basic Routines √ Galliard (Brown) - 6 Sonatas, 2 Vols.
√ Rochut - Melodious Etude, Vol. 1 • Handel - Andante & Allegro
• Uber - 1st Etudes in Tenor Clef • Handel-Ostrander - Honor and Arms
• Handel - Sound an Alarm
√ Marcello-Merriman - Adagio & Allegro
√ Marcello-Merriman - Largo & Allegro
• Mozart-Voxman - Concert Aria
• Purcell-Maganini - Suite in F Major
• Pryor - Annie Lauri
• Pryor - Blue Bells of Scotland
• Rossini - Largo al Factorum
√ Senaille-Catelinet - Introduction and Allegro Spiritoso
√ Telemann-Ostrander - Sonata
√=Favorites • Vivaldi-Ostrander - Sonata in A minor
• Trombone music included
• Voxman - Concert and Contest...
45
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
46
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
BEGINNING LEVEL
COMPLETE METHODS SOLO WITH PIANO
√ Arbans - Famous Method for Slide... √ Adams - The Holy City
• Beeler - Method, 2 Vols. √ Bach - Air and Bourreé
• Bell - Complete Method √ Bach - Gavotte
√ Gieb - Method • Bell - Gavotte
√ Bell - Russian Medley
ELEMENTARY METHODS √ Bizet - Toreador's Song
√ Arbans - Method, 1st & 2nd year √ Buchtel - Ajax
• Bell - Foundation to Tuba. P.. • Buchtel - Attila
√Grunow - Jump Right In √ DeLamater - Rocked in the Cradle of the Deep
• Hovey - Rubank Elementary Method √ Grieg - In the Hall of the Mountain King
√ Kuhn/Cimera - Method √ Handel - Honor & Arms from...
√ Little/Ployhar - Practical Hints on... • Isaac - In the Garden
• Pearson - Best in Class √ Isaac - The Jolly Dutchman
√ Ployhar - I Recommend √ Jacobs - Tuba Suite
• Kreisler - Rondo
• Petrie/Teague - Asleep in the Deep
√ Schumann - The Jolly Farmer
√ Wekselblatt - 1st Solos for the Tuba...
INTERMEDIATE LEVEL
√=Favorites
*Tubas may also choose from euphonium literature.
47
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
48
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
TITLE: COMPOSER(S):
ARRANGER(S)/TRANSCRIBER(S)
CRITERIA EL JR HS AD Y N DESCRIPTION
1. Range
2. Technical difficulty
4. Scale-wise passages
5. Arrpegiated passages
6. Variety of meters
7. Variety of tonalities
8. Accompaniment
9. Overall appearance
Comments:
49
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
50
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
TITLE: COMPOSER(S):
ARRANGER(S)/TRANSCRIBER(S)
CRITERIA EL JR HS AD Y N DESCRIPTION
1. Range
2. Technical difficulty
4. Scale-wise passages
5. Arrpegiated passages
6. Variety of meters
7. Variety of tonalities
8. Accompaniment
9. Overall appearance
Comments:
51
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
52
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
TITLE: COMPOSER(S):
ARRANGER(S)/TRANSCRIBER(S)
CRITERIA EL JR HS AD Y N DESCRIPTION
1. Range
2. Technical difficulty
4. Scale-wise passages
5. Arrpegiated passages
6. Variety of meters
7. Variety of tonalities
8. Accompaniment
9. Overall appearance
Comments:
53
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
54
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
WHITENER NOTES
LECTURE 1: HOW TO TEACH/BREATHING
(PAGES 133-147; 152-164; 165-176)
55
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
WHITENER NOTES
LECTURE 2: FINGERINGS/SLIDE POSITIONS; TRANSPOSITIONS; OVERTONE
SERIES (PAGES: 359-366; 370-371)
56
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
WHITENER NOTES
LECTURE 5: MOUTHPIECES; SPECIAL FX; MULTIPLE TONGUING (P. 353)
57
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
WHITENER NOTES
LECTURES 6 & 7: TROMBONE , EUPHONIUM AND CD’S (PP. 346-347)
1) Compare the list that is in Whitener with the MRC collection. Write the ONLY the CD title
and performer of those that are found in both locations.
2) Listen to at least two (2) of each instrument’s CDs (total of at least six [6] CDs). Mark an
asterisk (*) next to the CDs that you listened to.
58
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
59
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
IMPORTANT IDIOMATIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE TROMBONE, HOW TO TEACH THEM, AND HOW TO AVOID TEACHING BAD HABITS.
1. Slide Technique – the best slide technique is needed when playing slowly and smoothly, the trombonist must move the slide at
the last possible instant and get to the next position as quickly as possible. In order to do this well the best posture is required,
and the grip of the slide is very important. Grip the slide between the thumb and index finger of the right hand, put the
middle finger of the right hand next to the index finger on the sleeve of the slide. The index finger will be right in the corner
of the brace and the sleeve. The palm of the right hand should be facing the floor. This will insure that there is not too much
bounce in the wrist, and keep the muscles of the forearm from twisting. This grip helps the player get to 6th and 7th position
with greater ease, prevents bounce from affecting tone, and gives an overall better consistent slide technique.
2. Breathing – Trombone players must develop great breathing habits. Because of the slide it is very common for young
trombonists to learn to use the breath in articulating rhythms. In this way they cover up the gap while the slide is moving,
however, they develop a terrible breath pulse habit which takes more time to correct the older they get. Teachers need to be
patient with the young student and allow them to sound ‘a little sloppier’ than other students when playing legato passages in
order to insure that their air is continuous and the tongue is doing the articulating.
3. Lip Slurs – It is critical that trombonists are taught to utilize lip slurs in every day warm-ups and practicing. Lip Slurs help
develop both the embouchure muscles and the correct air stream.
4. Slide Protection – There is nothing more important than taking care of the slide, both inside and outside. Students should be
warned often about making sure that they don’t bump the outer slide on hard surfaces. The only time the outer slide should
come completely off the inner sleeve should be when the slide is being cleaned. The slide needs to be cleaned with a snake or
a cleaning rod once a month in warm soapy water. The best slide solutions are Trombotine brand cream, Slide O Mix (for
older students), or slide oil (for beginners). Without a good slide one cannot develop good technique.
5. Tonguing – The tongue should use the minimum amount of movement possible. The back of the tongue needs to remain
basically motionless – almost like being anchored in the back of the oral cavity. The front flap of the tongue should utilize an
up and down motion and remain at the bottom of the mouth most of the time. When using the tongue the tip of the tongue
should touch the back of the upper teeth. When playing in the high register the tongue may be more comfortable higher than
the teeth on the gums, and when playing in the extreme low register the tongue may even come between the teeth, or at least
be at the bottom of the top teeth (low F below the staff and notes below). While tonguing the air should never stop so the
player must make sure that the tongue is being used to start the note and not to stop the note. Almost never is a player
required to stop a note with the tongue.
6. Scale Patterns – are very important to the trombonist. Because trombones don’t have buttons or keys we rely upon more
abstract patterns developed best through consistent habits. The elbow is the key ingredient to slide technique as it moves the
most. The shoulder, the sternum joint and to some extent the wrist also must be relaxed and flexible. It takes longer for a
trombonist to master a scale pattern than a musician with fingering patterns.
7. Chewing – is one of the biggest problems with brass players. When we are young we grow up learning to speak and when we
speak we always move our jaw. When we play brass instruments we shouldn’t move our jaw at ALL in an up and down
pattern. In general the jaw will lower the lower we play and come up the higher we play, however, great care should be taken
to keep the jaw from moving like it does when we say Ta Ta Ta. Try saying Ta Ta Ta without moving your jaw with your
tongue touching behind the upper teeth and you will have the basic brass attack. Since it is so hard to tongue without moving
the jaw we must practice this, and constantly remind our students to watch this. Great air support will greatly enhance this
process.
8. Slide Positions – Since trombones are C instruments (see a C, play a C, hear a C) that are built with a Bb fundamental in 1st
position, the overall tube needs to be about 12 ft. in length to achieve the Bb fundamental. When moving the slide to 2nd
position the tube needs to be lengthened by a percentage of the entire tube. Then while in 2nd position sounding an A
fundamental the tube is about 6 inches longer. To change the pitch down 1/2 step to 3rd position the tube needs to be
lengthened by the same percentage. Hence the distance between 2nd and 3rd position will be slightly (very slightly) wider than
the distance from 1st to 2nd. This principle holds true all the way out to 7th position so the distance between 6th and 7th position
is noticeably longer than from 1st to 2nd. This is why many students have a habit of playing sharp when playing in 4th position
or beyond. Also, due to this principle, the F Attachment trombones are affected.
60
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
9. The F Attachment - When the F attachment is deployed the tube is lengthened the same length as if the player were in 6th
position. So, with the F-attachment the same notes can be found in 1st position as can be found in 6th position without the F-
attachment. Because the tube is much longer there are only 6 positions with the F-attachment. 2nd position with the F-
attachment (used for B natural and low E) is a little lower than normal 2nd position. F-attach. 3rd (Bb and Eb) is about halfway
between normal 3rd and 4th. F-attachment 4th (D and G) is closer to normal 5th than normal 4th. F-attach. 5th (Gb and Db) is the
same as normal 6th position, and F-attach. 6th (C and G) is as far as the trombonist can go.
10. Different sized Bore affect positions – When increasing the bore size from small bore beginner horns (.500 bore) to
intermediate (.525 bore) or large bore tenor (.547 bore) the tube must be shortened slightly to allow for the larger bore and still
sound a fundamental Bb. Therefore, depending on the design of the particular trombone the bells are of different length. To
check this, hold small and large bore horns next to each other with the bottom of the slides aligned. You will see that in most
cases the larger bore horn bell doesn’t come down quite as far. Therefore, 3rd position on the small bore horn will be visually
farther from the bell than on the larger bore horn, and 4th position on the small bore will be closer to the bell on the other side
than on the larger bore horn. The teacher needs to tell the student when they buy a new horn to check each position with a
tuner so they don’t automatically play sharp 3rd and 4th position notes.
11. Bass Trombones – Bass Trombones are usually .562 bore, and come with 2 attachments, usually F attachment and D
attachment. If both attachments are depressed the resultant note fundamental would be D. Some Bass Trombones come with
double in-line triggers which means that each attachment can be operated individually. Normally, when a F/D attachment
bass trombone is used there are 6 positions with the F attachment as described above, and 4 positions with both triggers
deployed. The 4 bass trombone double trigger positions would be D in first, Db in second (normal 3rd), C in third (normal 5th
or thereabouts), and Cb in fourth (normal 7th or thereabouts). The player must utilize a tuner when discovering where all of
these positions sound the true pitch.
12. Overtone Series – On most trombones the following intonation problems arise. The 3rd partial (middle F) is almost always a
little sharp. The 6th partial (high F) is always sharp so the student must be trained to lower the slide slightly when playing any
note in that partial in each position, the 7th partial is so flat that it is unusable in 1st position (very flat high Ab in 1st is unusable,
high G in second needs to be raised to be in tune, high F# in 3rd needs to be raised, F in 4th, etc.) Other intonation problems
could happen depending upon the make and model of the trombone so it is best to use a tuner a lot after buying a new
trombone.
61
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
Problem Possible cause Solution
•Flexibility descending Air usage -The lower we play the more air we need, be careful
to allow lots of air for lower notes, practice
scales and arpeggios crescendoing while
descending and de-crescendoing while
ascending
• Endurance Posture -Use large back muscles; hold horn fairly upright;
don't squeeze horn in left hand
“GOOD HABITS”
SOUND is the most important aspect of any instrument. Without sound you have nothing. Therefore, a GOOD sound is our
primary goal. To get a good sound we must practice good breathing habits. If you have poor breathing habits you must
replace them with good habits. Good habits take much repetition over a course of time to develop. The biggest problem with
one day clinics is that students learn how to do good habits, but they do not go home and develop them. It is safe to say that
ALL students who practice correctly on a daily basis will develop a better sound.
As you can see, so much of what we do depends on good habits that it is essential that we develop good habits. You
must convince yourself that the best procedure in developing good habits includes: a) replace bad habits with good
ones, b) work on good habits every single day, c) never allow yourself to utilize a bad habit knowingly just to get by.
When you get nervous performing your most normal habits will surface and greatly affect your playing. Wouldn’t it
be nice if you had good habits? Good habits do not just happen because you understand them. They happen
because you constantly reinforce them when you are practicing or rehearsing. Most of the items that we have talked
about cover the physical aspect of performing. Just like in athletics, to develop control and technique we must
practice on a very consistent basis for best results. Only after you have developed good physical habits will you be
able to truly enjoy developing your musicianship skills.
62
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
ALTERNATE POSITIONS
Alternate positions sometimes aren’t alternate. There are many phrases that are much easier to play if we know our trombone
well.
• Keys of Bb and Eb major - use fourth position for d above the staff (lower it a little)
• Key of B major - use fifth position for top of staff A#, and third position for high A#
• Keys of Db and Ab major - if you have a trigger use t-3 for low Bb
• Key of Db - use sixth position for middle F, sharp fourth for high f, third for high Bb
• Key of Gb - use sixth position for middle F, fifth for tuning Bb, sharp fourth for high f
•In general use alternate positions when it will fit one of the following:
a) make note to note transition smoother
b) make slide technique easier
c) enable you to change directions less often
Practice all of your scales throughout the entire range of your instrument!! Be able to play any of them from any starting note.
Take great care to play them in tune and use practical alternate positions
• LEFT BRAIN
1) The efficiency of the breath
2) The efficiency of the embouchure
3) The efficiency of the tongue
4) The efficiency of the slide arm
5) The efficiency of reading music
• RIGHT BRAIN
Creative Musical Performance
In our ongoing struggle to become better musicians we often forget about some of the bare essentials. These fundamentals
such as breathing, embouchure, tonguing, fingering, and reading music are often ignored in our practice sessions, especially
when we get close to a performance.
I would like you to think of working on these things especially hard right up until the day of the performance, for it is these
things that are going to give you the ability to play music from the heart.
63
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
If you want your solo for festival to be as musical as possible, you must work on fundamentals constantly to develop good
habits and create the thoughtless physical skill required to perform freely.
One of the best techniques that I know of for developing good embouchure control, the proper embouchure for every player,
good tone quality, and better intonation is mouthpiece buzzing. I buzz my solos, exercises, etudes on a regular basis. I also
buzz often in the car when I am driving long distances as a substitute for practice.
To buzz correctly, first find a pitch in the middle of your range and buzz it with lots of air and think about how consistent and
nice you can make the note. Then begin to buzz a little siren pattern up and down slowly. Do you feel comfortable? It helps
to cover the end of the mouthpiece a little with your pinky. If you don’t feel comfortable try changing the amount of lip that is
inside the mouthpiece, i.e. try a little less lower lip or upper lip. You may find that it requires a little more air. Do not assume
that your embouchure has to change, merely think about how comfortable you are, how good you sound, and do you have
flexibility?
Now try buzzing the mouthpiece exercises on the next page. If you are lucky enough to own a tuner, use it for the entire
exercise. Check all your notes. Remember to keep a great supply of air and let it freely flow through the mouthpiece. When
you are comfortable doing this, go ahead and buzz scales, etudes, and solos. Alternate between buzzing and playing.
I have found that, because of the uniqueness of the slide, young trombonists do not master a legato technique until much later
than other instrumentalists. With no valves or keys to move, trombonists are prone to playing shorter notes, pulsing their air,
or stopping notes with their tongue. Because of these methods of covering their flaws, they tend to develop very sloppy slide
technique and poor usage of air. If you have students with any of the above problems, try the following exercises.
First, have the student play quarter note scales (q.n. = 60) without tonguing any tone but the first. When they are coming in
and raising the pitch, or going out and lowering the pitch there will be a natural glissando. To achieve better slide technique
tell them to wait as long as possible before they move the slide and then move it to exactly the right place as quickly as
possible. At first, they may fight the tempo, get a jerky sound effect, pulse with air, or all three. Keeping a very steady air
flow throughout the phrase will cure all of these. Rising intervals played by moving the slide out, and falling intervals played
by moving the slide in, should both sound like natural legato tonguing. When the student has mastered this technique, have
them apply the same to any etude they are working on. The Bordogni/Rochut etudes work beautifully for this. When they
can perform a phrase of an etude flawlessly with no tongue, then they can add just a little tongue when necessary to cover up
the natural glissandi. Some students like to use a little legato (doo) tongue on every note in a slurred phrase, and others can
achieve a consistent attack by matching the natural slurs with the tongued attacks.
By working on phrases with no tongue the student should achieve a better, more natural fundamental air support. At the
same time they will be improving their slide technique, flexibility, legato style, and probably tone.
CUP
The shape of the cup can affect performance. A funnel shaped cup will produce a darker tone but will not project as
well as a cup shaped cup. A cup shape will improve attacks. brighten tone, but can cause tone splitting. Most
mouthpieces today are cup shaped but the Remington model mouthpieces (funnel) work great.
In Bach terms an A designation would mean a deeper cup and a C would be a shallow cup. Generally you
should stay away from C unless you want a bright sound or you are using a different mouthpiece for jazz. I
recommend against the usage of a 12C, a 7C works better for beginners, and a 6 & 1/2 A or AL sometimes
works for beginners.
In Schilke/Yamaha terms an A designation would mean a shallower cup. This is why a Schilke 51D and a
Bach 6 1/2 A are similar in size.
• Pro-Deep cup will darken tone, improve low register, increase volume.
• Con-Deep cup can cause flatness in high range and decrease accuracy.
• Pro -Shallow cup brightens tone, increases accuracy in pitch, easier high register
• Con-Shallow cup will decrease low register tone quality.
64
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
RIM
• Pro-a wide rim promotes endurance, high range, accommodates thick lips.
• Con-a wide rim will decrease flexibility and control.
• Pro-a narrow rim improves flexibility and control.
• Con-a narrow rim sacrifices endurance and strength
BITE
• Pro-a round bite increases flexibility, comfort, legato playing.
• Con-a round bite reduces brilliancy and accuracy.
• Pro-a sharp bite produces a brighter sound and increases accuracy.
• Con-a sharp bite may decrease flexibility
BORE
• Pro-a wide bore will provide greater volume, richer sound, reduce resistance
• Con-a wide bore will make upper register more difficult
• Pro-a narrow bore requires less air and strength
• Con-a narrow bore creates intonation problems and can choke high register
General Mouthpiece Practice - I do not mess too much with rim, or bore with my high school and junior high students. They
all play one of the following: 6 1/2 AL, 51D, or 5Gs. Some students take to the Bach mouthpieces better, they seem to have
more accuracy and students with good flexibility to begin with are successful with the Bach. Students who do not have very
good initial flexibility (ability to play wide intervals quickly as lip slurs or legato) may have better luck with the Schilke or
Yamaha product as they seem to have a little rounder bite. High School Bass Trombonists should use a Bach 3G or a
Yamaha/Schilke 58; or go as big as a 1.5G.
• UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
All college students should be playing on the following or the equivalent:
• TENOR TROMBONISTS
Bach 5G or 5Gs
Schilke or Yamaha 51 or 51D
• BASS TROMBONISTS
Bach 1.5 G, 1G
Schilke or Yamaha 58, 59, maybe 60
TENOR TROMBONE
BASS TROMBONE
65
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
LITERATURE RECOMMENDATIONS
There are many fine etude books available for use by trombonists of all ages. The following recommendations are
possible courses of study for trombonists assuming that the trombonist is not taking regular private lessons. A
trombonist studying privately may work more quickly through this material, or supplement the material with a
wider variety of books.
66
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
RECOMMENDED SOLO LITERATURE FOR ALL LEVELS
Even to a greater extent than with etude literature there is a wide variety of solo material available to young trombonists. Due
to the large quantity of available materials this study has been limited to recent publications, acknowledged standards of the
repertoire, and favorites of the reviewer.
67
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
AVAILABLE BORDOGNI AND CONCONE MELODIC ETUDE BOOKS
Since trombonists have long used the Bordogni Studies for development, utilizing mainly the Rochut edition. In recent years
there have been new publications of the same Bordogni material, as well as the publication of some new etudes and duets that
are not in the Rochut edition. Here is a partial list of available publications.
Of the above 3 publications one may wish to start by purchasing Bordogni/Rochut Melodious Etudes Book I and Volume One
of The Bordogni Vocalises transcribed by David Schwartz. The player can also purchase piano accompaniments that coincide
with the Rochut book; They are published and arranged by Mark Tezak and come in six volumes. There are between 12 and
36 etudes in each edition. The player should start with Volume One because it coincides with the first 24 etudes in the Rochut
edition.
Warm up with a CD accompaniment that helps intonation, sense of time, patience, discipline, and control. There is a
relatively new warm-up method published by Hip-Bone music that includes a CD accompaniment, both with and with-out
trombone solo track. There is a complete warm-up that includes long tones, tonguing, flexibility, scales, and warm-down.
The complete exercises take about 15 minutes.
Davis, Michael. The Hip-Bone Music 15 Minute Warm-up Routine. NY: Hip-Bone Music, 1997.
Highly Recommended for All Players!!! I use this several times a week as my warm-up, several of my
college students use it as do some of my high school students. This builds really good fundamentals.
CLEF STUDIES
By the time they are a junior or senior in high school the player should learn how to read tenor and alto clef (C clefs). There
are several good books including:
The player should also try playing Bordogni etudes in tenor clef. Just change the clef, and change the key (up a fifth, take
away a flat or add a sharp). This is a great range builder, the player must be careful not to do too much at one time.
68
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
For low range the player should play all of his/her etudes and solos down an octave, and/or buy a book like Selected Studies
for Trombone with F attachment by Kopprasch. This book will help them learn how to use their trigger and make them more
comfortable in the low range.
JAZZ BOOKS
Gale, Jack. 24 Jazz Etudes for trombone.
Musicians Pub. These are fun and this has a CD with rhythm section play along!
Nightingale, Mark. Eazy Jazzy ‘Tudes (bass clef).
Warwick, England: Warwick Music, 2000. Nightingale is a tremendous jazz player who has written many
great books for trombone
Rae, James. Progressive Jazz Studies.
For trombone, easy level. England: Faber ff Music, 1995. Start with this book!
Rizzo, Jacques. Reading Jazz.
New method for learning to read written jazz music. With CD demo and accompaniment
Snidero, Jim. Jazz Conception, 21 Solo Etudes.
Includes CD. Tubingen, Germany: Advance Music, 1996.
Winkler, Klaus. 60 Jazz Etudes for melody instrument (bass clef).
Germany: Mark Tezak Verlag, 1991
DUETS!
Contrapunctal Duets. By Richard W. Bowles
Published by Editions Musicales Europeennes, Paris, 2000. There are 7 volumes.
Very good duets based on the Bordogni studies; one line is the actual Bordogni and the second line is
contrapuntal accompaniment. These are really fun!
15 Top Jazz Duets for Trombone. (available for all instruments).
Milwaukee: Hal Leonard, 1995. Recommended Repertoire for Trombone
COLLECTIONS
69
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
CLASS 1 SOLOS
• DIFFICULTY GRADES 4-6, ADVANCED HS STUDENTS- UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
•D = Difficult (Univ. level) unless the student is taking lessons and really advanced, stay away from these
* = Winners, these are standards
CLASS 2 SOLOS
• DIFFICULTY GRADES 2-3, STUDENTS IN GRADES 8-12
70
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
CLASS 3 SOLOS
71
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
BRASS QUINTET LITERATURE
INDIVIDUAL SELECTIONS
• Bach, J.S. Chorale and Fughetta. Arr. Richard Fote. Kendor Music, 1963.
• Bach, J.S. Fugue in G Minor. Arr. Charles Decker. Kendor Music, 1976.
• Bach, J.S. March, Chorale, and Fugue.
(4 parts, you can double Trumpet or Horn). Robert King, 1958. It never hurts to have some quartets in your
collection in case you have to play a long gig. You can take turns playing to spell each other.
• Bach, J.S. Two Chorales. Arr. Uber. New York: Edition Musicus, 1959.
Chorales are a must for any chamber ensemble. Through these we learn about balance, style matching,
articulation, and intonation.
• Brahms, Johannes. Four German Folksongs. Ed. Gary Olson. Denver: Canzona Publications, 1978.
• Ewald, Victor. Symphony for Five Part Brass Choir. Robert King Music, 1957.
This one hundred year old work is one of the gems of all time for quintet. Requires good range and
endurance for all parts.
• Gabrieli, Giovanni. Canzona Prima a 5. New York Brass Quintet Series. NY: Sam Fox Pub., 1961.
Every good brass ensemble should play Gabrieli!! This piece can be done with 2 trumpets and 3 bones, or
with the standard instrumentation; and can also be done with organ.
• Holborne, Anthony. Two Pieces. Ed. Robert King. Robert King Music Co. (1599)
• Passereau. Two Sixteenth Century Chansons. arr. Marsha Ward. Kendor, 1977.
• Pezel, Johann. Sonata No. 2. (Leipzig, 1670) Robert King Music Co. 1957.
• Susato, Tylman. Renaissance Dances. arr. John Iveson. Chester Music, Just Brass Series (Philip Jones)
Anything from this series will work.
Notice that everything on this list is from the Renaissance (c. 1450-1600) or Baroque (c. 1600-1750) except for the Brahms and
Ewald? This ‘old’ material works extremely well and is fun! There are many available pieces in the 20th century style, many
transcriptions of pop tunes, and many transcriptions of the classics.
Begin every practice session with chorales. Work on non-verbal communication within the group. After a few rehearsals you
will have no trouble beginning pieces without verbalizing. You will also start finding a blend for your group. All parts are
usually meant to be equal! You must take into consideration that lower notes may not carry as far. Bring out the moving
parts. Subdivide, Subdivide, Subdivide!!! Tune up key chords. Pick a section of the piece to work on during the next
rehearsal - that way every one in the group can be responsible enough to practice that section beforehand. Quintet rehearsals
are not for learning notes, they are for ensemble balance!! Go prepared.
72
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
EXTRA NOTES 1
73
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
EXTRA NOTES 2
74
Class Notes for Brass Techniques – Mus 146
√ POINTS LECTURES
How to Teach Low Brass
Breathing
Overtones
Fingerings/Slide positions
Mouthpiece Buzzing and Warm-ups
General Maintenance
The Mouthpiece
Trombone CDs
Euphonium CDs
Tuba CDs
√ NA Tuba History
√ NA The Euphonium and Baritone
Mutes
Low Brass Reference Books
The Sousaphone
√ NA Solo Selection for Festivals
√ NA Whitener Lecture 1
√ NA Whitener Lecture 2
√ NA Whitener Lecture 5
√ NA Misc. 1
√ NA Misc. 2
Dr. Lindahl Lecture
COMMENTS:
75