Instrumental Methods

ME 345 : 01

 

Professor:                       Dr. Gail B. Levinsky

Office:                           109, Heilman Hall

Class Meeting:                Monday, Wednesday, Friday  1:45 - 2:50 P.M.

Location;                       Heilman Rehearsal Hall

Texts:   

  The Teaching of Instrumental Music, Second Edition by Richard J. Colwell & Thomas Goolsby.

  Band Rehearsal Techniques: A Handbook for New Directors by Max F. Dalby

 

Course Goals:

This course is designed to help prepare students to teach instrumental music in the public schools. Each student will be able to discuss and/or demonstrate appropriate teaching techniques, strategies and materials (including representative wind repertoire), and develop an understanding of the administrative responsibilities needed to initiate and maintain a successful instrumental music program.

 

Objectives:

  1. Understand the relationship between philosophy, objectives, evaluation, and motivation.
  2. Develop curriculum, goals, objectives and schedules for instrumental music program.
  3. Develop procedures for recruiting beginning students.
  4. Prescribe appropriate content for a music learning sequence for all levels and types of learners within the guidelines corresponding to the National Standards for the arts.
  5. Diagnose and correct common performance errors including intonation.
  6. Organize and manage an instrumental program.
  7. Prepare scores and plan musical performances.
  8. Rehearse, motivate and manage small and large groups
  9. Demonstrate knowledge of measurement and evaluation of instrumental music
  10. Understand required proficiency for INTASC evaluation (if required)
  11. Understand the planning and administration of marching band ensemble
  12. Understand the planning and administration of jazz ensemble
  13. Experience jazz improvisation using the Willie Thomas Jazz Anyone? Program which features a compact disc and play along book
  14. Understand the planning and administration on concert groups
  15. Develop a base knowledge of wind band history and repertoire.

 

Attendance and Participation:

In short, registration for this course suggests your desire to prepare yourself to teach at the elementary and secondary levels. Participation in class discussion and demonstrations is a vital part of this class. Regular attendance is assumed and expected. Each absence past the second will result in the final grade being lowered by one-third.

 

The class meetings will follow the University Calendar.

 

There will be several classes that I will be out of town. These classes will meet and will be taught by guest instructors. I will inform you as soon as possible.

 

 


INSTRUMENTAL METHODS, page 2

 

Grading:

Grades will be determined by the following activities-

Four listening exams - 100 points-(25 points each)

Band Program Handbook - 100 points

Class Notebook / Resource File - 100 points

Independent Project - 75 points

                        Four classroom observations- 100 points, (25 points each)

                        Class Participation/Small Presentations - 50 points

Other--outlines, smaller class assignments and activities  -  100 points

 

 

Description of Activities:

Listening Exams - In order to familiarize each student with the standard wind repertoire, a listening list will be provided. The examinations will cover aural identification, score recognition, and basic knowledge of composers and the band medium.

            Exam I -   February 15

            Exam II -  March 15

            Exam III - April 19

            Exam IV- May 10 (final examination…I will double check on this)

 

Band Program Handbook - The foundation to any instrumental program is to have a program handbook. Your assignment is to create such a document that informs students, parents, and interested parties about your rules, courses, and overall providing information about your program. Should include the following information:  If you would like some guidance go to:

http://www.google.com/search?q=band+handbook

 

DO NOT COPY…USE AS A RESOURES!!!!!!

 

Band Program Handbook due date -  Friday, April 12, 2002

 

Class Notebook - This is a notebook or resource file consisting of typed class notes, assignments, as well as materials collected in class, at conferences, or through your own investigation of instrumental music. The file should be categorized and indexed (including a Table of Contents, with page numbers) and the articles must be accompanied by a brief content summery. As this notebook will serve as a future resource, neatness and thoroughness are VERY important.  Each student is advised to compile his or her notebook over the course of the entire semester rather than waiting until the end.

 

Class notebook due date - last day of class

 

Independent Project - You will select a topic from the provided list and prepare a brief presentation (10 minutes minimum). Each presentation should include a class handout of resources concerning you topic. Your presentation may exceed 10 minutes by permission of this instructor.

 

Independent Project presentations will begin on Monday, April 22 and continue until completed.

 

Special Activities:

We will have several Monday night dinners/discussions with invited


 

INSTRUMENTAL METHODS, page 3

 

 

 

Rehearsal Observation summaries -  Four rehearsal observation summaries must be submitted during the semester. Each student may determine where or when, he or she observes an elementary or secondary instrumental rehearsal. However, every student must use as one of his or her observations the SU Honor Band Clinic to be held on campus Friday - Sunday, February 16-18. Summaries are no longer than 2 pages in length and are reflective in nature.

 

Rehearsal Observation summaries may be handed in throughout the

 semester, but no later than the last day of classes.

 

Class Participation/Small Presentations - Class discussion will be based on primarily textbook readings and outside articles.  Each student will present articles and lead class discussions during the semester. Topics will cover every aspect of an instrumental program, including administration, symphonic bands, jazz bands, marching bands, orchestral programs, and the instrumental program at the beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels.

 

 

Required Concert Attendance:

 

Students enrolled in this class are required to attend ALL instrumental concerts. This includes SU Honor Band activities Symphonic Band, SU Symphonic Orchestra, and SU Jazz Ensemble performances, Jazz Honor Band Day…more details to follow.

 


INSTRUMENTAL METHODS, page 4

 

Topics To Be Covered:

 

  1. History of Instrumental Music

a.      The growth of Public School Music

b.     Can We Escape History

c.      Competition

d.      Finding a Home for the Marching Band

  1. A Successful Music Program

a.      Philosophy

b.     Objectives

c.      Evaluation

d.      Motivation

e.      Grading

  1. Student Teaching INTASC Standards
  2. MENC National Standards
  3. Administration
  4. Recruiting
  5. Scheduling
  6. Teaching Music Skills
  7. Overview of Instruments
  8. Band Literature

a.      History and Literature of the Wind Band

b.     Music Grading and Selection

c.      Prescribed Music List

d.      The Top 100 in Band Literature

e.      Suggested Marches

  1. Rehearsal Preparation

a.      Efficient Rehearsal Procedures

b.     Rehearsal Routine Outline

c.      Rehearsal Planning Form

  1. Performance planning and preparation
  2. Concert and contest planning
  3. Instrumental repair
  4. Warm-ups and Tuning
  5. Directing a Marching Band

a.      Administration, Organization and Planning

b.     Charting

c.      Arranging

d.      Marching fundamentals

e.      Instrumental needs

  1. Leading a Jazz Band

      Jazz Improvisation/Pedagogy

            Jazz Anyone?

            Abersold Jazz Aids

            Essenfield Charts


 

INSTRUMENTAL METHODS, page 5

 

Leading a Jazz Band continued

            The Jazz Ensemble Director's Manual

            Jazz Improvisation for Keyboard Players

            Beginning Big Band Repertoire

 

  1. Interview Preparation

a.      Looking for a New Job

b.     Mock interviews

c.      Questions YOU Should Ask the Interviewer

d.      Music/Band Interview

 

  1. Notebooks/Review/Reflection

 

 

Suggestion Student Activities:

            Writing assignments

            Reading assignments

            Listening assignments

            Score analysis and preparation

            Class presentations

            Group discussions and projects

            Observations of local instrumental programs

 

 


INSTRUMENTAL METHODS, page 6

 

BIBLIOGRAPHY

 

*=Highly recommended for personal library

√=Book is on reserved at the Blough-Weis Library

 

BOOKS-

*New Director's Handbook: Practice Answers for Beginning Teachers, Instrumentalist, 1996.

 

*Teaching Wind & Percussion Instruments: A Course of Study, NEMC, 1991.

 

*University Interscholastic League's Prescribed Music List, UIL, Austin, Texas, 2001.

 

  Abeles, Hoofer, & Klotman, Foundations of Music Education, NY; Schirmer, 1994.

 

Berry, J. The Jazz Ensemble Direcot's Handbook, Jenson Publications, n.d.

 

  Birge, B. History of Public School Music in the United States, Reston, VA: MENC, 1988.

 

Bailey, W. and Caneva, T.,  Complete Marching Band Resource Manual : Techniques and Materials for Teaching, Drill Design, and Music Arranging, Univ of Pennsylvania Press: 1994.

 

  Campbell, P., Lessons from the World: A cross-cultural guide to music teaching and learning, NY; Schirmer, 1991.

 

Carder, P., The Eclectic Curriculum in American Music Education, Reston, VA:  MENC, 1990.

 

  Elliot, D., Music Matters: A new philosophy of music education, Cherry-Hill, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1996.

 

Garofalo, R. Blueprint for Band, Ft. Lauderdale, FL:, Meredith Music Publications, 1976.

 

Handy, D., Black Conductors, Lanham, MD: Scarecrow Press, 1995.

 

√*   Hoffer, C. Teaching Music in the Secondary Schools, Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, 1991.

 

* Holston, Kim, Marching Band Handbook : Competitions, Instruments, Clinics, Fundraising, Publicity, Uniforms, Accessories, Trophies, Drum Corps, Twirling, Color. McFarland & Co, n.d.

 

   Kohut, D., Instrumental Music Pedagogy: teaching techniques for school band & orchestra directors, Cherry Hill, NY: Prentice-Hall, 1992.

 

√*  Kohut, D. and Joe W. Grant, Learning to Conduct and Rehearse,  Cherry Hill, NY: Prentice-Hall, 1990.

 

* Lautzenheiser, T. The Art of Successful Teaching: A Blend of Content & Context, Chicago, Il: GIA Publications, 1992.

 


 

INSTRUMENTAL METHODS, page 7.

Bibliography continued

 

Lawn, R. The Jazz Ensemble Dorector's Manuel: A Handbook of Practical Methods and Materials for the Educator, Oskaloosa, IA: C.L. Barnhouse,1986.

 

Lisk, E., The Creative Director: Alternative Rehearsal Techniques, Syracuse, NY: Onondaga Music, 1989.

 

  Mark, M., Contemporary Music Education, NY: Schirmer, 1986.

 

*  MENC Task Force for National Standards in the Arts, The School Music Program: A New Vision, Reston, VA: Music Educators National Conference, 1994.

 

Moss Rehabilitation Hospital Settement Music School Therapeutic Music Program, Guide to the Selection of Musical Instruments with Respect ot Physical Ability and Disability, St. Louis. MO: Magnamusic- Baton, 1982.

 

  National Commission on Music Education. Growing Up Complete: The imperative for music education, Reston, VA: Music Educators National Conference, 1991.

 

√*  Reimer, B. A Philosophy of Music Education, Cherry Hill, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1988.

 

  Smith, N. and Stoutamire, A., Band Music Notes, San Diego, CA: Kjos, 1979.

 

Thomas, W.  Jazz Anyone? : Play and Learn : Warner Bros. Publications, n.d.

 

  Wells, J. The Marching Band in Contemporary Music Education, NY: Inteland Publications, 1976.

 

 

 

JOURNALS-

 

Director's Guide to Better Bands

 

The Instrumentalist

 

International Musician

 

Music Educator's Journal


INSTRUMENTAL METHODS, page 8

 

*Independent Project Topics

 

 

1.   Computer software (may be split by 2 students).

  1. Internet Resources (may be split by 2 students).
  2. Instrumental Manufacturers (may be split by 2 students).
  3. Recordings (companies/labels, duplication, where to find them, and services).
  4. Organizations (NBA, CBDNA, NAJE, and their publications).
  5. Music Publishers (Band, Jazz Band, and Orchestra).
  6. Marching Band Resources (software, bibliography, camps, music, uniforms, and so forth).
  7. Marching Band Auxiliary Units (flags, rifles, majorettes, drill, and so forth).
  8. Reference materials (Books, Magazines Anthologies, Heritage Encyclopedia, Norton/Grove, Music Dictionaries).
  9. Jazz References (recordings, publishers, bands).
  10. Acoustical Resources (making recordings, designing rooms, etc.)
  11. Junior High Band Literature, Grade 2 and 3.
  12. Instrumental Solo and Ensemble literature.
  13. Public Relations.
  14. Contests and Festivals.
  15. Music Booster Clubs (organization, and so forth).
  16. Physical Facilities and Equipment.

 

 

* The number of projects that are available are too many to name. The instructor must first approve any topic not listed above.


INSTRUMENTAL METHODS, page 9

 

Band Transcription Project

 

Guidelines:

 

 

1.     Select an original piece that lends itself to winds/percussion. Example: An orchestral work that contains heavy wind and percussion presence rather than predominantly strings.

 

2.  Transcribe for full symphonic band (including string bass and complete percussion). You may use color instruments, e.g. English Horn, contrabass/contra alto clarinet as you wish.

 

3.  You must transcribe one of the following amounts:

 

48 measures of duple meter (2/2, 2/4, 6/8

32 measures of triple meter (3/4, 9/8)

24 measures of quadruple meter (4/4, 12/8)

 

4.     Gain approval for you selected original piece from Dr. Levinsky no later than,

Friday, February 23.

 

5.   For your project, submit both the transcription and a copy of the original score.

 

6.     If class appropriate, you transcription may be selected to be rehearsed in Dr. Wiley's Instrumental Lab class.  

 

 

TIPS:

 

·       Think in terms of families when making your transcription decisions. For example, you have a clarinet family, a saxophone family, a brass family - try to work within these voicings when selecting instruments for each part.

·       Although you are not being graded solely on the quality of your voicing, those choices will be a factor into your grade.

·       Decide whether you want your wind parts from the original to transfer exactly into the band transcription. Often times, this will not be the case. Make these decisions based on the colors you want to hear as well as balancing factors (number of players, tessitura, etc.)

·       Voice the percussion as a family. Are there instruments that can be added to enhance the texture of the piece?

 

 


Instrumental Methods, page 10

 

Band Handbook Project

 

The foundation to any instrumental program is to have a program handbook. Your assignment is to create such a document that informs students, parents, and interested parties about your rules, courses, and overall providing information about your program. Should include the following information:

 

Identify School, telephone, e-mail address

Table of Contents 

Biography / Experience

Ensemles/Performing Groups

Appearances/Concert Dates

Rehearsals (expectations)

Public Appearances (expectations/rules)

Auditions

Chair Challenges 

Available Contests and Honor Groups

Helpful Hints

Equipment

Uniforms / Concert Attire

Private Muisic Lessons

Summer Music Camp (marching / concert)

Grading

Practice Facilities

Officers

Letter to Students


 

REPERTOIRE LIST  -  Instrumental Methods

 

(S)            denotes available score in Blough-Weis library

 

 

Listening Exam I         February 15

Marches-

TAPE 1                      Barber, Commando March (Concert) (S)  (780.81/B233K/C735)

TAPE 1                      Fillmore, His Honor --standard (S) (780.8173/F485K/F925)

TAPE 1                      Fucik, Florentiner March, Op 214 (Concert)

TAPE 1                      Goldman, On the Mall (Standard) (780.8173/G569K/On1)

TAPE 1                      Heed, In Storm and Sunshine (Circus)

TAPE 1                      Ives, Country Band March (Concert)

TAPE 1                      King, Barnum and Bailey's Favorite (Circus)

TAPE 1                      Leemans, March of the Belgian Paratroopers (Concert) (S)

TAPE 1                      Sousa, El Capitan (Standard) (780.8173/So85K/E11)

 

Symphonies-

TAPE 1                      Dahl, Symfonietta

TAPE 1                      Giannini, Symphony No. 3 for Band (S)

TAPE 1                      Gould, Symphony No 4 "West Point"

TAPE 2                      Hindemith, Symphony in Bb (780.8173/H584K/Sy68C)

TAPE 2                      Persichetti, Symphony No. 6 for Band, Op 69 (S) (780.8173/P431K/Op.69)

 

Listening Exam II - March 15

           

 

Contemporary

 

TAPE 2                      Colgrass, Winds of Nagual

TAPE 2                      Corigliano, Gazebo Dances

TAPE 3                      Gillingham, Heros, Lost and Fallen: A Vietnam Memorial  (780.8173/G415K/H432)

TAPE 3                      Husa, Music for Prague (S) (780.8173/H95K/M973)

TAPE 3                      Schwantner, From a Dark Millennium

TAPE 3                      Wilson, Piece of Mind

 

Transcriptions

TAPE 3                      Adams, Short Ride on a Fast Machine

TAPE 4                      Mussorgsky, Pictures at an Enhibition (S)

TAPE 4                      Ravel, Pavane pour une infante defunte

TAPE 3                      Shostakovich, Festive Overture, Op 96 (780.8147/Sh82K/Op. 26)

TAPE 4                      Wagner, Elsa's Procession to the Cathedral (S)

 

Folk/Ethnic

TAPE 4                      Bennett, Suite of Old American Dances (S) (780.8173/b439K/Su39ol)

TAPE 4                      Channce, Variations on a Korean Folksong (S) (780.8173/C36K/V426)

TAPE 5                      Reed, A., Armenian Dances, Part I & II (S)

TAPE 5                      Reed, H., La Fiesta Mexicana (S)

TAPE 4                      Rogers, Three Japanese Dances


Listening continued

 

Listening Exam III - April 19

           

British

 

TAPE 5                      Arnold, Four Scottish Dances

TAPE 6                      Grainger, Irish Tune from County Derry (S)

TAPE 5                      Grainger, Lincolnshire Posy (S) (780.8173/G761K/L638)

TAPE 5                      Holst, First Suite in E-Flat, Op 28, No1 (S)

TAPE 6                      Holst, Second Suite in F, Op 28, No 2 (S)

TAPE 6                      Jacob, William Byrd Suite (S)

TAPE 6                      Vaughan Williams, English Fold Song Suite (S)

 

Chamber

TAPE 6                      Dvorak, Seranade for Winds, Op 44

TAPE 6                      Goundod, Petite Symphonie (S)

TAPE 7                      Kurka, Good Soldier Schweik Suite

TAPE 7                      Mozart, Serenade No 10, K 361 "Gran Partita"

TAPE 7                      Strauss, Serenade in E-Flat, Op 7(780.81436/St82K/Op7)

TAPE 7                      Stravinsky, Symphonies of Wind Instruments

 

Listening Exam IV, Friday, May 4 (final examination)  11:30 - 1:30 P.M.

 

Standards

TAPE 9                      Carter, Symphonic Dances

TAPE 8                      Copeland, Emblems (S)

TAPE 8                      Creston, Celebration Overture (S)

TAPE 9                      Dello Joio, From Every Horizon (S) (780.8173/D381K/F925)

TAPE 8                      Hanson, Chorale and Alleluia (S)  (780.8173/H198K/C456)            

TAPE 9                      Jager, Third Suite (S)

TAPE 9                      McBeth, Masque    

TAPE 8                      Mendelssohn, Overture for Band, Op. 24 (S) (780.8143/M522K/Op.24)

TAPE 8                      Milhaud, Suite Francaise (S) (780.8144/M599K/Su39fr)

TAPE 9                      Nelhybel, Festivo (S)

TAPE 9                      Nelson, Rocky Point Holiday (780.8173/N336K/R598)

TAPE 8                      Nixon, Fiesta del Pacifico (S) (780.8173N654K/F465)

TAPE 8                      Persichetti, Diverimento for Band, Op 42 (780.8173/P431K/Op.42)

TAPE 9                      Piston, Tunbridge Fair (S) (780.8173/P678K/T834)

TAPE 8                      Schoenberg, Theme and Variations, Op 43a

TAPE 8                      Schuman, Chester Overture (S)

TAPE 9                      Smith, Emperata Overture

TAPE 9                      Williams, Fanfare and Allegro (780.8173/W67K/F213)

TAPE 9                      Zdechlik, Chorale and Shaker Dance (S)

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