The embouchure is an important fundamental concept to playing either the oboe or bassoon. There are many similarities between a proper oboe and bassoon embouchure, however there are a number of differences as well. Both oboe and bassoon feature a round embouchure that encircles the reed with ... Read More about Demystifying Double Reeds
Articles
Band Substitute Lesson Plan (for a non-music sub)
Do you need a band substitute lesson plan for a general substitute to use? All you need for this is the ability to show on-line videos and printouts of the worksheets provided below. Have the links ready to go. They can link to them all from this post, but be sure you can easily access this ... Read More about Band Substitute Lesson Plan (for a non-music sub)
Bassoon Eb (Quick Tip)
When teaching the bassoon, it quickly becomes obvious that the third space E flat is a lousy note! It is almost always out of tune, unstable and has a horrible tone quality. While there are acoustical reasons for this, we still must deal with this most troublesome pitch...in fact I refer to it as a ... Read More about Bassoon Eb (Quick Tip)
Middle School Solos – Tried & True Favorites
These recommendations are the top responses from a survey of 30+ very experienced band directors. Be aware: some of the listed songs may have multiple movements and only certain movements are the correct level of difficulty. Books are notated. These results are from the late 1990s that took ... Read More about Middle School Solos – Tried & True Favorites
Three Quick Ways to Check Your Percussionist’s Grip From the Podium
The percussionist's grip on sticks or mallets is as fundamental as the embouchure a wind player forms. The younger the student, the more frequently you have to check the quality of the embouchure. And the younger the percussionist, the more frequently you need to check the grip. Often ... Read More about Three Quick Ways to Check Your Percussionist’s Grip From the Podium
Oops – Band Director Stress (BDS) Error
Are you suffering from Band Director Stress (BDS) Error? Feeling a little stressed out and need some humor? Post this on your office door (or on a sign around your neck!) to keep the mood light during a stressful day. Download a high-quality PDF here - Band Director Stress (BDS) Error ... Read More about Oops – Band Director Stress (BDS) Error
