The instructor(s) will demonstrate proper playing techniques on all instruments, and will lecture on theoretical concepts that go beyond the playing abilities of the students. Students will form woodwind ensembles of varying instrumentation.
Through lectures, demonstrations and group practice, students will become familiar with the most common woodwind instruments from the flute and clarinet families. Students will be issued instruments from the College’s collection, and will be taught basic playing techniques on three instruments. This will include instruction on proper playing position, breathing, embouchure, articulation, fingering, tone and intonation. Students will also be expected to understand basic maintenance of the 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 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; written tests will evaluate the student’s understanding of this information.
The successful student will learn to perform simple melodies on three woodwind instruments, and will become familiar with fingering, tone production, theoretical concepts, and specific playing techniques of all instruments studied.
| Playing test #1 | 15% |
| Playing test #2 | 15% |
| Playing test #3 | 15% |
| Written mid-term | 25% |
| Written final exam | 30% |
| 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.
BMus or BAM entrance OR permission of instructor