Woodwinds Courses

This course focuses on the study of atonal or "free" improvisation, over structured harmonic continuity, through the use of triads. The four triad groups are used (major, minor, augmented, and diminished). They are played in random sequences where the concept of any triad over any chord is implemented. This gives the improviser complete harmonic and rhythmic freedom over the flow of traditional chord structures. After the study of triadic freedom with only one half step in between each triad group, the student moves on to the study of George Garzone's RCA (Random Chromatic Approach). This concept restricts the improviser to play chromatically up and down the length of the instrument, without expanding larger than a major third as the widest interval. Once students master the RCA, a combination of the four triad groups is used with the RCA played in between each triad to give the sound a kind of bebop flow. With the four triad groups and the RCA, this sound is placed over the harmonic continuity to cause a random harmonic non-sound, based off of the twelve-tone row.

This course will introduce jazz articulation applications on flute and tonguing techniques. Students learn about jazz flute players past and present. Weekly assignments introduce jazz standards, improvisation techniques, jazz flute articulation applications, and jazz flute études. Midterm and finals include transcribing a flute (or possible other instrument) solo.

The study of the flute as a doubling instrument for all majors, from beginners to more advanced instrumentalists. Fundamentals of embouchure, breathing, intonation, articulation, and technique are studied, using representative methods, études, and solos. Emphasis is placed on establishing good practice routines. 

The study of the clarinet as a doubling instrument for the woodwind principal. Fundamentals of embouchure, breathing, and technique are presented using representative methods, ‚études, and solos. Emphasis is placed on doubling situations.

This course continues ILWD-323 and prepares students for a career as a theater and pit musician, including Broadway shows, Las Vegas, Hollywood, cruise ships, and film. This course covers double reed instruments, with concentration on tone quality, intonation, and facility. Instruments include: oboe/English horn and bassoon.

The study of the MIDI wind controller as a doubling instrument. Fundamentals of technique are presented with representative literature and MIDI sequences using various kinds of synthesized voices. Instruments will be provided for student use. Students are recommended to have an intermediate level of woodwind experience.

The art of phrasing is becoming a lost skill. What makes a good musical phrase? What makes musical interpretation convincing? With the advent of computer-generated files such as Finale, the ability to understand and notate the language of music is diminishing with each generation. Although it is classically based, the ability to translate notated music into a breathing phrase transcends style; interpretation is a critical element of good musicianship. In this class, students will learn the classical definition of phrasing, and use musical ‚études to improve the execution of musical sentences. They will improve their understanding of scores and interpretation through the study and performance of written music.

This course studies the characteristic rhythms, articulation, phrasing, and improvisation techniques necessary to perform and interpret music in various Brazilian styles. Students learn creative and effective use of these skills in their own improvisational style. Students will discern and use jazz and Brazilian style articulations appropriately, and understand how they can be used in improvisation. They will be able to improve their technique and improvisation skills that relate to those styles.

A course for advanced woodwind students wishing to improve their sight-reading skills. Reading exercises will cover a wide range of styles including swing, bebop, funk, Latin, odd-meter jazz, and various studio styles. The course will draw heavily from the required text Creative Reading Studies by Joseph Viola. Other materials to be used include selected ‚études, transcribed solos, and exercises designed by the instructor(s). The course will focus primarily on line reading, although exercises that target chord-change reading may also be included.

An intensive performance lab that prepares students for professional auditions for musical organizations, particularly orchestras. Learn to recognize what is necessary to successfully prepare, study, and practice for auditions. Weekly mock auditions and study of audition repertoire will help the student become more confident with the audition process. Students will also learn to evaluate performances by serving on the mock audition committees.