Klarinet Archive - Posting 000878.txt from 1997/03

From: Bob <laker29@-----.NET>
Subj: Re: Section warm-ups
Date: Wed, 26 Mar 1997 13:47:42 -0500

Hi Kelli:
Probably the best Ensemble Drill book I know of is "Exercises for Ensemble
Drill" by Raymond C. Fussell pub. by Belwin (Originaly by Schmitt, Hall
McCreary)!
I (we) have used this book in our advanced grades (9-12 but good for any
level above that or below) for 40 years for Band & Ensembles,(Good for
Orch. too)!
It can be used for any group of instruments, Treble & Bass Clef, Major or
minor Keys,(we usually use harmonic form of minor) as each individual adds
their own Cleff & Key Signature & even articulation you wish! (ie.
slure2,tongue2; tongue all; slure3,tongue1;etc.) Good for teaching Theory
(to a point) with small & Full Ensembles!!
I know of no better Exercise Book for Band & Orch. It will help those
with technique problems, rhythm, scales, 3rds. 4ths, 5ths, arpeggios, You
name it, it's there. Bottom line is the player's interest & Motivation!
Money (if you're making a living at this) should do a lot!

Bob Lake Band Teacher/Player
Edina, MN
laker29@-----.net E-Mail me (my address - or klarinet) for Multiple Uses
after you get a COPY!

At 3:38 PM 3/26/97, Kelli White wrote:
>I am presently leader of a clarinet section of 4 (apart from me). One
>player is technically good, another is fairly inexperienced but keen,
>and the other two players are not great technically. As we are earn our
>living from playing, this wide range of abilities is very frustrating to
>me - when I run section rehearsals, I'm basically covering what should
>be done as individual practice, ie running (not very difficult) passages
>slowly over and over, then gradually increasing speed etc etc, which is
>boring for the player that can play the stuff (and, I suspect, those who
>can't).
>
>I would like to start some group exercises to at least address issues
>such as poor tone and intonation, and wonder if anyone on the list has
>suggestions or ideas for such exercises. My dilemma is that I need to
>keep everyone interested, and although the standard of some is not very
>high, as we're all "grown-ups" I don't wish to insult anyone at the same
>time.
>
>Can anyone offer any ideas? (Sorry for the long-winded letter).
>
>Kelli