Clarinet/Saxophone Studio Handbook

Specific requirements for the degrees of BM with concentration in performance, BM with concentration in education, and BA in Music in Instrumental Music:

The criteria grading are many, including the demonstration of clear, consistent progress by the student over the course of the semester. As a guide, here are some further criteria for grading:

1. Bachelor of Music – Performance

   1. A student must perform in recital class at least once during their first year, at least twice during their second year, at least twice in their third year, and at least once during their fourth year.

   2. To earn a grade of A, the student should:

      • Learn a minimum of 8 etudes or caprices for a given semester

      • Learn a minimum of 4 solo works including a solo concerto in a semester

      • Attend all scheduled lessons in a semester

      • Attend all scheduled studio classes

      • Perform satisfactorily in a chamber music setting such as: clarinet choir, woodwind quintet, woodwind ensemble, saxophone quartet

      • Fulfill all performance requirements for a given semester

      • Attend all on-campus saxophone and clarinet performances

      • Satisfactorily perform in all ensembles (wind ensemble and jazz ensemble)

      • Perform a satisfactory jury at the end of the semester

2. Bachelor of Music – Music Education

   1. A student must perform in recital class at least once during their second year, at least twice in their third year, and at least once during their fourth year.

   2. To earn a grade of A, the student should:

      • Learn a minimum of 6 etudes or caprices for a given semester

      • Learn a minimum of 2 solo works including a solo concerto in a semester• Attend all scheduled lessons in a semester

      • Attend all studio classes

      • Perform satisfactorily in a chamber music setting such as: clarinet choir, woodwind quintet, woodwind ensemble, saxophone quartet

      • Fulfill all performance requirements for a given semester• Attend all on-campus saxophone and clarinet performances

      • Satisfactorily perform in all ensembles (wind ensemble and jazz ensemble)• Perform a satisfactory jury at the end of the semester

3. Bachelor of Arts

   1. To earn a grade of A, the student should:

      • Learn a minimum of 4 etudes or caprices for a given semester

      • Learn a minimum of 2 solo works in a semester

      • Attend all scheduled lessons in a semester

      • Attend all studio classes

      • Perform satisfactorily in a chamber music setting such as: clarinet choir, woodwind quintet, woodwind ensemble, saxophone quartet

      • Fulfill all performance requirements for a given semester• Attend all on-campus saxophone and clarinet performances• Satisfactorily perform in all ensembles (wind ensemble and jazz ensemble)

      • Perform a satisfactory jury at the end of the semester

 Jury Requirements

• A student must perform a jury examination at the end of each semester in which he/she is enrolled for credit in applied music. An exception may be made during semesters in which the student has passed a pre-recital jury. The studio teacher may only grant this exception.

• The jury committee will consist of the instrumental faculty

• Each exam will be at least ten minutes in length. The studio teacher of record may require additional time.

• Specific content for jury examinations will be flexible while directly reflecting the student’s work and progress during the foregoing semester. The studio teacher of record will dictate the materials required of each student.

         Sophomore Qualifying Examination

The purpose of the Sophomore Qualifying Examination is to demonstrate the appropriate use of skills and techniques necessary to the performer on his chosen instrument. It should also serve as an indicator of progress towards the eventual successful completion of the junior and senior recital(s) [where applicable]. In addition to those skills relative to the successful performance of a public recital all designated professional skills relative to the student’s chosen discipline should also be demonstrated.

A. General requirements

• A student must perform a Sophomore Qualifying Examination after the completion off our (4) semesters of applied study in which a passing grade has been achieved, or at a point specified by the studio teacher. This is typically administered during the second semester of the Sophomore year.

• No student may continue a program of study into 300 level work without successful completion of the Sophomore Qualifying Examination. Exceptions (with special circumstances) may be made only with express, written consent from both the academic advisor and studio teacher.

• The instrumental faculty will jury the examination.

• The student must receive a satisfactory in all of the musical elements categories such as preparation, tone, technical facility, dynamics, intonation, rhythm and phrasing as indicated on the examination sheet.

• 100 percent of scale requirements (see specifics for each degree program). Other scales and or scale patterns may be required at the discretion of the individual instructors of each area (amount of octaves and other patterns). Music majors will be required to do all major and all forms of the minor scale and arpeggios for the jury. Music minors will be required to do all majors and at least one form of the minor scale and arpeggio as indicated by the individual studio teacher.

• If any portion of the examination does not meet full requirements, the student must re-take the entire examination the following semester. The student will remain in the current level of study and will not advance into upper division study.

A. Specific Requirements

1. The Sophomore Qualifying Examination will be at least 20 minutes in length

2. Minimum content requirements for each degree program will be as follows:

• All major and minor scales from memory, major thirds from memory

• One full solo work with appropriate accompaniment

• Etude, orchestral excerpt, or other solo works or exercises as assigned.

• All major and minor scales and thirds from memory

• Two solo works of contrasting style. One of these works must be accompanied

• One self-learned composition with accompaniment

• All major and minor scales, thirds, and arpeggios from memory

• Three solo works of contrasting style and/or an orchestral excerpt. One of these works must be accompanied

• One self-learned composition with accompaniment

• Demonstration of additional appropriate skills as established by the studio teacher

• Orchestral excerpts if required by instructor

3. Scheduling

• Once all student’s schedules have been received, a master schedule will be made and posted on the studio door. A student wishing to change his/her lesson must notify me immediately.

• Make-up lessons will be scheduled on a case by case basis.

• Additional lessons may be arranged by appointment.

• Please check studio door for important announcements and information.

4. Performance Guidelines

A student must be enrolled for appropriate applied study during the semester of any recital

1. Recital class performance

   • Selections must be approved by the instructor

   • Proper attire is expected.

   • Proper stage attitude is expected.

   • Punctuality is expected.

   • Attendance is required of all music majors.

2. Pre-Recital Jury

   • Two weeks before the recital, the student will perform the program before a faculty committee. The committee may pass, postpone, or cancel the recital. If the committee does not pass the student's recital on the third attempt in one semester, then the student must wait until the following semester before attempting to pass again.

   • It is the student's responsibility to set up the pre-recital jury time with the accompanist and the instrumental faculty committee.

   • Upon completion of the pre-recital jury, the committee will place documentation in the student's permanent file.

   • The program must be approved by the instructor and turned in to the Music Department Office at least one week prior to the recital.

3. Junior Recital
    All information pertaining to Convocation Performances above applies to the Junior Recital.

   1. Bachelor of Music - Performance

      • The recital will last at least 45-50 minutes and will consist of at least three different styles of music

      • Rehearsal time outside of the weekly lesson is expected and is the student’s responsibility

      • Scheduling of recital and dress rehearsal dates is the student’s responsibility and should be made in the spring of the sophomore year with the approval of the instructor.

      • Two weeks before the recital, the student will perform the program before a faculty jury. The jury may pass, postpone, or cancel the recital. If the jury does not pass the student’s recital on the third attempt in one semester, then the student must wait until the following semester before attempting to pass again.

      • The program must be approved by the instructor and turned in to the Music Department Office at least one week prior to the recital.

4. Senior Recital All information pertaining to Recital Class performances above applies to the senior recital.

   1. Bachelor of Music Education

      • The recital will last at least 25-30 minutes and consist of two different styles of music.

      • Rehearsal time outside of the weekly lesson is expected and is the student’s responsibility.

      • Scheduling of recital and dress rehearsal dates is the student’s responsibility and should be made in the spring of the sophomore year with the approval of the instructor.

      • Two weeks before the recital, the student will perform the program before a faculty jury. The jury may pass, postpone, or cancel the recital. If the jury does not pass the student’s recital on the third attempt in one semester, then the student must wait until the following semester before attempting to pass again.

      • The program must be approved by the instructor and turned in to the Music Department Office at least one week prior to the recital.

   2. Bachelor of Music - Performance

      • The recital will last at least 45-55 minutes and consist of four different styles of music.

      • Rehearsal time outside of the weekly lesson is expected and is the student’s responsibility.

      • Scheduling of recital and dress rehearsal dates is the student’s responsibility and should be made in the spring of the sophomore year with the approval of the instructor.

      • Two weeks before the recital, the student will perform the program before a faculty jury. The jury may pass, postpone, or cancel the recital. If the jury does not pass the student’s recital on the third attempt in one semester, then the student must wait until the following semester before attempting to pass again.

      • The program must be approved by the instructor and turned in to the Music Department Office at least one week prior to the recital.

V.   Required Materials

1. Music

   1. The acquisition of assigned materials is the responsibility of thestudent.

   2. Failure to acquire assigned materials within a reasonable time will be considered ground for failure in the course.

2. Reeds

   1. It is each student’s responsibility to come to each lesson with a playable or workable reed.

   2. Each student will obtain the following reed adjusting equipment.

      • 5”x7” piece of glass or Plexiglas

      • 2 sheets of 600 waterproof sandpaper

      • These items are required and must be obtained by the mid-term of the first semester of study

3. Mouthpieces

   1.  Each student must obtain a professional quality mouthpiece for his or her instrument. Obtaining a professional quality mouthpiece is strongly recommended.

   2. The instructor will give advice as to the make and size of mouthpiece to be obtained.

4. Miscellaneous

   1. A reliable metronome is a necessary piece of equipment. Additionally, the student is encouraged to obtain the following items:

      • Tuner

      • Portable cassette recorder with built in microphone

   2. It is the student’s responsibility to keep his/her instrument in playing condition.

VI.  General Practice Suggestions

1. How to practice

   • Be motivated

   • Practice regularly – everyday practice is more effective than all your practicing the day before your lesson.

   • Schedule practice time as a fixed part of your daily schedule.

   • Establish clear and practical goals

   • Practice with a metronome

   • Practice slowly to make sure you can do it correctly many times in a row without error. Begin slowly and then increase in speed as you learn the excerpt.

2. What to Practice

   • Warm-ups – long tones, slow scale segment and full scale patterns.

   • Technique development – use scales, arpeggios, thirds, fourths, fifths, etc. and etude books, pattern books.

   • Repertoire – learn to prepare and perform in a variety of styles, learn the history of your instrument and the piece you are performing. Do not place any limits on your potential as a performer!

VII.   Listening

It is vital for musicians to steadily consume a well-balanced, healthy diet of music. Seek out recordings and listen to them regularly. Attend concerts not of only your instrument, but of other instruments and voices. Speak to your        teacher about your sound. It is highly recommended that you work listening into your daily schedule as a part of your musical development.

VIII.  Health

Please maintain your physical and mental health. In order to become the best musicians you can be, it is vital that you keep your body and mind in shape and free of tension and stress.

IX.   Attitude

It is assumed that each student will conduct himself/herself in a professional manner in the areas of preparation,  punctuality, deportment and attitude and set a positive example for the other studios.

Scale Juries
Clarinet and Saxophone Studio
Dr. Lori Ardovino, Instructor

Listed below are the minimum requirements for each level of student. By each point, you are expected to have successfully passed each level. You must be able to play from memory each of the following with no mistakes in order to pass. Scales juries for all students will be administered during mid-term exam week and at the final jury examination.
Clarinets will all do scales as they are in the Baermann 3rd Division Method book
Saxophones will do scales as they are in the Saxophonists Workbook by Larry Teal.
 

Freshman Semester I

           1.    Midterm
                        Must be able to play all flat major scales and arpeggios from memory

            2.     Final
                        Must be able to play all sharp and flat scales and arpeggios from memory.

Freshman Semester II

            1.     Midterm
                        Must be able to play all forms of the minor scale of flat scales and arpeggios
            2.     Final
                        Must be able to play all forms of the minor scale of flat and sharps and arpeggios.

Sophomore Semester I

            1.     Midterm
                        Must be able to play all major and minor scales and arpeggios and flat major thirds from memory.
            2.     Final
                        Must be able to play all major and minor scales and arpeggios and sharp scales in thirds from memory.

Sophomore Semester II

            1.     Midterm
                        Must be able to play all major and minor scales and arpeggios and minor harmonic flat thirds from 
                        memory.
            2.     Final
                        Must be able to play all major and minor scales and arpeggios and minor harmonic sharp thirds from
                        memory.

Junior Semester I

            1.    Midterm
                       Must be able to play all major and minor scales and arpeggios and thirds from memory, Dominant 7th
                       chord arpeggios on C, Db, D, Eb, E, and F.

            2.    Final
                        Must be able to play all major and minor scales and arpeggios and thirds from memory, all Dominant 7th
                        chord arpeggios, C, Db, D, Eb, E, F, Gb, G, A, Ab, B, and Bb.

Junior Semester II

            1.    Midterm
                        Must be able to play all major and minor scales and arpeggios and thirds from memory, all Dominant 7th
                        chord arpeggios, Whole tone scale (saxophones on C, clarinets on E)

            2.    Final
                        Must be able to play all major and minor scales and arpeggios and thirds from memory, all Dominant 7th
                        chord arpeggios, Whole tone scale (saxophones on C and Db, clarinets on E and F)

Senior Semester I

            1.    Midterm
                        Must be able to play all major and minor scales and arpeggios and thirds from memory, all Dominant 7th
                        chord arpeggios, Whole tone scales, Diminished 7th chords, (Clarinets see page 75, Baermann,
                        saxophones see page 4, Teal Book)

            2.      Final
                        Must be able to play all major and minor scales and arpeggios and thirds from memory, all Dominant 7th
                        chord arpeggios, Whole tone scales, Diminished 7th chords, (Clarinets see page 75, Baermann,
                        saxophones see page 4, Teal Book)

Senior Semester II

        1.        Midterm/Final
                        Review of all previous work
Students will be given a grade at midterm and at finals for completion of scale requirements. This grade will be worked into daily lesson grade and final jury performance. Those students who will be taking the Barrier exam, MUST pass all
scale requirements in order to continue on into upper-division work. If they should fail, they will remain in 200 level until the scale requirements are completed. Midterm Scale exams will be given in your private lesson during midterm week. Final scale exams will be given during your scheduled jury appearance. If you have done a recital in the semester, you are still required to do a scale jury for the final exam.

How to Practice
By Dr. Lori Ardovino
University of Montevallo

1. Notes in various rhythmic patterns

2. Scale segments

3. Scale fragments

4. Start slow, progressively faster

5. Intervals

6. Add dynamics

7. All slurred passages

8. All tongued passages

9. Add different articulations

10. Have a specific goal that day

11. Technical preparation versus literature

12. A good warm up session

13. Take breaks to insure concentration

14. Practice during specific times of the day

15. Know what you want to cover every day

16. Do a little of everything every day

17. Daily commitment versus time off

18. Enjoy it

General Thoughts on Practicing

• Choose a time of day when you are alert and energetic. If a time is locked into a daily schedule, you will find few excuses for skipping a session.

• Find a place to practice where you will not be disturbed.

• Be motivated and have a practice plan in mind.

• Divide you allotted time into specific areas.

• Think quality time, rather than quantity.

• Tape your practice sessions.

• Take mistakes seriously

• When you are tired, take a break.

• Start technical material slowly to insure control in faster tempos.

• With your goals aim for short-term for each practice session and long-range for months of sessions.

• Make practice enjoyable!

Clarinet and Saxophone Students

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

I.     For instrument repair:

        Carey Donaldson - 592-0701 (clarinets, flutes and double reeds)
        Steve Collins – 995-8376 (all woodwinds)

II.     For Reeds Mouthpieces, Ligatures, CD’s

        The Woodwind – 1-800-3465003 or www.wwbw.com
        Muncy Winds - 1-800-333-6415 or www.muncywinds.com
        Weiner Music - 1-800-622-CORK or www.weinermusic.com

III.     Mouthpieces and Reeds

        Vandoren V-12 reeds (#3 ,#3 1/2 , #4) order through catalogs
        Vandoren regular blue box – (#3, #31/2, #4)

       

        Clarinet Mouthpieces:

                Vandoren M-30
                Gennusa – Ge or G1
                Greg Smith – 1+ or 1*
                Lomax – Classic Elite – Med. Or Med open

        Bass Clarinet

                Clark Fobes – San Francisco model
                Selmer D
                Charles Bay MM
                Morgan – Med

        Saxophone

                Selmer S-80 C*
                Selmer S-90

IV.     Ligatures

                Bonade - Inverted
                Bay – Inverted
                Pyne – Hand-woven (clarinet/bass clarinet)

V.     For music:

                Eble Music: (319) 338-0313