A Graduate Recital Report

It is of utmost importance that the instrumental music teacher be able to demonstrate proper tone quality, breath control , fingering techniques, and phrasing. He must also understand the problems which the student will encounter and have to overcome in the study of the different instruments. One of the most effective methods of learning is through actual performance . The teacher learns many points during preparation for acceptable performance which may be applied to other instruments as well as the specific problems of that instrument. The writer felt that the performance of a woodwind recital would be the most practical and beneficial project to improve the knowledge of teaching instrumental music. The clarinet , flute, and oboe were selected for solo performance. A clarinet quartet composed of former students of the writer was also included in the performance. The major works were performed on the clarinet, the performer \u27 s major instrument . The flute was also selected because it had been studied previously during undergraduate study. The oboe was selected because of the possibilities it offered for phrasing and control not possible on the clarinet and because of the availability of reeds which the writer had learned to make during undergraduate work. Because of the great many endurance pressures which accompany solo performances, it was necessary to provide a brief rest for the soloist. This need was fulfilled, and the teaching ability of the writer demonstrated by the student quartet composed of four members of the Sky View High School band. The quartet consisted of one junior and three sophomores. They had been playing the clarinet since they entered junior high school . They had studied private ly from one to three years . They agreed to help with the recital, and practices were arranged on Saturday mornings. During the week prior to the recital, special rehearsals were arranged for during their school lunch period. The choice of an accompanist was a very important consideration. Mrs. Vichy H. Furness was selected for this very v ital role . The works selected for performance were difficult and called for an accompanist of exceptional ability. Mrs. Furness was a source of great assistance in rehearsals as well as the final performance