A Graduate Recital Report

It has been interesting to note the development of the instrumental program in Utah in the past twenty-five years. Instrumentalists are in demand for a great number of organizations which perform in various capacities from the sports spectaculars to symphonic band and orchestras. Furthermore, the personnel of these groups are usually trained as soloists. Much of this improvement has been due to the efforts of dedicated musicians, teachers who are affiliated with institutions of higher learning. They have marshalled the resources of the colleges and universities to upgrade the level of music education. They have trained people to train others in the schools and communities of this state. Leaders in the past effort to upgrade skill with instrumental music have contended that an instrumental music educator should become more proficient on his major instrument and should learn, or at least try, to perform on other instruments which are used in his group. He will be a more effective teacher if he can demonstrate mastery of the problems involved. His major professor invited the author of this study to accept the theory of multiple instrument mastery, to prepare and present an instrumental recital, and to submit a written report in lieu of a thesis study. With rather dubious eagerness, the author accepted the challenge (assignment) and projected a program of working toward a recital. In addition to planning the solo performance, which included the selection of music, selecting a date that allowed -ample time in which to prepare, and reserving the hall where it would be performed, there was the problem of making sure that all the equipment was in the best mechanical condition. Following is a report of the problems and experiences in achieving the directive and an appraisal of the project