- Name three cylindrical brass instruments. How does the sound of these instruments differ from those with a greater proportion of conical tubing?
|
- List the disadvantages of wood as a construction material. Why, given these disadvantages, is wood still widely preferred in the manufacture of high quality oboes, clarinets and bassoons?
|
- Name three alloys used in the production of brass instruments. Which alloy is believed to produce the darkest sound? Which alloy is the strongest?
|
- Would you wash a clarinet mouthpiece or the bocal of a bassoon?
|
- Why do you think many music directors suggest that students begin their study of percussion instruments by learning to play the snare drum?
|
- List the advantages and disadvantages for a brass player of using a mouthpiece with a large backbore.
|
- What disadvantages are commonly associated with (a) reeds that are too stiff, and (b) reeds that are too soft? Given a choice, which would you prefer?
|
- What is the cross beat (on a timpani)?
|
- How would you attempt to correct the following embouchure problems experienced by brass players: excessive mouthpiece pressure, bunched chin, smile embouchure, and lips protruding into the mouthpiece?
|
- Clarinets often emit embarrassing squeaks when played by beginners. List the most common causes.
|
- Why should a bass drum player attempt to anticipate the beat?
|
- Describe the basic elements of the flute embouchure. Why should the lip aperture be oval-shaped rather than rounded?
|
- Why is it important for brass players to practice lip slurs?
|
- List the differences and similarities between the clarinet and saxophone embouchures when using the "single embouchure".
|
- Why is it important for clarinet, oboe and flute players to rest their instruments with the keys facing upwards?
|
- Is saliva a good substitute for valve oil? Why or why not?
|