I have results of our selmer test. However, is there a guide to help interpret the results? Thank you in advance.
Re: Selmer Test
Posted by really retired on 5/9/2024, 11:32 pm, in reply to "Selmer Test "
one of the best things is -- it gives you names, addresses, & phone numbers if done correctly. It was surprising to me how many students did not know addresses & phone numbers.
Re: Selmer Test
Posted by BDSO on 5/9/2024, 5:42 pm, in reply to "Selmer Test "
No. But, I tend to look at it like this:
Section A, B, and C help me determine the pitch range students hear best. If they do better on the higher pitch matching, maybe a higher instrument such as flute, clarinet, maybe trumpet. Mid-range pitch matching, alto sax, trumpet, horn. Low range, low brass. This takes a little prep on your part to know which questions involve which pitch ranges.
Sections B and C help me to determine horn players since I can see who can listen for pitch changes in a harmonic sense and who can listen for intervals.
Section D needs to have a perfect score to be considered for percussion. I also look at section C because, lets be honest, many percussionist tend to learn mallet parts "by ear".
We also use the GIA "Instrument Timbre Test". This helps the student (and us) determine the instrument sound they like the best. Once we have all of that, we have the students try ALL instruments so we can find the best physical fit. Then, we recommend our top two instruments. About 95% of the students are happy with their top two choices. The ones that are not can re-screen for an instrument of their choice (not percussion, those spots are locked once a student accepts the invitation to play that instrument). But, there is no guarantee they will still get what they want. I know this is more info than you probably wanted, there are more options than just the SMGS. The SMGS is just a tool; it shouldn't be used as THE determining factor (not that this is what you are doing).
Re: Selmer Test
Posted by caution on 5/9/2024, 11:03 am, in reply to "Selmer Test "
Be careful that your Selmer test is not being offered by a Conn artist.
Re: Selmer Test
Posted by DadGuy on 5/10/2024, 3:00 pm, in reply to "Re: Selmer Test "
I feel like this should have gotten a better reaction
Re: Selmer Test
Posted by Wolverine on 5/9/2024, 9:02 am, in reply to "Selmer Test "
I used the selmer test to keep kids off of drums and also help find drummers. It was pretty accurate that way. A high pitch score is good for the harder instruments. Other than that, let them have their first choice and say their score re-enforced that choice. It’s the parents you have to sell.
Re: Selmer Test
Posted by Really Old Guy on 5/9/2024, 8:45 am, in reply to "Selmer Test "
Back in the day we used the Selmer test but also paired it with a recommendation from the elementary music teacher. An outstanding recommendation paired with a high score on the test helped to identify students who could be good candidates for important instruments like double reeds and French Horn. We never eliminated anyone because of poor score.