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Instrumentation challenges

Posted by UIL young teacher on 1/20/2021, 4:28 pm

Hello!

Like most of you I have a hodge podge of kids that are in person in my HS 2nd band. I am lucky in that most of my brass sections are full (only 2 horns) and with good players. WW are not the case... only 3 clarinets, no tenor sax, 1 bassoon. My question is, do I find rep. that is "easier" and scored for less parts or do I stick with grade 4ish literature that is appropriate for the vast majority of the kids in the band, other than the fact that some parts won't be covered. This band will be attending UIL.

I hope this question makes sense. Thanks for any provided help

Re: Instrumentation challenges

Posted by Simple answer on 1/21/2021, 8:39 am, in reply to "Instrumentation challenges"

This is NOT the year to be challenging your students with difficult music. You may have good brass sections but you are ONE outbreak away from having NO trumpets/trombones/etc.

Pick the easiest music you're allowed to that isn't insulting to your kids, and polish that metaphorical turd to a nice shine.

(NOt saying easy music is sh**ty, but the entire situation we're all in this year certainly is)

Re: Instrumentation challenges

Posted by GG on 1/21/2021, 7:59 am, in reply to "Instrumentation challenges"

Go easy and rewrite/rescore parts that will or may be missing on UIL day.

Re: Instrumentation challenges

Posted by Dennis Syring on 2/14/2021, 7:45 am, in reply to "Re: Instrumentation challenges"

Amen. it is amazing how accepting judges have been with the rewrites we used. I had a very weak horn section one year and a strong euphonium section so my first chair euphonium became the 1st horn. The euphonium is such a good chameleon! My last Honor Band had not a single trombone or trumpet! My big euphonium section covered the trombone parts and I used (by choice) only shepherds crook cornets for the warm sound I wanted {thanks JR Mac). Seldom have judges complained about what instruments that were not on stage, but were happy to hear a balanced ensemble.

Re: Instrumentation challenges

Posted by CC on 1/20/2021, 7:24 pm, in reply to "Instrumentation challenges"

go easy and be on the safe side. during this crazy time, you never know how many kids you will have at any given time, so don't put that added pressure on yourself and the kids. personally, i wouldn't even consider going this year, but i understand why some would like to.

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