Mixed Brass Instruments

Mixed Brass: A Great Choice for Whole Class Instrumental Learning

Brass instruments are a fantastic choice for whole class music learning, as they are both bold and expressive, exciting and dramatic. Brass instruments are highly motivating to boys and girls alike, and are highly accessible. As a skilled brass player and teacher, Anthony Lees will pair every child to a suitable instrument to ensure everyone can be successful and have a very positive experience whilst learning to play.

Through whole class brass teaching children will develop all seven key areas of music, whilst also experiencing a wide range of genre, techniquaes and musical vocabulary. A course can be crafted to meet the individual needs of the pupils in the groups and context.

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Instruments Within the Project

A mixed brass set will include trumpets, cornets, flugelhorns, trombones, baritones, euphoniums and Bb Bass. Under the Wider Opportunities project, Anthony can bring a full set of mixed brass to your school, ensuring sterile, clean and well maintained provision for all pupils involved - and no storage or maintenance issues between sessions!

Course Summaries

Initial Course

The following summary gives a flavour of the initial course for whole class brass teaching. Although the initial course coverage is planned based on the fine tuning which comes from experience, the delivery will be adjusted to the bespoke needs of the individual pupils involved.

Session 1 - Introduction to Blowing

An Introduction to the brass instruments, as well as the families of the orchestra. Children learn to buzz purposefully, moving onto a mouthpiece in order to develop good sound production through buzzing, 'taa'ing a note and awareness of the muscles needed to control their obmature (mouth shapes). Children progress to hosepipes, to understand the need for good breath control and awareness of how their lungs and diaphragm can be used to improve their note making. The group play together, notes of different length, becoming more aware of counting in groups (bars) and note duration. They start to discuss short (stacatto) and long (legatto) and play notes of different length.

Session 2 - From Hosepipe to Brass Instrument

Children revise and improve their note making with both mouthpieces and hosepipes, concentrating on quality of sound production, as well as fun and team work. The brass family of instruments is compared, as children listen to and discuss each instrument, comparing size, shape, pitch and tone. During the session the teacher will identify the most appropriate instrument to each child, and hand these out. Together, the group try to play the rhythms and patterns from session one, now using an actual instrument. The class listen to 'volunteers' who are proud of their sound, and enjoy celebrating each others successes.

Session 3 - Finding a Note on My Brass Instrument

In the session the classs focus on maintaning the quality of sound produced, whilst using their mouth muscles (ombature) to play a note together. Once everyone has managed to control the tension of their lips to pitch the same note together, the children start to learn their first two notes (usually C and D), and play patterns using these new fingerings. opportunities to share and celebrate or numerous, and the chilren learn whilst enjoying the safe support of their regular classroom group around them.

Session 4 - D,E,F Patterns

Session revises posture and holding, whilst reinforcing correct buzzing and tonguing technique to produce a clear sound. The children extend their ability to play long notes whilst counting accurately whilst playing and resting. They learn the terms semibreve, minim and crotchet, and the written notes and rests. They extend their range to play B, C (For the ‘Jaws Theme’), D, E and F, and explore patterns in these notes using different note lengths and rhythm patterns. They continue to learn the piece ‘We Will Rock You’ and have fun both singing and playing parts of the song.

Session 5 -We Will Rock You

Through warm up games using notes of varying length and pitch the children revise correct technique, posture and control. The note G is learnt, and given context in the harmonics of each instrument. The children learn the remaining sections of ‘W Will Rock You’ aurally, and explore changing the form of the song by altering the line order. Through copying games they develop greater speed and flexibility moving between different fingerings/positions on their instrument.

Session 6 -C to G, Upidee

The notes C to G are consolidated and practiced through warm up games and patterns. Written notation is introduced, through rhythm clapping of notes and rests. Patterns are played on different notes, and the idea of dynamics is explored for interest. The children begin playing in group parts, focussing on listening to each other whilst playing their own part. They enjoy and consolidate ‘We Will Rock You’, and learn a new piece; ‘Upidee’ using their range of C to G.

Session 7 - A First Look at Notation

Pitch notation is introduced alongside simple rhythms, using the C to G range, with a great deal of discussion and consolidation of note placement, vocabulary and fun. Children begin learning ‘Duet and Trio’, and begin part playing using the notation to support their playing. They continue to enjoy playing their repertoire (currently ‘We Will Rock You’ and ‘Upidee’). Children develop confidence through solo and group playing.

Session 8 -...

Under review - look again soon.

Costs

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Sessions are charged at £30 per hour, and depending on location may also include travel costs (contact to enquire).

Under the Wider Opportuinities initiative and grant, your school is very likely to be able to book Anthony Lees under your annual grant allocation, making him free!