Developing Players Into Musicians

This course will study the importance of solo repertoire for middle school and high school musicians. Each week, participants will engage with a member of the Applied Wind and Percussion Faculty of VanderCook College of Music, and review well-known solo works recommended that student musicians play at various stages of development. These sessions will also cover instrument-specific warmups/techniques that students should be studying on an individual basis. Participants will gain exposure to standard and new works for each instrument that will engage their students in the areas of tone production, technique, musicianship, and artistic skills, and ultimately strengthen and advance your ensembles.

Participants will build an annotated list of solos that can immediately be applied to teaching small group lessons, solo & ensemble participation, or units of individual musicianship in the large ensemble setting, both virtual or in-person. Looking for a way to challenge your players on an individual level and learn about appropriately graded solo literature? This course will give a boost to your program and your musicians.