Beginning Band – Oboe Assignments for 10.20.2017

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Beginning Band – Oboe Assignments for 10.20.2017

Also look for the general Beginning Band post from Mr. Dan.

 

Needed materials:

  • Metronome (Not necessary until Intermediate Band, but please begin looking.)
  • Oboe neck strap to help alleviate wrist pain. Here’s the one I recommend (you may be able to find it cheaper elsewhere)

 

This Week’s Assignment:

 

STRETCHES

  • Remember to gently stretch your arms and hands at least once a day.

o    Hands flat on the wall and move down slowly until you feel the stretch. Hold for 5 seconds.

o    Sit and put your hand on a chair next to you. Tilt your head in the opposite direction until you feel the stretch. Hold for 5 seconds. Repeat with the other arm and neck in the opposite direction.

o    Put your hands together in a ‘prayer’ position. Pull hands down until you feel the stretch. Hold for 5 seconds.

o    ‘Feel the stretch’ should not equal feeling pain. Don’t stretch so hard you feel pain!

 

WORKSHEETS

  • Continue to fill out the fingering worksheet as you learn new fingerings.

 

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS BOOK 1

  • Review pp. 4-5; add pp. 6-7. (You can tackle 8-9 once you feel comfortable with 4-7).
  • Look over The Little Drummer Boy. Right now, just make sure you know what the note names and fingers are. We’ll tackle note values, dynamics, and all of the other unfamiliar stuff soon!

o    Soak your reed thoroughly! It is smart to practice with two reeds, one always soaking so you can switch when it starts to dry out.

o    Warm up with deep breaths while reed is soaking. Start with ‘in for 4 out for 4’ and work your way up to 10 in and 10 out (this will take several weeks!).

o    Practice fingerings only on the body of oboe until you’re comfortable with them. Then add reed and practice playing notes and fingerings together. Take it slowly and aim for smooth finger changes.

o    Do not practice for more than 30 minutes in one session! If you feel pain, stop. You can take a break and come back, but do not play through the pain.