AN INVESTIGATION OF NOVICE MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL BAND DIRECTORS' KNOWLEDGE OF TECHNIQUES AND PEDAGOGY SPECIFIC TO THE HORN
The purpose of this study was to determine novice middle school and high school band directors’ knowledge of techniques and pedagogy specific to the horn. Ten band directors currently teaching middle or high school band and who were in their first through fourth year of teaching were interviewed. Questions were derived from current brass methods textbooks and placed in one of the following six categories: (a) collegiate background; (b) teaching background; (c) embouchure, posture and right hand placement; (d) construction of single and double horns; (e) muted, stopped and miscellaneous horn pedagogy; (f) care and maintenance. Findings from this study indicate that novice middle and high school band directors have varying amounts of knowledge and expertise of the horn and, in general, are lacking fundamental knowledge of specific horn techniques. In addition, it appears that directors have more knowledge and understanding of concepts relating to the horn that are common to all brass instruments as opposed to concepts associated specifically with the horn.
School:Bowling Green State University
School Location:USA - Ohio
Source Type:Master's Thesis
Keywords:instrumental music education horn methods classes technique secondary instruments pedagogy brass band
Date of Publication:01/01/2006