Guided Practice Lesson 1.3

Objectives

Students will be able to:

• play a sustained consistent tone on the mouthpiece and the instrument
• alter pitch on the mouthpiece using limited pressure
• play a specific open tone on the instrument
• articulate a single pitch using legato articulation and consistency tone

Materials

• Instrument
• Metronome

Activities

1. Sizzle for sustained 4 counts, taking a one count breath. Repeat 4 times. Sizzle for sustained 8 counts, taking a one count breath.
2. Long tones on a comfortable pitch on the mouthpiece or on short instruments. Take as much time off the face as on the face. Sustain tone as long as possible with consistent tone quality. Repeat 4 times.
3. 4 counts on, 4 counts off on long tones on the instrument. Make sure that there is a clear tongued attack, steady sustain, and an open release on every tone.
4. Sirens on the mouthpiece. Hold a low pitch for 1 count, and glissando up and down to return to the original pitch. Sustain the original pitch for 1 count. Repeat 4 times.
5. One directional lip slurs on the instrument. Start on the upper partial (for most students, this will be F concert on trumpet, trombone, euphonium and tuba and C concert for horn). Hold the upper partial for 4 counts and slur down to the lower partial for 4 counts. Make sure there is continuous air between pitches and that tone is consistent. Repeat 4 times. Start on the lower partial (for most students, this will be Bb concert on trumpet, trombone, euphonium, and tuba, and A concert on horn). Hold the lower partial for 4 counts and slur up to the upper partial. Make sure to keep air continuous between notes and to avoid pinching the lips. Repeat 4 times.
6. Speak and play legato quarter notes. On a comfortable open fingering, speak 4 quarter notes on tah. Rest for 4 counts. Play for 4 counts. Make sure to keep air consistent between notes, and listen for a clear but light articulation to start each pitch. Consistency is the key for this exercise.