7th/8th grade MTSBOA All-Midstate Videos Fall 2019

40 Progressive Etudes for Trombone by Hering – p. 32, #30 – beginning to m 16

This etude is marked at quarter = 120 in the current edition of the sheet music, but is marked at quarter = 92-120 in the MTSBOA guidelines.  I find that playing this at 120 may be a bit fast for clarity, while playing it at 92 can cause players to be a bit heavy with their articulations.  I have chosen to record this at quarter note = 104 to demonstrate a more middle of the road choice for tempo and style.

Given a choice between hearing a performance that is faster and not as clean versus a performance that is technically and musically more satisfying at a slower tempo, the judges will choose the slower, more musical performance every time!

Melodious Etudes for Trombone by Rochut – p. 2, #2 – beginning to m 17 (fermata)

This etude is marked at quarter = 90 and works well as a lyrical phrasing study in contrast to the Hering technical etude.

When you are playing this, be sure to use long notes to make a difference in articulation between this exercise and the previous example.  Even though it is marked piano, don’t be afraid to play loud enough for a full comfortable sound.  Follow the shape of the lines as you play and don’t be afraid to use some rubato to help allow for time to breathe.

Be careful not to cut the length of the eighth note on beat 2 of m 5, and beat 2 of m 13 when you breathe.  Play a full length note to allow the phrase to finish before you go on.  You also may need to be flexible with your tempo to allow for your breath during  the crescendo in m 15.

If you find your connection between notes to be too stiff, I suggest buzzing this (and anything else you play).  Try to glissando between the pitches when you buzz so that you keep your air support relaxed and constant.

Watch this video for how I smooth out the articulation of the first few measures.