Working alongside Benjamin Sampayan and Courtney Kuhn for this performance, we decided on playing Brahms Theme from Symphony No. 1. We didn’t have any reason as to why we choose it, but simply just broke ourselves into this group, popped out any Bb instruments and just went with it! As a group, I felt like we did real well in communicating and helping eachother out. Neither one of us held the “leader” role but instead, passed it all around at one point or another. It was a great set up due to the fact that Courtney (originally a sax player) was playing a brass instrument and Ben and I (brass players) switched over to clarinet. With that, Courtney was able to help us out when needed, and Ben and I were able to help her out as well. During our rehearsal practices, we mainly ran through spots that were often difficult for us and then would usually run it once or twice when rehearsal was given during class, leaving us to be able to go home and practice whatever it was that was bothersome to us (fingerings, biting, etc.). Over all, I would say we split about half the time on individual practice and the other half together.

My biggest challenge speaking on a more personal level, was trying not to bite into my reed. I have always had a hard time with woodwind instruments in producing a strong sound that doesn’t sound pinched in any way. My main goal all throughout this process was to produce a solid tone, which I believe I did decently well in achieving. Although I squeaked a few times during the performance, I was able to fix it and adjust quickly, which was a huge step for me!

Over all, all of the feedback we received was highly beneficial. Regardless if it was from the comment sheets or rubrics we received back to Dr. Sullivan giving up tips on how to help improve x, y, and x, it all fell together at the end, resulting in a solid performance with a few minor mistakes!

I believe this is a great step in having student branch out and do their own thing. In doing something like this, regardless of the age group, this simple lesson can really help a student expand their knowledge and try something new, especially if they decide to compose something on their own, use a different instrument, or work with other people. In any setting, something is being learned and achieved, and having performances like this make each and every student feel special compared to having a huge concert with everyone playing the same concert band pieces. This activity promotes learning at every level, and can raise a student’s musical ability to something that no one may expect!