Abstract
Statement of the Problem Current band curriculum does not address the needs and difficulties of trombone playing, which can lead to loss of interest or burnout from students. Elementary music programs meet as little as once a week, which further compounds the issue of an outdated band curriculum.
Purpose of the Project The reason for the creation of The Beginner’s Guide to Trombone is to help and instruct trombone players in their pursuit of success and enjoyment of music. As an elementary music educator for the past six years, I have noticed problems with the “current” method books being employed. The problems I encounter most are out-of-date curriculum within the method books, and out-of-date expectations with elementary music. Some method books were created when music was more widely available and taught, whereas now there are some programs who receive music once a week. Another goal of The Beginner’s Guide to Trombone is to remedy the problems in a more thoughtful, innovative manner for students to find their own success.
Project Description The Beginner’s Guide to Trombone will focus on the following: breathing, trombone assembly and care, generating a buzz on the mouthpiece, the partial series, scales, notation (both rhythmic and melodic), and tonguing. Through performance exercises, trombone players will develop muscle memory, pitch recognition, expressive elements of music, and the ability to read notation.