Charles West - Woodwind Methods

This book was designed for use in a one or two semester heterogeneous college woodwind methods class or as a quick reference manual for school band and orchestra directors. It provides concise descriptions including instrument similarities and differences, breath support, reed adjustment and transposition. Includes:

• Instrument assembly, embouchure, hand position and articulation

• Carefully detailed fingering charts with clearly detailed primary fingerings and explanation of selected alternate fingerings and trill fingerings

• Progressive musical exercises/compositions, often harmonized, to allow students to learn new fingerings at aneven pace while enjoying the ensemble sound

• Advanced concepts: alternate fingerings, vibrato, flicking, and multiple articulation

• Trouble shooting for mechanical or reed problems, repair and maintenance

• Recommendations for selecting: Reeds, Mouthpieces & ligatures, Instruments, Method books and study literature, Constructing a basic woodwind “toolbox”