2006 All State Band - Bassoon

Music Samples

• 22
• 41

Hints from Dr. Kevin Schilling

I think the most important point I can make is this: don't try to do anything you can't do that results in a performance that does not sound good. For instance you must choose tempos you can play accurately, and you must breathe often enough, not just to survive, but to play with good control as well!

Bassoon 22

My tempo on this is in the upper 90's. Any faster than that and you don't have time to emphasize anything. Notice on the recording that I stretch notes, and accent notes, here and there for emphasis so this isn't just a mechanical feat.

Slurring is peculiar on the bassoon. If you consistently have problems with an interval, chances are there is a fingering trick that will solve the problem. Flicking is required in to the following notes:

• M. 3, A, 2nd to last note in the measure.
• 3rd A in m. 5.
• Last note (A) in m. 6 (The slur is intended to go through this note.)
• 3rd C in m. 12
• Both top-line A's in m. 13
• 3rd to last note (A) in m. 17
• A in m. 18
• First A in m. 22.

The G-E slurs in m. 12 and m. 19 will require you to either play E without the right index finger, or use the right index finger but flick with the C# key (left thumb, the key above the whisper key). I prefer the later solution; it always works if you don't hit any other keys by mistake.

Bassoon 41

Try to be very sensitive with this etude; be aware of the way you begin and end every note and play with a bit of freedom with the tempo rather than mechanically. Playing with the metronome will not result in a musical rendition of this piece. (Although practicing with the metronome is always a good idea!)

Because of the key, there are many demands on your fingering technique in this piece.:

• Trill B-C# (m. 10 & m. 34): add the pancake key (low E) to the regular B fingering and trill with the left ring finger
• Any time you have A# next to F#, use the right pinkie F# key. In m. 26 for G#-F#-A#, I slide the right pinkie from the G# key, to the F# key. "Grease" your pinkie by rubbing it on your nose or forehead and it will slide around much easier. (Really; this is a trick used by professionals.)
• Always use the forked fingering for D#/Eb in the staff (not the fingering with the left thumb C# key - this will make it stick out.
• Flicking: we lucked out on this one; none is required!!

If you have questions, email me, and I'll try to get back to you soon! GOOD LUCK!
  Dr. Kevin Schilling