Studio Class Guidelines and Calendar of Events

Fall 2009

Mondays at 6pm

Fine Arts 254

As with lessons, attendance in studio class is crucial. If you are unable to attend for medical or other critical reasons, please provide me with documentation to excuse your absence within one week of the date you are gone. Otherwise, the same attendance policy we use in lessons applies here: two unexcused absences will result in the lowering of your final grade by one letter; three or more such absences will result in a failing grade.

Formats will vary; some weeks will be performance-intensive, others will revolve around discussions or special topics. We will generally warm up together on scales and tone every week, so you should all have your flutes with you for each class. Please be prepared to take notes in class, and bring scores of the pieces to be studied whenever possible. Chances are, the pieces one of you performs this semester will be studied by many more of you in the future. If you are scheduled to perform, you are responsible for bringing your own accompanist as necessary. And of course, treat performances seriously–this includes not only playing well, but exercising appropriate rules of dress and decorum. You are practicing the art of performing, not just playing through things in front of your classmates.

Studio class is a time to work on group projects (scales, for instance), help each other learn material by modeling and presenting to each other, practice and reinforce our performance skills, and support each other as colleagues. An audience comprised entirely of flute players might be the toughest group you’ll ever play for, but it should also be the most rewarding. You are not just students in this class, but professionals-in-training. If you have questions, concerns, or suggestions for topics or format of classes, please do not hesitate to communicate these to me.

Schedule for Fall 2009 (subject to change as necessary):

August 24: Welcome back!  Review of studio policies and masterclass on orchestra placement excerpts

August 31: music by women composers: performances of Higdon, Hoover, and Chaminade

September 7: Labor Day -- no class

September 14: Tone and breathing masterclass for all!

September 21: Scale class for all

September 28: Open Masterclass: sign up with Dr. Riner

October 5: Piccolo masterclass: sign up with Dr. Riner

October 12: Etude Day: all participate (expect this class to run late)

October 19: Avante-garde music: sign up with Dr. Riner

October 26: Guest recital/masterclass

November 2: Flute choir reading session

November 9: No class: flute student recital at 7pm in Auditorium

November 16: Rhythm class: bring Robert Starer rhythm workbooks

November 23:  Performance of jury pieces with pianists in studio class: graduate and upperclass students

November 30: Performance of jury pieces with pianists in studio class: freshmen and sophomores

**Tuesday, December 8: Woodwind Juries