Doctor of Musical Arts
Dr. Bret Pimentel, D. M. A.
The University of Georgia
May 9, 2009
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Woodwind Doubler Census results, part 3: education and training
More results from the Great Woodwind Doubler Census of 2011. Enjoy!
Education and training
Q: Which of these have been part of your education on woodwind instruments?
Out of 187 total respondents, every one answered this question. The complete wording of the possible responses was as follows:
- school band/orchestra program (high school or younger)
- private lessons outside of school
- summer camps, workshops, or other formal programs outside of school
- university band/orchestra program
- university/conservatory bachelors degree with concentration(s) in multiple woodwinds
- university/conservatory bachelors degree with single-instrument or other music concentration
- university/conservatory masters degree with concentration(s) in multiple woodwinds
- university/conservatory masters degree with single-instrument or other music concentration
- university/conservatory doctoral degree with concentration(s) in multiple woodwinds
- university/conservatory doctoral degree with single-instrument or other music concentration
- other university/conservatory music degree or certification
- self-taught on one or more instruments
The biggest surprise to me was the number claiming bachelors degrees in multiple woodwinds. I assume that many of these must be double majors or other oddities, since there are very few true bachelors degree programs in multiple woodwinds available.
Read More “Woodwind Doubler Census results, part 3: education and training”
Farewell: Frank Wess
Last week Frank Wess, one of the great woodwind doublers in jazz, passed away at age 91. He was best known for his years with the Count Basie band, and for being an influential figure in bringing the flute into its own as a jazz instrument.
If you’re not familiar with his playing, definitely check out “Midgets” from the Basie April in Paris album. Sometimes classically-trained flutists are quick to dismiss jazz-playing doublers, in some cases justifiably so, for failing to pay proper dues on the instrument. While Wess’s tone doesn’t fit current ideas about a “correct” classical sound, there is evidence here that he is in control of the instrument: certainly good command of finger technique (and remember, classically-trained folks, that Wess is improvising here), plus some double-tonguing, a technique common in classical flute technique but relatively rare among reed players.
Photo, Tom Marcello There is a nice tribute (with a YouTube video) at the NPR jazz blog.
Fingering diagram builder, version 0.2
Two months ago I introduced the Fingering diagram builder, something that I hoped people would find useful for quickly and easily creating fingering diagrams for woodwind instruments. Since then, something over 1,000 fingering diagrams have been downloaded, which I think is a nice start.Many of those have been saxophone fingerings, and I attribute this to some kind mentions among the saxophone-blogger community (thanks Doron, Eric, David, Neal, Alistair, and Anton!).
Now I’m pleased to announce the new-and-of-course-improved version 0.2. Go take it for a spin, or read on about the new goodies:
Go Fightin’ Okra
I am pleased to announce that this fall I will be joining the faculty of the Delta State University Department of Music. DSU is located in Cleveland, Mississippi, in the beautiful and historic Mississippi Delta region.
I had the privilege of visiting the DSU campus last month, and fell in love with the charming campus, the outstanding music faculty, the state-of-the-art performance and recording facilities, and, of course, the bright and friendly students, for whom I got to present a performance and masterclass.
I’m looking forward to getting started at Delta State, where I will teach all of the reed instruments (oboe, clarinet, bassoon, and saxophone), woodwind methods, and other music courses. Classes start August 17th! Read More “Go Fightin’ Okra”
Congrats Bret! What an accomplishment! Had I stayed with a music as a career I would have received my DMA about 20-25 years ago. Best wishes on the job hunt. And please keep your website going. It’s a great resource.