The Prospect of the Final Result of the Initial Mastering of the Instrument as an Innovative Approach in the Methodology of Teaching Baritonists

Abstract

The article is devoted to the origin, classification and development of the euphonium, baritone (baritonghorn) and tenor (tenorhorn). The features of their scales are described, tips on learning to play these instruments are given. Descriptions of how to hold German-design valve baritones and pump-action euphoniums (as well as similar straight-bell pump-action baritones) are presented. In addition, in general terms, it is told about the principles of the formation of the assembled embouchure, about the setting of performing breathing, about the coordination of respiratory elements with articulation. To develop and strengthen the embouchure of baritone players, the article presents special exercises. Pedagogical innovation in teaching to play the baritone and the instruments built by it is regulated in the theoretical understanding of the whole complex of the main tasks facing the novice performer. The authorʼs method of teaching opens up the perspective of the final result of the initial mastering of the instrument for beginner baritone players. First of all, this is the simultaneous formation of basic skills, as well as the development of the range, not only with the help of a gradual chromatic “advanceˮ upwards, but also by moving through the overtones within each combination of pumps or valves in a sequence corresponding to a decrease in the positions of the trombone backstage (from I to VII). Thanks to this technique, the student can simultaneously master two instruments at once – both the trombone and the tenor/baritone/euphonium, correlating the positions of the trombone with combinations of valves or pumps of the baritone and similar instruments. The purpose of this article is to help beginner baritone players and teachers of the trombone and baritone class to understand the classification of the most commonly used instruments that are officially or conditionally part of the saxhorn family, to study the features of their transposition, to correlate combinations of tenor, baritone and euphonium pumps and valves with trombone positions.