University News

WIU Music Faculty Release New Works for Brass Instruments

October 3, 2024

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A pair of Western Illinois University assistant professors recently published new materials for horn and trombone players.

Jena Gardner, WIU associate professor of horn, published "Long Tone Duets for Horns" which offers an innovative approach to developing tone, technique and musical expression.

This collection, designed for horn players from high school to a professional skill level, was crafted to explore every major and minor key along with essential aspects of horn playing: the harmonic series, stopped horn hand technique, expressive lip trills and several excerpts from the standard orchestral repertoire. The book progressively expands in difficulty, providing players with a sound pedagogical approach to musical improvement.

Jett Walker, WIU assistant professor of trombone, also published a new work, "The Quintet Playbook: Effective Strategies for Amateur or Pre-Professional Brass Quintets." This text provides practical strategies and techniques for addressing various challenges and achieving success as a brass quintet.

Walker's book gives insight into how to run a successful quintet and is broken down into four sections - organization, quintet fundamentals, rehearsal techniques and communication.

To check out "Long Tone Duets for Horns," visit bit.ly/3XpdQi2.
For more information on "The Quintet Playbook: Effective Strategies for Amateur or Pre-Professional Brass Quintets," visit bit.ly/3XkVEpY.

To learn more about the WIU music program, visit wiu.edu/cofac.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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