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  Jeff Barbee

Tools for the Trade

Breathing & Warm ups
Without good air, it is impossible to produce a good sound and even good technique. Great playing begins with great air flow. Watching my video below are participate to begin learning vital breathing habits.
This etude is a one-stop shop to warm-up. Best played after long tones. This etude takes exactly 5 minutes and will test range, flexibility, articulation, multiple tonging, and some difficult rhythms. This etude is not recommended for beginners.
5minutewarmup.pdf
File Size: 195 kb
File Type: pdf
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Flexibility
With only 3 or 4 values (maybe 5 or 6 for tuba players), being able to move fluidly up and down the register requires great flexibility. The foundation of this ability is air.  After ensuring that we have developed good breathing habits in a relaxed environment, implement them in one of my flexibility etudes. Start slow to reinforce good habits and learning the piece correctly, over time gently increase the tempo.
barbeelipslurs1.pdf
File Size: 107 kb
File Type: pdf
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lipslursdrill.pdf
File Size: 94 kb
File Type: pdf
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In my teaching, I believe that range builds with air flow and flexibility. Do not force yourself into "squeaking," or producing tones that are unpleasant to hear. Use the etude below to gradually increase your range. Do yourself a favor, forget the "no pain, no gain" mantra. 
high range etude #1
File Size: 102 kb
File Type: pdf
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Solo Selection and Preparation
The Solo Repertoire book covers 12 solos, ranging from easy high school to early college. These solos can be found on many state solo contest lists. This document will coach you through how to prepare for the solo, and provide exercises to practice, and a correlating etude to help advance your skills. There is also a chapter in the beginning to explain the neuroscience of how and why effective practice methods work. The solos covered in this volume include: Air on a G String; Saradanda and Gavotta; Apres Un Reve; Canzonette; Sweet Besty Suite; The English Suite; Suite in A-Flat; Andante and Allergo; Arioso Gloria; Concert Piece; Rhapsody; and Lyric Suite.
The source Review file, is a document that reviews some useful resources that all euphonium and low brass players should be familiar with.
Solo Repertoire Vol. 1
File Size: 10965 kb
File Type: pdf
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source review
File Size: 28 kb
File Type: docx
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Ear Training and Clef Study
Playing in tune is an important skill to have no matter if you are performing as an individual or in a large ensemble. Training your ear should be a priory every time you play your instrument. Be sure to use a tuner, take note of your tendencies. Study chord tendencies, such as the intervals of a major 3rd and perfect 5th and know how to appropriately adjust. One sure way to improve your ear, sing at the piano. I have written a small etude that has a drone pitch in the background. Transpose this etude to practice in multiple keys. For advanced players, try to use multiphonics to sing the higher pitches in tune.
Use this drone for the ear training exercise of Thirds and Fourths. Alternate between playing the base B-flat, and D's or E-flats. Then play the drone pitch while humming the third of fourth.
As a euphonium players, life is easier when you can read both clefs fluently. Listen to my video and use my clef study etude to begin this journey. With some diligent practice, you will be playing in both clefs in no time.
Clef Study #1
File Size: 88 kb
File Type: pdf
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  • Home
  • About
  • Resources
  • ILMEA Presentation
  • Conference Presentations
  • The Four Horsemen
  • Contact
  • Classroom Teaching resources
  • Study with Jeff and help a good cause!
  • Recordings