Possible Teaching Concepts
- Changing meter
- Changing key
- "Dance-like" style: playing staccato passages upbeat and light rather than clipped short.
Program Notes
Judy Plays the Tuba, Johnny Plays The Flute is a unique "companion piece" to the composer's children's book of the same title. Composer Ed Huckeby's book emphasizes the potential lifelong impact which learning to play a musical instrument can have on an individual, and dispels past stereotypes regarding choices of instruments based on gender. This musical selection, written in a dance-like style, is designed to showcase the talents of young solo musicians in a duet setting with band accompaniment.
Judy Plays the Tuba, Johnny Plays The Flute is a unique "companion piece" to the composer's children's book of the same title. Composer Ed Huckeby's book emphasizes the potential lifelong impact which learning to play a musical instrument can have on an individual, and dispels past stereotypes regarding choices of instruments based on gender. This musical selection, written in a dance-like style, is designed to showcase the talents of young solo musicians in a duet setting with band accompaniment.
Rehearsal Suggestions
One of the primary purposes of this selection (and the companion children's book of the same title) is to assist in the promotion of instrumental music education to potential young musicians. To help facilitate the recruiting of players for specific instruments, any combination of instruments can be used for the featured duet. Judy Plays The Tuba, Johnny Plays The Guitar is also a wonderful tool for showcasing "future superstars" from within your ensemble.
As in any setting with featured soloists or small ensembles, emphasis should be placed on balancing the duet instruments with the accompaniment. Make sure the type and timbre of the instruments featured are considered in determining the dynamic and acoustical adjustments necessary. For a concert or recruiting performance, the conductor may even wish to adapt the title of the piece to the students and instruments selected (i.e. "Allison Plays the Trombone, Jimmy Plays the Sax"). It is recommended that the companion book be read to the audience as a preface to the performance of this selection.
One of the primary purposes of this selection (and the companion children's book of the same title) is to assist in the promotion of instrumental music education to potential young musicians. To help facilitate the recruiting of players for specific instruments, any combination of instruments can be used for the featured duet. Judy Plays The Tuba, Johnny Plays The Guitar is also a wonderful tool for showcasing "future superstars" from within your ensemble.
As in any setting with featured soloists or small ensembles, emphasis should be placed on balancing the duet instruments with the accompaniment. Make sure the type and timbre of the instruments featured are considered in determining the dynamic and acoustical adjustments necessary. For a concert or recruiting performance, the conductor may even wish to adapt the title of the piece to the students and instruments selected (i.e. "Allison Plays the Trombone, Jimmy Plays the Sax"). It is recommended that the companion book be read to the audience as a preface to the performance of this selection.