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Hey all,

My highschool band director asked me to come back and teach a "masterclass" to the tubas of my highschool. I'm a third year Music Ed student. What should I do with the kids? I didn't want to bore them to tears about air supply and whatnot.

Thanks!

Congrats on the great opportunity! Giving a masterclass can be a lot of fun. In my experience, high school students need constant reminding of basics, such as breathing, flexibility, articulation exercises, scales, etc. Take them through some basic exercises, similar to your warm up, and really focus in on doing the simple things well. Really take your time and listen carefully, and don't feel like you have to come off as an "expert." Also, your band director may want you to actually run a sectional on some music as well. If they actually want to play some solo stuff for you, then listen carefully, and just focus in on the 1 or 2 things that stick out to you. Most of all, enjoy yourself!

I was thinking just basic stuff like that too. I was also thinking play for them maybe every other week, so I can get some more performing experience and they can also hear what a decent tuba player sounds like. Thank you guys for the input, it really makes me feel better.