Sydney Conservatorium:

Register now for MIFB 2010, we are seeking funding agian but is not a gurantee.

Brass Esnembles for 2010 Watch this Space!!!

Tubas and Euphos should register for the competions at ITEC in Arizona, USA recordings due Feb, Conference in May

Trumpets get ready for ITG in July 2010!!

Further INFORMATION FOR STEVE’S BRASS CHAMBER TO BE UPDATED.....(current in 2009 info)

Enrolling and Basic Guidelines:
www.tubamania.com/conbrass.htm  on the chamber music page, or directly at http://www.music.usyd.edu.au/CS/courseinfo/chammre.shtml If problems occur you must email to d.miller@usyd.edu.au and s.rosse@usyd.edu.au cc steve@tubamania.com .
2) Music: If you would like to work on a piece of music that is not in the library, contact the library or Steve to put in a purchase request.

 SIX (or more) TUTORIALS ARE REQUIRED:
*All groups must arrange at least six tutorials with assigned brass faculty for a minimum pass well in advance.
*Steve would like to hear all groups using tubas in at least six tutorials throughout the semester wt Steve (but will only claim for three so you can have three tutorials with other brass faculty), and it is encouraged to have a minimum of three more tutorials with other brass faculty. 
*It is expected that groups rehearse one-two hours each time between tutorials!!
*Monday mornings from 8:00am are the default chamber music hours at the Con, so plan ahead and have an early night on Sunday, and Steve will be available to hear two groups every Monday morning 8:00-10:00 and Kinmont from 9:00am.. Steve will schedule other times as well outside of Monday mornings but are only for groups that have already come in for a Monday morning tutorial.
*Groups must be pro-active in seeking chamber music tutorials from the beginning of semester and must book in early with your tutor, or risk failing if six tutorials not completed. REQUIRED

ALL GROUPS TO PLAY in the End of Semester Brass Chamber Music Concert as this concert will act as “the official seminar”.  It is encouraged that all groups also play in an earlier brass chamber music seminar plus at least one outside gig as organized by David Miller see below for further information …

Brass Chamber Music Seminars:  
FOUR Brass Chamber Music Seminars will be scheduled each semester leading up to the end-of-semester Brass Chamber Music Concert.  If a major work is being studied it is encouraged to play that work in the seminars and in the Final Concert, and in the case of lighter works, performing new repertoire at each opportunity is encouraged. 

Outside Performances:
Rosse encourages all his groups to sign up for at least one outside performance. Let’s get Con Brass in every community event that Mr. Miller Organizes!!! Sign up for as amaniy outside perforomances as possible.

Special Projects Week:
Is often dedicated to chamber music so get in as many rehearsals, tutorials and performances in this time as possible in this week!!!

END OF SEMESTER Brass Chamber Music Concert: 
A Brass Chamber Music Concert will be organized for the end of the semester in which all brass chamber music groups will perform, total two-three hours so some groups may not perform entire works.

Marking:
You must submit your completed chamber music form to David Miller before the  the end-of -semester Brass Chamber Music Concert, wt a copy handed to or emailed to s.rosse@usyd.edu.au cc steve@tubamanina.com .  Forms are located outside Miller’s door, or by email request from Steve (will be available on the conbrass website soon).
***In addition to the marking guidelines as prescribed on the University' website and in the handbook, Steve Rosse will mark his groups as follows:
The final mark will be determined by how active the group had been throughout the semester,  and a final mark will be given at the end of semester concert.  Rosse will Scores for seminars and outside performances will be averaged in by Rosse ONLY IF HIGHER THAN THE end of year concert mark.  Consideration will be greatly influenced by the group's professionalism, preparedness, etc.  Each staff member who tutors the group and David Miller will have an input to the final mark. 

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Sydney Conservatorium Tuba Class  Guidelines 2009
Contract between student and teacher (Steve)
(as of 05/09 and approved by K Walker, cc to A Evans. P Shipway and David Miller)

1) What is expected of the student

  2) What the student is to expect from Steve

  3) Tuba Classes
(Basics, Solo Class/ Excerpt Class)

  4) Piano Accompaniment & Solo Work

  5) Orchestral Excerpts

  6) Chamber Music

  7) Tuba Quartet (s)

  8) Large Ensemble Placements

  9) Recital Attendance

  10) Lessons & Make-ups

  11) Constant Improvement/ Behaviour

What is expected of the student:

1) Students are expected to show respect for all students and staff, and when problems occur to speak in privately to Steve in order to explore the most effective way to resolve problems.  No "behind-the-back" negativities will be tolerated and problem solving must be done professionally with maturity and respect.  So far we have not had problems in this area and would like to keep it so.

2) Older and/or more experienced students (known as "sempai" in Japanese in the case of older) are to serve as mentors to the newer or younger less advanced students, helping them improve and being kind and welcoming to the new students.  The new and younger("kohai" in Japanese) or less advanced students are expected to show respect for the older or more advanced students, assisting them when asked and to treat them as a mentors, and to attend their performances around town when possible including Sinfonia, AOBO, SSO, Sydney Brass, etc.

3) The student must have a clear understanding of the requirements of their course, and a course handbook will be made available in the tuba room, and each student must pro-actively join all classes and ensembles to fulfill the degree requirements.  When questions/ confusions arise on the course (and there will be) email to Steve wt cc to Andrew Evans.  Info is also on the Con/ university website, but we all know the site is rather tough to navigate and rather unclear, so the handbook hardcopy can be consulted.

4) All tuba students are required to attend all tuba classes  and all recitals of fellow tuba students ( unless attendance is not possible due to either a required course / exam at the university, professional work such as Sinfonia, Military Band, AOBO, SSO, Sydney Brass, youth orchestra commitments such as AYO, SYO, or illness in which a note from the doctor is required.)  Last-minute essay writing or  homework  are not  excuses to miss tuba class or recitals/ concerts  of fellow students.

5) Students are expected to sign up and complete 14 hours of private lessons wt Steve each semester. Sign-ups on the day not allowed.  Lessons are not arranged by phone, sms or email, only by the hard-copy sign-up sheet.

6) Students are expected to audition for the concerto comp, AYO and sinfonia , and advanced students must apply for solo competitions such as ABC Young Performers and 2MBS.

 What is expected of the teacher (Steve)

1) Steve is to provide a teaching schedule for the entire semester before the start of school each semester, and to provide lesson sign- up sheets at least one month in advance

2) Steve will help each student create and strive for goals beyond graduation such as further study overseas or a placement in a job.

3)  Steve is expected to constantly increase his  teaching expertise and energy levels to new heights.

4) Steve is to shout the end-of-year party (haha!)

5) Steve is expected to get the Con library to order EVERY possible tuba piece so please assist Steve wt ideas!!!

Tuba Class (es)

1) IN 2009 ,Tueday. tuba classes will introduce a new schedule, with solo class wt piano from 4:30-5:30 (possibly inc some basics) , and excerpts/ basics from 8:00-9:00pm.  Students are required to bring their assigned accompanists to the 4:30 session when possible as per class signup sheet, and at other times we will employ a local pianist and share the costs.

2)  Students are expected to bring snacks / packed suppers wt them so no time is lost between band/ orchestra and tuba classes. We will enjoy a half hour break for most students between 5:30 and 6:00 Large Low Brass Ensemble.   Steve will be happy to join students for light dinner/ drinks  together following class 9pm-ish  , which may be a good time to talk and set goals etc, have a drink and enjoy each other's company

2) Attendance to all tuba classes is required to 9pm (longer if in tuba quartet) except in clashes of other university courses/ exams, youth orchestras, professional work, or sickness (wt doctor certificate).  Again , doing homework / going to parties or meeting mates at the pub, or last -minute essays are NEVER  excuses to miss class or leave early.

Piano Accompaniment/ Solo Work:

1) It is required that all tuba students, if qualified, enroll in the "recital preparation course". 

2) Students must decide recital programs and give piano music to the piano faculty in the FIRST WEEK of the semester, and each student must keep a copy of the piano scores for study purposes, so think NOW what you want to play for semester 1 2009 recitals and get your piano music sorted early.

3) The student must bring the pianist to one lesson and one solo tuba class (4:30 on tuesdays)  in the every month of the semester

4) The student must perform all recital works in tuba class wt piano prior to the recital even if it means hiring an outside pianist.

5) All work wt piano must be recorded by the student and studied wt. the piano score.

6) It is expected of all students to apply for the annual Concerto Competition.

7) All students, , if involved in a community band,  should compete in the annual Nationals and State Solo Competitions.

8) Advanced students (inc all year- 4 and post grads) should apply for the ABC Young Performers and regular international competitions (pending affordability) such as ITEC , Markneukirchen, MIFB, etc.   All competitions will be lised at www.tubamania.com 

Orchestral Excerpts:

1) All major excerpts must be performed by memory at tuba class, except for the students in their first semester of study at the Con.

2) A live mock audition will conclude semester- 1   each year which will determine Con orchestra rostering for second semester

3) A recorded audition on CD will be required at the end of each year, to determine rostering for Con orchestra the following semester.  No CD by the end-of -year tuba class party means no orchestra, no excuses!  Incoming students may submit a CD by post to Steve to be received  by Jan 1, but is not required.

4) Regular mock auditions will be held prior to AYO, Sinfonia , professional orchestra etc.  auditions, and all students are required to audition for AYO and Sinfonia every year.

5) Excerpts will be scheduled in tuba class usually in the 8pm time

6) Advanced students are expected to take professional orchestra auditions, esp all auditions from any international orchestra where a first round is conducted by CD recording

Chamber Music:

1) Students are expected to consult the handbook and Con website for their requirements in regards to chamber music, but all should participate even if not required.  All questions due to confusion (and there will be!!) need to be directed by email to David Miller, and cc'd to Steve and Andrew Evans. 

2) Students are expected to pro-actively form their own groups but you will have ALL ASSISTANCE/ inc ideas and contacts from Steve in this process.

3) Tuba students enrolled in chamber music are suggested to request Steve as the tutor when enrolling through David Miller, and those who have Steve as the tutor are expected to meet with their groups WEEKLY Monday from 8:30AM to 10:00, every teaching week, (one group may need to meet at 8:00) no excuses (except AYO, Sinfonia, illness wt doctors certificate), or get another tutor.  Monday morning is usually the default chamber music time at the Con. Steve can take 3 groups full time or 6 groups shared wt another tutor, or a combination of both so get your requests in ASAP!!!!!!!!

4) By the end of the first month of the semester, each chamber music group wt Steve as a tutor must have formalized a plan for two performances (or one and a CD), and a seminar if required.

5) All Rosse chamber music coachings will be 8:30-10:00 am Mondays, visiting each group for 30 minutes or so , 90 minute sessions for each group.

6) If enough brass players are willing to attend Monday morning 8am wt Steve, we can all begin wt a basic group brass warm-up at 8am and share wt other brass staff!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tuba Quartets/ Tuba Chamber Group(s)

1) Will meet at the end of tuba class on Tuesdays 30 mins per week and will otherwise follow the rules of Chamber music  above.

Large Ensemble Placements

1) Orchestra: placements are described above in "orchestral excerpts"

2) Large Low Brass Ensemble: Most will need to sign up for  Large Low Brass Ensemble(6:00-8:00 Tues pm between tuba classes)  and members form Wind Band and Orchestra are invited to come into LLBE as soon as they are free from Band/ Orch.  Placement into LLBE will be based on senority..

3) Wind Band: For undergraduates only, 2 tuba players will go to wind Band, beginning wt youngest that have not yet had  the wind band experience,  and rotate so each student will hopefully only play in this group one semester to one year only of their entire career at the Con, hopefully, depending on the next year's intake.

4) Modern Music Ens:  Often a tuba will be required for a piece or two so Steve will nominate a player from LLBE to go to MME when tuba is required, students keen to play in this group can volunteer, let Steve know.

Recital/ Concert  Attendance

1) All tuba students are required to attend ALL tuba, euphonium, and bass trombone recitals at the end of each semester unless you will perform later that same day.  No excuses, so plan in advance and be well- caught up in your own recital preparation and school work/ exam study.  A timetable of recitals will be posted well in advance.   Last-minute recital scheduling/ changes may be missed.  Other acceptable excuses to miss include the same list of excuses to miss tuba class (AYO, Sinfonia, University exam, professional MUSIC performances/rehearsals,  or doctor cert.)

2) In addition to attending all tuba recitals, all tuba student must attend all graduating trombone recitals, and one recital each of horn, trumpet, woodwind, string, and voice or piano. Programs must be submitted to Steve and recital attendance will bear part of your end-of semester teacher's mark.  Also keep up to date wt professional orchestral/ brass concerts and attend.

Lessons/ Make-ups:

1) Lesson sign-up sheets will be made available outside the tuba room door at least one month in advance for lesson signups. 

2) Students are expected to fulfill 14 lessons per semester

3) All lessons cancelled due to Steve (SSO etc) ,  or cancelled by other student urgent requirements will be made up.

4)  Lessons cancelled by students due to medical reasons or last minute professional opportunities  will be made up.

5)  Lessons missed for personal reasons or time mis-management on the students part (ie skipping a lesson due to last minute essay writing or cramming for exams etc,) will not be made up.

Constant Improvement/ Outside Conference Participation/

Drugs & Booze:

1) It is expected that all of us in the class, teacher included, strive constantly improve our levels playing and professionalism, and your teacher Steve is ever-learning with ears wide open, yearning for suggestions and recommendations in order to make the tuba class and the SCM a better place for us all each semester so every student is urged for input and suggestions!!

2) Students are suggested to take as many travel opportunities as possible, attending international tuba brass events as much as affordable

3) All Students are to attend Melbourne International Festival of Brass, if possible wt work/ university obligations, and finances will not be an excuse to miss this wonderful annual event..  A full festival pass is not required but students are expected to meet, listen to, and learn from the tuba guest artists at this festival every year.  Again MIFB info is listed at www.tubamania.com

**We are a DRUG FREE Tuba Class so keep your bodies totally drug-free when attending the university, and when representing the university/ conservatorium in outside musical activities such as youth orchestra activities and professional orchestras, bands, chamber music groups. Alcohol is ok only AFTER, but never BEFORE any university related orabove-mentioned activites.

THESE GUIDELINES approved by K Walker 2/09, and cc to Andrew Evans , David Miller (chamber music, piano accompaniment) and Paige S (Large Ensembles)