Level One Benchmarks for Woodwind Instruments
Proper Posture, Hand Position, and Embouchure
Student plays keeping feet flat on the floor and sitting or standing up straight and tall.
Thumbs and fingers are in correct positions and fingers pressing the keys are curved.
Student uses proper formation of the lips and corners of the mouth, and correct placement
of the instrument on the lips.
Tone Quality and Intonation
Student employs proper breath support to produce a sound that is clear, consistent, and
characteristic of the instrument.
Student demonstrates basic understanding of good intonation practices.
Tempo Markings
Student has basic understanding of the following tempo markings, such as:
Andante, Moderato, and Allegro.
Meters
Student has experience playing in 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, and Cut-Time.
Rhythm
Student understands and is able to play the following note values and any
corresponding rests:
Whole notes, dotted half notes, half notes, quarter notes, eighth notes, dotted
quarter notes followed by an eighth note, and tied notes.
Articulations
Student understands and is able to read and play the following articulations:
tonguing, slurring, legato, staccato, and accent.
Dynamic markings
Student understands and is able to read and play the following articulations:
p, f, mf, crescendo, diminuendo.
Musical Signs
Student is able to recognize and play repeat signs, 1st and 2nd endings, D.C.,
D.S., and Coda.
Ensemble Playing
Student has experience playing in an ensemble and is able to play unison rhythms
and counter rhythms.
Student is able to properly count measures of rests.
Level One Benchmarks for Individual Woodwind Instruments
Flute
Student should be able to produce a long tone for of 8 beats with characteristic
tone from first space F up to two octaves. Student will adjust embouchure appropriately.
eight beats with the quarter note metronome marking (m.m.) = 60
Rhythm: Level one note and rest values in addition to sixteenth note combinations and
equivalent rests.
Student play scales up to three sharps and flats by memory and a two octave chromatic
scale.
Articulation: student is able to tongue and slur accurately according to his/her level in
method book
Oboe
Student’s playing range is from low D to high G (top of staff).
Student must use correct fingerings including the forked F.
Student can play the following one octave scales in concert keys:
F Major and G Major scales and an eight semi-tone chromatic scale
from F to C.
Bassoon
Student’s playing range is from low Bb to high Bb (two octaves).
Student can play the following one scales in concert keys:
Bb Major (two octaves) and F Major, (one octave) scales and
F chromatic scale (one octave from low F to middle F)
Saxophone
Student’s playing range is from low D to high C.
Student can play the following one octave scales in saxophone key:
G Major Scale (one octave).