Getting familiar with picc

[awangii]

Hello all,

I got a picc recently and was looking for a good progression of literature if I want to build my high chops over the next few months. It's been a while since I consistently had access to a picc, and was hoping that you all had some recommendations for pieces to help me get back in the game.

I've seen some videos recommending simple flute/oboe sonatas to work on sound and consistency. Is that a good idea, or would some piccolo-specific repertoire be better for that?

For reference, I don't have the greatest range in the world (maybe practicing on the little horn consistently will help). My lead playing is mediocre, and most of my rep doesn't go higher than concert C. But with Rite of Spring on the distant horizon, I'd like to be prepared...

[CNYTrumpet]

I don't profess to be the greatest pic player but from my teaching & playing experience, I find the pic only amplifies whatever deficiencies a player has on their everyday horn. I have had success, again in my own playing and teaching, getting a student comfortable with the pic by playing the songs from the Art of Phrasing in the Arban's. Play in both B flat and A. Many of the other sections of the Arbans work well for getting comfortable on the pic as well. I find students are often in too much of a rush to jump right into solo literature. It'll be there but focus on fundamentals first. Good luck.

[Don Herman rev2]

Getchell 1 & 2, transpose/take up an octave.

Arban, anything, again take up an octave and work progressively through the exercises.

Some classic picc books with history, style, and tunes are the pair of Webster books and two Hickman books. There is also a newer picc book that I need to get by Collins, I think (?)

HTH - Don
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"After silence, that which best expresses the inexpressible, is music" - Aldous Huxley

[awangii]

Sound advice all around. Thanks to the both of you!