The Implementation of SRU Bassoon Day to Address Gaps in Teachers' Knowledge

The bassoon is a double reed instrument that is less commonly played or studied, yet is vital to bands, orchestras, and chamber ensembles. It is important for instrumental music educators to know proper techniques in order to effectively teach the bassoon to their students. This study focuses on knowledge gaps that certified music educators who have met the requirements for teacher certification in their state- at the elementary through high school level have identified as areas in which they feel confident and areas in which they feel weak in terms of teaching the bassoon to their students. The music educators completed a survey that was open for approximately 2 weeks. The survey consisted of knowledge-based questions about bassoon pedagogy, bassoon reeds, and teaching practices about the bassoon. With the data collected, an analysis was conducted to discover knowledge gaps, information that band directors know, as well as different teaching methodologies used by band directors. With the collected data, we are hosting an SRU Bassoon Day in order to fill these knowledge gaps with guest clinicians, master classes, and bassoon repairment opportunities. This study focused on identifying the lack of knowledge about bassoon and the use of that information to plan and execute SRU Bassoon Day.