Trill

by Monica Thurston
(Martinsburg, West Virginia)

Question: I am playing for an All State audition and have chosen to play Badinerie by J.S. Bach. I am questioning about the trill from G natural going down to F sharp. I would also like to know a trick for fast passages throughout his music. It would be very helpful.

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Answer: This is a great piece. I would play the G as a starting note or appoggiatura, then trill from F-sharp up to G. You can trill with the right middle finger if you find it easier than trilling with the right ring finger.

In Bach's music for flute, it's important not to play too fast, even on pieces with a fast tempo, such as an Allegro. It's better to be steady and controlled rather than frantic.

1) Try practicing with a metronome and gradually moving the speed up a notch.

2) Practice with different rhythms. For example, if you have a passage in even 16th notes, play them in dotted 16ths, so that the first of the pair is longer and the second is shorter. Then reverse it; make the first short and the second note long.

Then practice with even 16ths. You'll be amazed at how helpful this technique is.

3) Try playing the first two notes of a passage, then play the first three notes, then the first four, etc.

Then do it backwards: Play the last two notes, then the last three notes, etc.

4) Ignore the printed rhythm and play the notes in groups of three. Play them as fast as you can. Then play the rhythm correctly.

Good luck at All State!