Want to improve student performances in your large ensembles? Get them playing in chamber groups, too. Not only does performing chamber music offer a wonderful way to develop listening and cooperation skills, it also makes it impossible for that gifted but lazy student to “follow” the other members of their section. Suddenly, if they don’t play their part, no one will.
One hurdle for forming chamber groups is the lack of available instrumentation. While it might initially be tough to imagine violins and saxophones when you think of the Canadian Brass, that’s exactly what they have in mind in their flex system. The idea is that you can simply connect any five kids who are interested in playing chamber music, regardless of what instruments they play. When you do, you increase the likelihood that they will play. And that’s the whole idea.
Meet Chuck and Jeff of the Canadian Brass
But don’t take our word for it. Hear what the Canadian Brass’ Chuck Daellenbach (tuba) and Jeff Nelsen (horn) have to say about the benefits of performing in chamber groups and how the Candian Brass Flex System – now in SmartMusic – makes chamber music accessible to more young musicians than ever before.
Canadian Brass Flex System Titles in SmartMusic
Today there are eleven Canadian Brass Flex System titles in SmartMusic.
| Title | Composers/Arrangers |
| Amazing Grace | Early American; Barnes, Walter |
| Battle Hymn of the Republic | American; Barnes, Walter H. |
| Echo Carol | Traditional German; Barnes, Walter |
| Fanfare for a Maple Leaf | Canadian; Barnes, Walter H. |
| Music from the Royal Fireworks | Handel, George Frideric; Barnes, Walter |
| Ode to Joy | Beethoven, Ludwig van; Barnes, Walter |
| Saint Anthony Chorale | Haydn, Franz Joseph; Barnes, Walter |
| Sanctus | Schubert, Franz; Barnes, Walter |
| Steal Away | Spiritual; Barnes, Walter |
| Suite From Water Music | Handel, George Frideric; Custer, Calvin; Mills, Fred |
| Westminster Abbey | Purcell, Henry; Barnes, Walter |