Reasons for offering free double bass tuition to a - new or existing- member of AUCB

This initiative allows for the ensemble to gain an additional player on an instrument that is
low in numbers as well as allowing the principal to gain experience tutoring in a reasonably
fast-paced environment. The role of the double bass in the ensemble is quite small and this
would make it less of a task for the new student to learn instead of giving them vast
amounts of music to learn in a short space of time on a more complex instrument as most
concert bad music is held notes and basic patterns that can be taught easily. This initiative
also strives to allow any musical or non-musical student an opportunity to play an
instrument that is new to them in an orchestral setting and also allows them to socialise in a
very inclusive social network.

What the initiative aims to achieve:

By allowing a member to partake in this initiative they will have a chance to play an
instrument rarely offered to pupils as well as receive free tuition on it. This can also be used
as a way to perk interest in the band as a new pupil can be gained each year or semester
depending on the commitments of the former student. In doing so the number of students
wishing to gain tutelage on the double bass may increase and therefore be of benefit to the
various bands and ensembles that are part of AUSA or part of the university itself. This also
gives non-musical students an opportunity to learn an instrument for a heavily reduced
free- the only fee being membership to the ensemble. (Lesson prices at £15p/a averaging
rehearsal at 2 hours for 16 weeks, £480 in tuition fees free per semester)

The proposed requirements:

The use of an additional university owned double bass would be required as it is unlikely
that the student owns one or could source one. The double bass would be used weekly at
rehearsals- held in Butchart- and also at intermittent sectional rehearsals in which the
student could be taught. No double bass bow would be required as this can be supplied. The
double bass would need to be transported to concert venues- Beach Ballroom – but this
would be done when percussion instruments were moved and would be safely transported.

The outcome:

The outcome of this initiative would be to give a student the opportunity to play double
bass with free tuition for the duration that they remained in the ensemble. This initiative
aims to bring attention to the double bass as an orchestral instrument as well as giving
students a chance to learn and practice new skills in a semi-professional environment. This
also gives the student a chance to increase their musical skills on an instrument that is new
to them.