[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]

Re: exercises for band

To: brass-band@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: exercises for band
From: Mark Strykowski <strykow@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Sun, 01 Dec 1996 10:17:11 +1000
Priority: low
Reply-to: brass-band@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

G'day Bob Sadler,

I believe that the sort of improvements you are searching for should come
from the musical director. The MD should embark on a program of selective
music to improve the apparent deficiencies of the group. With any community
band you will have a mixture of abilities and it is essential to build up
the confidence of the players in their own ability. Once an environment for
responsive banding is constructed then the MD should only need to apply his
knowledge to the situation and thereby work on any problems. Bands should
all work on tuning, articulations, etc., but this can be achieved through
proper rehearsal structure allowing for suitable warm-ups. These would get
the band working as a group on aspects of articulations, tuning, remote key
areas, phrasing, tone, dynamics etc. After some suitable warm-ups (at the
minimum perhaps playing hymns in the keys of the other music to be
practised) the band should then be ready, both physically and mentally, to
rehearse major repertoire and to "fix" areas that are appear to be bad.
Throughout the rehearsal the MD should always be picking up on things that
are wrong- tuning, phrasing, etc - and the MD should keep correcting until a
standard required is attained. 

Never loose sight of your goals and objectives. Why do we contest? Why do we
put on extra rehearsals at contest times? Why do we play harder music? What
do the members of our band want to achieve with their banding? Are we happy
with playing good music poorly? .......

You mention that you have a band "with wide variation in abilities" - why
not use some of your best players to model (demonstrate) desired
articulations and phrasing etc. Remember that hard work and dedicated
attendance and concentration at rehearsals are the main ingredients of all
successful bands.

If all else fails and no matter how hard you (and the MD) try to improve the
standard of the band and all avenues are exhausted ...... you could always
join another band :)   !!!

Best of luck,
Regards,

Mark Strykowski
MD City of Holroyd Brass
Sydney, Australia


--
unsubscribe or receive the list in digest form, mail a message of 'help' to
listserv@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Prev by Date: Young Ambassadors of Great Britain
Next by Date: Music Catalogue Software... ?
Previous by thread: exercises for band
Next by thread: exercises for band
Index(es):
- Date
- Thread