Brass Band Logo

NJH Music Logo

Some of the contents of the pages on this site are Copyright © 2016 NJH Music
[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]

Re: alternative instrument for a horn player

On 23 Apr, <brassman@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> All sections of a brass band  are made up in "fours" except for the
> trombones..... 

> (4) tubas

All play in unison, or octaves or 5ths.

> (2) euphs& (2) Bar.

Not a matched section.

> flugel & (3) horns

Not a matched section, but it can work, just as well as flugel and 3 troms.

> (4) solo cornets

Usually written in unison or octaves, very rarely in 4 part voicings.

> (4) back row cornets (2) 2nds & (2) 3rds.  

Most often in 2 parts, never 4. For a 4 part voicing it is usual to use
all solos, 2nds and 3rds, 2 players on each part. Back row are best
dovetailed with front row.

> The Sop and Rep are there for range, strength, support and colour.

The Sop is certainly useful in a solo capacity, or to support the top
cornets, or extend the range a further octave.

I have however never understood the need for a Repiano. It has no more
range than the other 8 players. It has no different colour to the other 8.
As a solo instrument, it can only do what one of the other 8 might do just
as well. It's only useful function is to double up the melody, which the
soprano does anyway, or counterpoint line.

This position could easily be sacrificed for a 2nd flugelhorn. This would
create another quartet of matched instruments in the band (2 flugels and 2
euphs).     

> So one more trombone would be ideal.

I agree.

>  As far as adding flugels, there is no reason why the back row cornets
> couldn't double on flugels which would enhance the tone colour of the
> brass band. It would create a beautiful texture especially with 4
> flugels in unison, and 5... if you include the regular flugel.

Again, I agree, and I might add that flugels voiced in 4 parts is a really
wonderful sound too. 

> Brass bands still haven't utilized mutes to their best advantage.  Many
> brass band players still don't know how to blow through mutes.

Many brass bands don't have the mutes that arrangers would like to use.
Cups, harmons, plungers and buckets for cornets; cups, plungers and
buckets for trombones.

> There is no place for french horns... They don't blend with the flugel
> as a section and can be over bearing.  

They don't need to blend with the flugel. The whole point of using F horns
would be to add contrast, something that the brass band sorely lacks. The
symphony orchestra has more contrast than any other kind of band, but
there is no problem with balance in a well rehearsed orchestra. Even
instruments like oboe and bassoon, which are almost impossible to blend
with anything else find a place in the ensemble, and they are great as
solo instruments. The F horns blend so well that they can combine with any
other section of the orchestra. 

> I have written several things for The River City Brass Band (all pros)
> and there is always a balance problem.  If you want to use trumpets and
> french horns then just start a brass ensemble. If you want to add bass
> and guitar then start a big band.

In my experience as a writer, I have found than many brass bands wish to
achieve a big band sound. This could be achieved much more successfully 
with a four trombone team and rhythm bass. Admittedly, you can stick a
baritone horn (or 2) on the 3rd part (or 2nd and 4th parts) to make a
quasi trombone section, but it's not as successful as the real thing. And
there isn't a tuba player alive that can get an authentic feel on a
pizzicato bass part. It just ain't built that way.   

> Why tamper with an already good (and established) sound.  And if you
> want to hear a standard brass band play jazz at it's best, then listen
> to Brass Band of Battle Creek.... Before you go changing things....
> learn  how to produce the sound and play the concept..... and learn to
> "swing".  Brass Band of Battle Creek is the "proof of the pudding" that
> it can be done. In the U.K., the only band I have heard that comes close
> to the proper concept has been Grimethorpe.

Yes, Grimethorpe is one of the bands that I have written for in big band
style and they do it very well.

> And besides, publishers of brass band music will never ever change. No
> money in it for them. I have never come out of a fantastic concert after
> hearing Black Dyke or any other good band and said ... Gee... I wish
> there were two flugels or 4 trombones.....

I can't argue with that.

> There is an expression in America... "If it aint broke, don't fix it"

> Mark Freeh (New York City)

Cheers Mark. It's been a fun argument (or should I say discussion)?

Adrian

-- 
  ____    _ _
 /    \ _| (_)___   _____ ADRIAN DROVER 
|  ()  / _ | / _ \_( ___/ INNOVATIVE ORCHESTRAL SERVICES
|__/\__\___|_\___/____)   http://www.gemscore.demon.co.uk/   
Business:  adios@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx		     
Personal: adrian@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx  (Glasgow, Scotland)


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

[Services] [Contact Us] [Advertise with us] [About] [Tell a friend about us] [Copyright © 2016 NJH Music]