2010 WDBN Archive | World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles

Tone Quality

Tue, 2010-05-11 02:21

Ensemble Tone Quality

Quality tone must serve as the solid foundation for the development of further musical fundamentals and advanced musical skills. Although tone is influenced by several factors, the quality of tone produced by an ensemble is especially influenced by the conceptof good tone. If we do not have a tonal image of the sound we want to hear, then the danger is that any sound will suffice.

Reflections on Festival Season

Tue, 2010-05-11 02:20

Festival season is upon us in North America and I have had a bit of a different take on things this year. Besides my usual adjudication schedule, I traveled to the US with one of our school ensembles to a competitive festival. I was traveling as a chaperon, rather than a director and this gave me an opportunity to sit back and observe without being hindered by getting the band ready to perform, etc. This experience coupled with a recent adjudication of an elementary level, non-competitive festival got a number of thoughts running through my head.

Balance

Mon, 2010-03-01 07:00

I am curious as to what kind of emphasis people put on teaching music vs. technique in their band classes or rehearsals. I know that some tend to teach technique as something separate to the repertoire. How do you relate the two, seemingly unrelated topics in your work?

Repertoire review from Tim Reynish

Fri, 2010-01-01 07:00

Tim Reynish sends this from the UK. The piece is for youth choir and the wind parts don't expose players excessively. He has not seen a score but believes that to be accessible by youth bands. It certainly seems like it is worth the investigation, especially if you have an opportunity to bring youth choir and band forces together! His review is below and please check out his web site as a rich resource on wind repertoire.

HERTFORDSHIRE WIND SINFONIA

& COUNTY YOUTH CHOIR