Bandworld Magazine

Stage deportment is often neglected by conductors and teachers. Getting the right notes, rhythms, dynamics, phrasing and so on is so important that the subject of etiquette is often forgotten until the first bow at the concert. The following is a simple and very brief set of guidelines that will help project the individual performers, the ensemble and the...

Reed making is and will always be a precarious balancing act for artists of all levels. Due to the nature of the organic substance (cane) and the inconsistencies in the substance from piece to piece, it is paramount that we have a clear set of goals/priorities when making our reeds as these ultimately determine much of how we are...

Syracuse University Wind EnsembleBradley Ethington & Justin Mertz: conductorsVincent & Gabriel DiMartino: trumpetsCarol Jantsch: tuba Purchase from Mark Custom56700-MCD This first rate recording by the Syracuse University Wind Ensemble begins with the Concerto for Bass Tuba by Ralph Vaughan Williams (arranged...

Editor's note: This excerpt from a complete master's degree thesis project earned a "Model Project" distinction at the American Band College. Download the full project at the end of the article. Woodwind Pitch Tendencies ABOUT THIS BOOK The purpose of this book is to introduce students to the pitch tendencies on their individual instrument. First, this book provides resources for the student...

First, I encourage the word “silence” rather than “rests” because the “middle school brain” will many times take it literally and “give their brain a rest”. Silence is the “lack of sound” but still must have a place reserved for its notation in all four of “4 D’s” timeline velocities. A strategy that I have found very helpful in...

Dear Directors, If you feel that tapping one's foot is initially essential for successful counting and are interested in where rhythm comprehension ends, or students start to lose the processing ability to perform rhythms correctly, you might want to look over this sheet.  I designed it as an assessment sheet to evaluate various rhythm categories, sequenced by difficulty level and...

University of Nevada Las Vegas Wind OrchestraThomas G. Leslie: conductorJoseph Alessi: tromboneBoston Brass Quintet Purchase from NavonaNV6572 For years I have rightfully sung the praises of the UNLV Wind Orchestra and here's the latest opportunity to get acquainted with this extraordinary ensemble. The title is...

The Educational Establishment is Moving Our Way. For years band directors have been employing techniques in their teaching which have now been given formal names and official sanction by the educational establishment. By learning these names and informing your school administration of your new and innovative programs you can earn additional prestige for educational leadership...

It is now time to add the fourth and final member of the “Fantastic Four” (the “4 D’s”) the fastest of our timeline velocities, the “dits”.  After your young musicians have worked with their thumb motions with the “1, 2, and 3” of “digit” counting, the same motions are used, but now we say “1, &, 2, &, 3,...

The following exercises are intended to help new students of the oboe establish great breathing and articulation habits in order to properly support tone production when playing the instrument. These are designed to be used in tandem with most any of the standard beginning band instruction books. While those books provide a comprehensive approach to learning the language of...

Volume VII: GAVORKNA! The Wind Band Music of Jack Stampvarious ensembles Purchase from Mark Custom57147-MCD For many years Jack Stamp has been one of the most prolific and sought after composer/conductor/clinicians for bands. Gavorkna was written in 1991 and is the work...