Bandworld Magazine

A Special Award of The John Philip Sousa Foundation Wendi Bechtol-Davis teaches at Cory-Rawson Local Schools where she is the director of all instrumental music activities grades 5-12 including concert band, marching band, pep band, and jazz band. She also teaches 5th & 6th grade general music. Cory-Rawson...

Oboe vibrato is a complex topic and unpacking it often if not always leads educators of all ages down a rabbit-hole of opinions, ideas, and sometimes (most times) less-than-helpful and usually confusing or conflicting sentiments. The goal of this article is to not only provide some clarification to the cloud of unknowing that is oboe vibrato, but to give...

Introduction The metronome is an essential tool for improving musicianship. All musicians should practice with a metronome to develop the ability to perform with a steady rhythm and play notes evenly. When using the metronome in classical music, the performer usually places the metronome click on each beat of the measure or sometimes, when playing at a slower tempo, on...

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...