Bandworld Magazine

A Special Award of The John Philip Sousa Foundation Eric Wells has taught band in South Carolina for the past 26 years, most currently at Greenville High Academy. He has been the band director at Blue Ridge High School, Clover High School, Easley High...

Download free sample books for your band program. BrookWright Music was launched in June 2020, not long after the start of the Covid pandemic. Following months of isolation, a few fortunate musicians, depending on location and local guidelines, were able to go out caroling over the Holiday period. Playing alongside other musicians in a public space had arguably never been...

U.S. Navy Band Captain Brian O. Walden: USN Commanding Officer/Leader Purchase from Altissimo Records ALT84284011437/ArkivMusic One of the true gems by the U.S. Navy Band is now available to the public. American Century represents four great American composers each with a work for...

Introduction Slap tonguing is an extended technique used by saxophonists that produces a unique popping sound when articulating notes in a pizzicato style. This effect, sometimes called for in contemporary saxophone literature, is notated either by an “x” note head or by placing a “+” sign above or below the note along with the words “slap tongue”. Commercial and jazz...

For decades in the United States, the most common go-to beginner horn mouthpieces have had very small inner diameters. These mouthpieces have worked quite well for many students with narrower lips, offering them an efficient introduction to the instrument. For students with fuller lips, however, these small mouthpieces do not always work as well. There are other cost-effective options...

Managing expectations to build loyal fans with content and sequencing During their creation and staging musicals, operas, ballets, plays (and subsequent revivals) spend immense energy editing an experience that has flow which clarifies and amplifies the story.  Content and sequencing are critical to maximizing emotional impact opportunities. Content and sequencing in the concert setting offer opportunities to increase the emotional...

Texas Woman’s University Wind Symphony   Carter Biggers - Conductor  Publisher: Mark Masters - 56294-MCDPurchase Walking on Shattered Glass is a fascinating collection of works by women composers. These works could be playable by a good high school band as well as collegiate and professional wind ensembles....

Oregon State University Wind EnsembleErik Leung: conductor Publisher: Albany RecordsPurchaseSample The two works on Shout!: Music of Protest and Joy are Sea of Umbrellas by Olin Hannum and Symphony No. 4 by David Maslanka. Hannum’s composition is a highly emotional elegy based on the tragic events of Hong Kong’s...

University of North Florida Wind Symphony Dr. Erin Bodnar: conductor Erin Bennett: pianoBrittany Fouche: sopranoSunshine Simmons: clarinet Andrea Venet: percussionSarah Jane Young: flute Publisher: MARK MUSIC MASTERS 56639-MCD (REVISED) Purchase This is a most fascinating CD of five challenging works masterfully performed by...

Ah, yes. . .the summer months are long gone, and "the bell tolls" for all of us to "get back in the saddle." (Many of you never left it!!) Here are some little hints which should be remembered when mentally preparing yourself to "Strike Up the Band." These may also get everything in perspective and launch this school year...