Bandworld Magazine

University of New Hampshire Wind Symphony Conductor: Andrew Boysen, Jr. Publisher: Mark Masters 56551-MCD Purchase The Music of Erika Svanoe is incredibly creative in so many ways that a mere review won’t even scratch the surface. Even the titles can...

Ribbons: The West Chester University Wind Ensemble Conductor: Andrew Yozviak Publisher: Mark Masters 56464-MCD Purchase The recordings of Andrew Yozviak and the West Chester University Wind Ensemble are one of the jewels in the Mark catalog. The brilliant "Downey...

by Adam Schoenberg Disc: Migration Recording: The University of Texas Wind Ensemble Conductor: Jerry Junkin - Artistic Director, Jonathan Gunn - clarinet, Brian Lewis - violin Publisher: Reference Recordings RR-150 Purchase

Introduction Circular breathing is an extended technique used by performers when there is no place in a musical passage to take a breath. This technique allows the wind players to take a breath while continuing to sustain the notes currently being played. When utilizing circular breathing, the performer pushes air into the instrument with the cheek muscles while at the...

A Guide To Expressive Performance Do you play, sing, or conduct expressively? Does your band, orchestra, or choir play/sing musically? What about your students? Are your/their performances inspiring, sensitive, and musical?  Too many musicians and ensembles, at all levels, lack the qualities of sensitivity, warmth, and life in their playing so necessary to be expressive.   Impressive technique is not enough;...

Introduction When performing jazz music, especially jazz in the swing style, utilizing authentic articulation is essential. The use of proper articulation is very important because it assists the musical lines with clarity, improves the swing feel and provides intensity and interest to the performance. When comparing professional jazz artists to that of advancing performers, one of the most dramatic differences...

A special award of The John Philip Sousa Foundation Andrew Esserwein has been the Director of Bands at Sprayberry High School in Marietta, GA for the last 20 years. He went to Sprayberry after having been the Assistant Director of Bands at North Cobb High School in Kennesaw, GA for the first 7 years of his teaching career. He earned his Bachelor of...

This article is an adaptation of a NAfME Online Professional Learning Community webinar delivered by the author on April 8, 2021. Its insightful and timely message inspires us to REFLECT on how far we have come, RESTORE our self-belief and sense of purpose, and RECHARGE our passion to CREATE a bright future for music education. 

Rhythm Master was a passion project that took flight halfway into the pandemic. As I struggled (along with many other music teachers around the world) to provide worthwhile musical experiences for my students, I noticed quickly the rhythm deficits in place with my kids regardless of grade level. This caught me off guard as my ensembles frequently over the...

Introduction When traveling with a saxophone, there are several factors that saxophonists should carefully consider in order to arrive prepared for the performance. Keeping the instrument protected, packing the appropriate accessory equipment and knowing how to board an aircraft are all important aspects of traveling with a saxophone. Saxophone...