Educating and Inspiring Community Musicians
It’s an undeniable fact that overall, community music ensembles give good, but less-than-stellar performances. Most of us community band members do not make a living performing music, even though many of us maintain a professional mindset and can … [Continue reading]
I just left a concert band I’ve played with for 25 years. Naturally, I have mixed emotions. Stick with any group of people for that long and you’ll eventually get some life-long friends. I’ll miss seeing these friends on a weekly basis, but I’m also … [Continue reading]
Jazz legend Artie Shaw achieved much in his lifetime, but was not satisfied with any of it. Known by most as a brilliant jazz clarinetist and bandleader, he formed and broke up at least five successful ensembles, was married eight times (to Hollywood … [Continue reading]
Each musical instrument is known for its distinct tone qualities and/or abilities: the haunting sweetness of the violin, the circus-like slide of the trombone, the patriotic tattoo of the snare drum, the smooth vivacity of the saxophone, and others. … [Continue reading]
My fellow musicians, you don’t have to be afraid of sight-reading. That piece of paper in front of you containing large handfuls of new notes and other little markings is not as complex as it seems. They’re the same notes you know and love, just in a … [Continue reading]