Concert band: the unsung heroes of music Everybody Geeks Out The term band geek might inspire strange images to those not familiar with the music world. How strange? That depends on the musical entertainment you’ve been digesting and your definition of band. Merriam-Webster defines band in the musical sense as “a group of musicians organized […]
Sight-Reading Tips for Musicians
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 different order with slightly different instructions. Most musicians […]
How to Name Your New Ensemble
It’s not as easy as you might think, especially if you’re serious about the future of your group. I formed a new brass quintet earlier this year, and here we are, many months later, still winding our way through the forest of indecision. Don’t get me wrong – we’re dedicated to becoming an excellent group, […]
Discover Your Music Connections
I just had a very cool discussion about music with my relatively new boss. When I told him I play trumpet, he told me about a couple of his family members from earlier generations, one of whom performed with Louis Armstrong. My boss also played alto sax in his school jazz band, and his daughter […]
“Mask-Bee”
For the sixth year in a row, my home state has seen a successful annual gathering of excellent concert band musicians. Over the weekend we endured the mental and physical challenge of approximately 12 hours of rehearsal, scarfed down at least three meals worth of great food, and enjoyed the camaraderie of 75 fellow musicians […]