davewerden

In England a very popular small ensemble is the brass quartet. There is a standardized instrumentation (related to the brass band world) for the brass quartet: 2 cornets, Eb horn, Euphonium. It is very similar/parallel to the standard string quartet of 2 violins (=cornets), viola (=horn) and cello (=euphonium).


We Americans are used to hearing brass quintets, but we don't hear this particular 4-part mix very often. Compared to a brass quintet the quartet can sound a little thin ...

Here is a nice little march from the 19th century. It is the New York Light Guards Quickstep. You'll notice is set at a slower tempo than we play most marches today, which can be a surprise because of the word "Quickstep" in the title. My understanding is that the slower tempo heard here is typical of what was done during the era of this march (1839).


The performance is by The United States Coast Guard Band, conducted by Commander Kenneth Megan, from the album "Gardens of Stone." ...

We all know that software can do amazing things with visual effects. Jurassic Park is a great example. There really aren't dinosaurs waiting at the casting department, right?


Now we have software that can make an out-of-tune performer sound in tune! It even works in real time during live performances. And it can also produce some intentional "electronic" effects (now I know how Cher got that sound!) Is this a boon or a cheat? Watch the video below and decide:

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Here is a great video of the Brass Band of Battle Creek doing Carnival of Venice. This is a special arrangement and the soloists are Steve Mead, Matt Tropman, Demondrae Thurman, and Gail Robertson. Wow!