My Community Band is mainly made up of Highschool students, some Community players and 4 music teachers playing secondary instruments. Some of the kids are actually fairly solid players and nice people. The bands playing has improved considerably in the last few years as the current band teacher at the high school has been more demanding of the students by having playing tests, having them listen to videos, going to concerts and interviewing Community players. She's doing in a such a way that it makes it fun for the kids. Occasionally, I had to play tuba which is not a huge issue other then not owning a tuba. I can get around tuba fine other breathing occasionally gets in the road of what I know what I want to do!
The toughest piece we have in our folder this year is Circus Bee March. We are not dong bad with it. We're around half note = 130. I am having a bit trouble with it. Part of it its in between where I would try to double tongue the spots which the low brass have the melody to themselves. The tempo we are going so far is between the cracks of single and double tounging. I also don't quite have the air intensity in the first strain so I sound bit 'tubby' at times for my liking. Endurance gets the best of me once and a while too. Its minor stuff which 95% of the band wouldn't notice too badly but I keep challenging myself to improve.
Once a year in March I go to small town roughly 40 miles west of Winnipeg for a 1 day Community Band Workshop, mainly made of Community players in Winnipeg and area. Its very high level playing which I can get my butt kicked a little bit but atleast I'm having fun with it.
Sometimes one is best of just set the standard and hope it rubs off around your players. Be nice to them and that and give them gentle pointers eg. that 4th valve on the euphonium and tuba has a purpose!
The toughest piece we have in our folder this year is Circus Bee March. We are not dong bad with it. We're around half note = 130. I am having a bit trouble with it. Part of it its in between where I would try to double tongue the spots which the low brass have the melody to themselves. The tempo we are going so far is between the cracks of single and double tounging. I also don't quite have the air intensity in the first strain so I sound bit 'tubby' at times for my liking. Endurance gets the best of me once and a while too. Its minor stuff which 95% of the band wouldn't notice too badly but I keep challenging myself to improve.
Once a year in March I go to small town roughly 40 miles west of Winnipeg for a 1 day Community Band Workshop, mainly made of Community players in Winnipeg and area. Its very high level playing which I can get my butt kicked a little bit but atleast I'm having fun with it.
Sometimes one is best of just set the standard and hope it rubs off around your players. Be nice to them and that and give them gentle pointers eg. that 4th valve on the euphonium and tuba has a purpose!
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