Starting the Day

Every day is a new start for a flutist, and I begin the day with exercises to prepare for a great tone, technique and phrasing. Simple stretching and breathing exercises are essential because the flute needs energy, flexibility and air support in order to perform well in all conditions.

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Harness Your Air

Notes on a brass instrument are produced by a combination of air compression and lip compression. The balance can be shifted: The more work your air does, the less your lips have to do and vice versa.

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Achieving Sound Quality

What does great sound quality mean? Play clean! As a marching percussionist, you hear that all the time, but that’s only half the story. No matter how good your chops, if you don’t play with good sound quality, you will not achieve your goals.

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On the Move

Proper marching is a critical element of clean, crisp routines. A strong core, sideline awareness and staying in step all add to cleanliness of routines across the ensemble.

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