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Audition Insights
Whether for college entrance, high school honor ensembles, or for a drum corps, audition season is well upon us. As ... -
Fiercely Supportive
The competitive winter guard season is picking up, and guards are debuting their 2020 productions. While we often focus on ... -
Learning or Relearning
On July 19, I suffered a hemorrhagic stroke. It paralyzed the left side of my body. It affected my ability ... -
Achieving Your Best
As you get ready for your first concert of the season, college audition, jury, or recital, think about how to ... -
After Marching Band
We’ve reached the inevitable transition from the long hours of marching band to the next musical season around the corner. ... -
Dispelling Drama
“I would never want to teach guard. There’s too much drama.” I’ve heard this comment from band staff who work ... -
Switching to Intermediate Flute
Advancing from a beginner to an intermediate flute is an exciting transition, but the new instrument can present challenges. Here’s ... -
The 3 P’s
As you get comfortable with the start of school, I hope you’ll remember three things on your path to a ... -
Implement New Implements
Many of us throughout the country currently find ourselves in the heart of marching band season. What we write for ... -
Maintain Healthy Habits
As the season wears on, and the responsibilities outside of color guard add up, some potential negative habits may impact ... -
Reeds, Reeds, Reeds!
Here’s how I choose my reeds, how I get them ready to play, and how I’m able to get every ... -
The Artistry of Japanese Bands
Over the years with Boston Brass, I have had the privilege to perform with wind ensembles of all ages and ... -
Polyrhythm 5:2
In the third and final installment on polyrhythms, we will discuss the 5 over 2 polyrhythm. Polyrhythm is defined by ... -
Leading by Following
Whether you’ve been rehearsing for a few months already or don’t get started until an August band camp, keep the ... -
The Three C’s
It’s solo and ensemble festival time in most areas of the United States. But playing the correct notes, dynamics, and ... -
The Legacies Left Behind
In April the world lost an incredible musician, teacher, and mentor. Sam Pilafian was a teacher and mentor to countless ... -
Polyrhythm 4:3 or 3:4
In the March/April 2019 issue, I discussed the polyrhythm 3 over 2, or 2 over 3. Now let’s take a ... -
Scary at First
“Isn’t that scary?” I’ve heard this question countless times from people watching tosses. Most recently, a middle school student asked ... -
Preparing for Individual Competition
The spring season is filled with solo competitions, and individual preparation outside school band or sectional rehearsals can sometimes be ... -
Music Management
Over the years I have had the opportunity to meet many talented young performers who are interested in pursuing a ... -
Polyrhythm 3:2 or 2:3
Polyrhythm is defined by “The New Harvard Dictionary of Music” as “the simultaneous use of two or more conflicting rhythms that ... -
The Beginning of the End
The end of the indoor season is a whirlwind every year, yet it always seems to come out of nowhere. ... -
Transitioning Between Horns
As some of you may know, my primary gig is performing with Dave Matthews Band (DMB). One of the reasons ... -
“Routine” Travel
Many of you will be traveling to college auditions or wind ensemble competitions in the next few months. Here are ... -
Five Minutes to Mastery
In order to master a given skill, you will need to be able to play it with excellent quality at ... -
Scoring Variances
As we get into the competitive part of the indoor guard season, scores and judge commentary start rolling in. I’ve ... -
Pitch Perfect?
“Ahh, I’m in tune. Wait, I’m sharp. No wait, I’m flat!” That’s me, at every gig. Fact: The clarinet is ... -
Ear Training
It takes a three-part approach when training young brass players to be contributing members of an ensemble. These activities should ... -
Play Drums? Learn Scales.
Having taught all areas of percussion for more than 25 years, I have encountered many students who are very excited ... -
I Like to Move It
Equipment work is easily the most recognized element of color guard, but movement is the foundation that everything builds upon. ...