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On Performing Solos
Learn about creating and performing percussion solos. From Halftime Magazine, a print publication and website for the marching arts including ... -
Fears and Fixes
In his famous inaugural speech, President Franklin D. Roosevelt said: “The only thing we have to fear is ... fear ... -
Our Village
"It takes a village" for anyone to succeed. Remember to give thanks to the parents, teachers, supporters and concertgoers who ... -
Art, or Not
This column is not specifically about brass playing although jazz trumpeter Miles Davis figures prominently. The inspiration comes from the ... -
Music Into Exercises
One of the pitfalls that a lot of drummers and drumlines have is that they work on exercises or rudiments ... -
“Practice Makes Perfect” … or Does It?
Is practice the only thing it takes to make a guard perfect? There comes a time when “practicing” must shift ... -
Getting in Shape After Summer
With summer break behind and the school year off to a fresh start, it’s a great time to establish a ... -
Choosing a Horn
Tips by jazz trumpet player Chase Sanborn on how to compare different instrument models when buying a new horn. From ... -
Going to New Heights
Playing accurate, well-defined heights is a huge part of a successful drumline for uniformity in sound volume as well as ... -
“Even the Ears Must Dance”
Tips by color guard educator Chris Casteel on harnessing musicality in your movement and overall performance. From Halftime Magazine, a ... -
Consistency on the Road
Remaining consistent in your playing is vital, especially on the road. Jeff Coffin, saxophone player for the Dave Matthews Band ... -
Project Your Sound
One of the differences between amateur and professional musicians is sound projection. Many brass students produce a sound that barely ... -
Snare Tuning
Snare tuning is important for every performance. Percussion coordinator Lane Armey sits down with 1999 Santa Clara Vanguard Snare I&E ... -
“You Gotta Find Your Core”
Developing a strong core (or trunk, as many people refer to it) is more about strengthening the group of muscles ... -
Play What You Hear
Playing by ear is one of the most valuable tools in your arsenal. “But I can’t play by ear,” you ... -
Inquiring Minds
Amidst the advances and distractions of the electronic age, learning to play an instrument remains a slow and methodical process. ... -
End Goal
Keeping big-picture goals in mind is very important at the beginning of each season. Find out how to make your ... -
The Aftermath
Waking up the day after a performance with aches and pains seems almost unavoidable; however, this should not be the ... -
Honorable Color Guards
Honorable competitors behave in a courteous way before, during and after a show. Find out some easy ways to let ... -
Dealing with Personnel Changes
Most of us that are part of a marching percussion ensemble will experience a staff change during our four years ... -
One Note at a Time
When practicing your brass instrument, play one note at a time and play every note to the best of your ... -
Simplify Sightreading
Always a challenge, sightreading takes practice and patience in order to develop accuracy and confidence. Here are rules to guide ... -
Get Your Pack On
Paying attention to what you need and not overpacking is essential. Making sacrifices and trimming down to the necessary gear ... -
Give Me a Break!
When you make the leap from high school to university, you enjoy greater self-determination coupled with increased responsibility to manage ... -
Overcome Freshmen Challenges
Learn how to overcome freshmen challenges with percussion instructor Lane Armey. From Halftime Magazine, a print publication and website for ... -
Cardboard or Clay?
Color guard professional Chris Casteel inspires students to use their personal histories to mold their performances. From Halftime Magazine, a ... -
Clean It Up
We’re in the midst of cold and flu season right now, so don’t let your instrument make you sick. Your ... -
Student Questionnaire
Here's a questionnaire for music students to make the most productive use of private lessons. By jazz trumpeter Chase Sanborn. ... -
Wanna Teach?
A lot of young percussionists aspire to teach drumlines. This article touches on a few considerations that can help set ... -
PV and Me
Production Value (PV) is a term performers may hear as part of a General Effect judge commentary. It is the ...