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How Much Should You Practice (Part 1)
The “10,000 Hour Rule” states that achieving expertise in anything requires 10,000 hours of practice. I recently pondered whether this ... -
Improving Musicality for Percussion
Musician/Drummer. Do you consider yourself both? Often thought of as opposites, it is more important than ever that you and ... -
The Guard Journal
The summer training season is an excellent time to start a color guard journal focused on the processes of equipment, ... -
Developing Your Sound
Your sound. It is what distinguishes you from all the other clarinetists. How would you describe it? Believe it or ... -
Summer Reading
Summer’s coming—don’t slough off! Having something new to practice could be just the thing to draw you to the practice ... -
Performance Prowess
In the indoor percussion season, non-drumming performance qualities are often just as important as your drumming qualities. In other words, ... -
The Summer Insurance Policy
Let’s face it: In the activity of color guard, it all boils down to good, solid technique. When mastering this ... -
Staying Healthy
ince marching is an outdoor activity, weather conditions from the hot summer months to the cold temperatures in late fall ... -
Time Well Spent
This month’s column is sparked by a question about practicing: Should a brass player strive to practice the same number ... -
Working Hard
One of the most useful things I’ve been told from my teachers is that if you are going to do ... -
Emulation Learning
Since we are at the end of the winter guard season, now is the perfect time to invest in future ... -
Yoga and Sound
In the last number of years, I went from having nearly constant major back issues, where it was difficult to ... -
Gear Talk
In this issue’s column, you can get answers to a few common questions about selecting your ideal brass instrument. From ... -
College Drum Line
In the world of percussion, a lot of attention has been given to high school and drum corps drum lines ... -
Winning
As we say “hello” to a new season of winter guard, let’s take a look at the attributes that determine ... -
Listen Up
Find out why you're playing the clarinet! From Halftime Magazine, a print publication and website for the marching arts. -
Tongue Levels
In the July/August 2010 issue, I touched on tongue levels briefly (“Tongue Talk”). This column will expand on the topic. ... -
Winter Time
Congratulations on completing another fall marching band season! The doldrums of winter are upon us, but the season never ends ... -
Ready for Winter?
You cannot approach a winter guard performance as you would a field show. Time to adjust your process. From Halftime ... -
Making a Quality Recording
Developing skill and confidence in producing quality recordings is essential for musicians. With a few simple techniques and regular practice, ... -
Efficiency vs. Brute Force
An efficient brass player converts each bit of air into lip vibration, producing maximum results for a given amount of ... -
A Clean Sweep
In this issue’s column, we’re talking Quads and how to play the one thing every tenor drummer wants to do—the ... -
Conquering Trouble Spots
If you are facing a trouble spot in your show, you are not alone. Here is the battle plan. From ... -
Making Magic
Go slowly and consistently to practice more efficiently. From Halftime Magazine, a print publication and website for the marching arts. -
Breathing Exercises
We all know how to breathe; it’s the very first and last things we do! Advanced control of the air ... -
Start Fresh
Can you believe it’s time for another fall marching band season? Here are some things to keep in mind starting ... -
In 10 Seconds
Find out why the first 10 seconds and the last 10 seconds are the most important part of any performance. ... -
Get Around Roadblocks
Roadblocks! It’s time we steer the clarinet-car around them! You know what I’m talking about: those things we’ve convinced ourselves ... -
Mutes 101
Mutes insert into, are attached to, or are held in front of the bell of the horn. Though a mute ... -
Summer Drummin’
Summertime: The end of the school year—and looking forward to the start of the next year. As a marching percussionist, ...