Fine-tuning on the tuba is best accomplished by moving slides while playing, usually the first slide. Large top action tubas can be awkward to hold. A player is fortunate if his embouchure corresponds to the mouth-pipe height and angle.…
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Welcome John Kuzmich, Jr., Ph.D. will be researching and authoring a variety of seven on-going landmark columns. He is a veteran of 43+ years in the public schools, guest lectured on five continents and published over 750 feature articles…
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In the frantic race to prepare for upcoming festivals and contests, band directors have many issues on their mind. From scheduling extra rehearsals to working on specific passages in a particular piece of music, many items are placed on the…
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During the school year, directors observe the musical progress of their students. The director starts to see a picture of how great the band sounds. The long winter months brings images of students preparing for upcoming solo and ensemble…
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Perhaps you've been thinking of starting a jazz band, but are not sure how to do it or even if it's worthwhile. Jazz bands can accommodate students with diverse levels of skill, and they provide the only popular medium in which…
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In discussing music advocacy we often look at the "big picture," that is, how we communicate and what we say about music and music education. In moving from the "macro" to the "micro", it's easy to miss a step in building our advocacy…
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For band directors, meeting the requirements of the second National Standard- performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music- seems to be a given. However, a closer look at the breakdown of required…
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The first standard states that students should be capable of "singing, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music". This includes singing accurately and with good breath control throughout the vocal range, singing a varied…
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Jazz musicians have kept improvisation alive and well over the past century. Any good jazz history book will tell you how jazz began in New Orleans in humble beginnings and gradually branched out to encompass the world.
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Many directors and administrators have asked why they should consider a lease/purchase program for acquiring new band instruments. The traditional answer is that, while staying within a reasonable budget, the school has the opportunity to…
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