#265. Blend

#265. Blend

One of the keystone, foundational concepts we all strive for in our ensembles is that of blend. Check any adjudication form or any journal article and you will see it right toward the top of the list of attributes for any ensemble. We can all agree on its profound...
#264. Watch Those Elbows

#264. Watch Those Elbows

Standing in front of an ensemble, that sea of people each armed with a noise maker – I mean – with different instruments, playing positions, embouchures, and the like, can be daunting at times. So many things to fix, correct, reinforce, and praise all at once! But a...
#263. But Why Are We Too Loud?

#263. But Why Are We Too Loud?

If I had a dollar for every time I have told my percussion section that they were playing too loudly in a band rehearsal, I’d have enough money to be writing this blog from my private island in the Caribbean! It might have been as subtle as, “Percussion could we try...
#262. Seeing Is Knowing

#262. Seeing Is Knowing

As much as we work on breathing with our students, with various approaches, techniques, and exercises, one problem remains: how much air are they actually moving? Though I’ve used several gimmicks to assess this, I think the single best way – and easiest with a large...
#261. The “21/90 Rule”

#261. The “21/90 Rule”

Trying to get students (or ourselves!) to change the way we do something is one of the most difficult and frustrating aspects of progress and growth. It can seem impossible at times! But the “21/90 Rule” can provide a bit of clarity, hope, and perspective. The rule...