Woodwind, Brass, Orchestral and Strings Latest Topics

Favorite Horn Bands

Tue, 20 Jun 2017 15:19:08 +0000

I'm starting a new thread in an effort to get some legs under the WBO forums.

I'm wanting to know your favorite horn band or song. There are so many, but for me, this was the song that got me loving horns in a band.

The Ides of March - "Vehicle"

Originally release in 1970

[video=youtube;sxJFjO4Skgo]

What's your favorite horn band or song?

Please use either a YouTube Link or sound file.

Thanks

Brands of sax: the good, the bad, and the ugly

Thu, 19 Jul 2018 02:05:21 +0000

From what I gather...

Yamaha is pretty much the unquestioned #1.

Various (most?) Chinese knockoffs are utter crap.

But what about the rest? What are the 2d or perhaps 3d tier sax lines which may not be at Yamaha's level but still generally considered of a respectable quality? Like what about Jupiter, Selmer/Conn Selmer, Allora, Eastman, etc? Anyone?

How much do old Bach trumpets go for?

Thu, 15 Feb 2007 09:46:02 +0000

Or, is this auction for real?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Bach-Stradivarius-Strad-Trumpet-model37-Like-New_W0QQitemZ140085666811QQihZ004QQ

$1250 for a horn that I bought for $900 new (I think) in 1980? Mine is a lot more banged up than that one, but in searching ebay completed listings, I'm kinda having trouble finding Bach 37's for less than $600 ... and here I was thinking that mine was worth like $300 tops. Or are all the auctions for new horns and my tarnished old POS won't get much attention?

Holland has been totally fucking rainy every single day since I got here. Good thing weed & rainy days go together

Hugh Masekela passed

Sat, 27 Jan 2018 20:57:43 +0000

Back on Jan 23, 2018.

I 'm not brass instrument player, but I loved the song Grassing in the Grass as a kid. He was an amazing jazz trumpeter/flugelhorn player, and in the music biz for well over 60 years.

[video=youtube;fzkrKJ14Ji4]

Trumpet soloing

Mon, 08 Aug 2016 03:20:24 +0000

My dance band is expecting me to do a trumpet solo on Dancing In The Streets. Never soloed without having a solo to copy. Having to write this one myself. Any suggestions on where to start? Was thinking of improvising off the melody line, but this is a first for me. (Normally the organist. Might just use my flugelhorn, but need to create the part first.)

BlueCoats win DCI Championships. Anyone here watch?

Sun, 14 Aug 2016 17:08:30 +0000

The show was simply incredible. I didn't care for the uniforms but the show was so innovative. I also didn't care for all the amplification they are starting to utilize. Soloist playing into a mic simply doesn't it for me.

Blue Devils and Carolina Crown both had awesome shows, but Cadets really slipped this year. I believe the black uniforms brought them down. (that is an opinion for certain)

Any one else watch the finals stream or have thoughts to share?

R.I.P. Pete Fountain (8.6.2016)

Sat, 06 Aug 2016 15:50:04 +0000

So influential.

A sad day for jazz.

http://wwoz.org/117021-memoriam-pete-fountain

Suggestions for tuba amplification?

Sun, 24 Jul 2016 23:46:13 +0000

This is a question on behalf of a friend. We play in a second-line style band that most often does nightclub/bar gigs. Our tuba player drops a mic into the bell of the tuba, plugs it in to an octaver (one 8vb, used occasionally) and then a keyboard amp. That amp is starting to show clear signs of nearing the end of it's life, and I was wondering if any of the low brass players here may have a suggestion. He's playing a sousaphone that goes to the low concert B, (and 8vb with the octaver). I'm thinking a super-hefty, lots of clean headroom keyboard amp may be the thing, unless there is an amp that's favored for this sort of thing we are apparently unaware of.

All suggestions appreciated!

Anyone using a harmonizer with Trumpet?

Wed, 25 May 2016 03:05:40 +0000

I'm in a 6 piece band and am the only brass player. Bandmate wants to do Conga by Miami Sound Machine. Was thinking I could pull this off better with a harmonizer than on keyboard. (I play both.) We have a pianist who would hold down the piano part. What's your experience using a harmonizer with brass and is this just asking too much?

Classical Music- Hot Pepper Style

Thu, 13 Nov 2014 22:24:12 +0000

Someone posted this in another forum, but I thought it so appropriate for this forum and the woodwind forum.

Imagine eating the world's hottest pepper right before playing - no water!

[video=youtube;MuvUaFp_qMQ]

Original Source: http://theweek.com/speedreads/index/271238/speedreads-watch-a-symphony-orchestra-try-to-make-music-after-eating-the-worlds-hottest-chili-peppers

Double Contrabass Flute

Tue, 21 Jun 2016 06:00:02 +0000

was looking at this video a couple of years ago...

Below the bass flute, below the contrabass flute, and even below the subcontrabass flute is the double contrabass flute.

[video=youtube;Qmxnp_3KUt0]

Improve your Saxophone Tone!

Fri, 18 Mar 2016 15:36:19 +0000

[video=youtube;u0QTEEQi3g4]

What should I buy for my next clarinet?

Sat, 05 Mar 2016 18:31:55 +0000

Hello,

I have been playing the clarinet for eight years, and am currently studying at the Royal Northern College of Music.

I am playing the Buffet E13, however this isn't really meeting all of my needs, so I need to upgrade it.

What do you think I should upgrade to? I need something that sounds very rich and sonorous, and sounds great when going up high and down low.

Any thoughts would be much appreciated.

Ben Neill's Mutantrumpet - this thing is incredible

Thu, 25 Feb 2016 23:02:05 +0000

The Cumbanchero - Kids having fun making better music

Wed, 17 Feb 2016 18:12:36 +0000

So fun to watch these guys having this much fun making better music.

Vintage bass sax valuation

Sun, 15 Nov 2015 11:22:22 +0000

I'm hoping someone here might know of a reliable way to estimate the value of a vintage instrument - a 1918 Holton Bass Saxophone

It's my husband's, but he hasn't played it since 1999 and bought it decades ago. It plays very well and nothing is broken.

Photos are here - http://photography.karenengel.com/p739852777

I'll look around for some more active saxophone forums, but thought I would try here on HC as I already have an account.

Thanks!

R.I.P. to trumpeter, Cynthia Robinson

Tue, 24 Nov 2015 19:12:00 +0000

Cynthia Robinson, trumpeter and co-founder of Sly and the Family Stone, dies at age 69.

http://www.theroot.com/blogs/the_grapevine/2015/11/cynthia_robinson_trumpeter_and_co_founder_of_sly_and_the_family_stone_passes.html

Contra Saxophone

Tue, 22 Sep 2015 20:24:39 +0000

How Low Can You Go?

[video=youtube;nwTorKNmED4]

Sub Contra Saxophone

Tue, 22 Sep 2015 20:26:50 +0000

As Low As You Can Go!

[video=youtube;0C8EkNeKJlo]

Beautiful Euphonium Solo at DCI Solo and Ensemble Competition

Tue, 15 Sep 2015 14:48:51 +0000

Thanks to System Blue for the video:

[video=youtube;Isw801wiRcI]

Latest snobbery...

Sun, 13 Sep 2015 15:15:52 +0000

i had NPR on in the car and heard this awesome vintage/modern piece I couldn't identify. (common occurrence with me)

I was later able to run it down on Google - it was Bartok's Concerto for Orchestra.

That's not the story. In fact there is no story. While I was perusing Bartok on Youtube I ran across another "Concerto for Orchestra" by previously unknown to me Witold Lutoslawsky.. Interesting and picturesque to say the least.

Here's a cello concerto I thought very innovative.

[video=youtube;ZVqx2uUls54]

Selmer Reeds - Back to their origins

Sun, 13 Sep 2015 13:23:09 +0000

I love this video. It is great to see some "old school" technology.

2015 Drum Corps International World Championship Scores

Mon, 10 Aug 2015 21:56:22 +0000

DCI World Championship World Class Finals

World Class View Recap

Blue Devils

97.650

Carolina Crown

97.075

Bluecoats

96.925

The Cadets

95.900

Santa Clara Vanguard

93.850

Blue Knights

91.850

Phantom Regiment

90.325

Madison Scouts

88.750

The Cavaliers

88.325

Boston Crusaders

86.800

Blue Stars

85.150

Crossmen

85.025

Oboe Mute

Wed, 13 May 2015 21:07:35 +0000

Too Funny:

The Conductors Job

Fri, 14 Nov 2014 17:10:44 +0000

Great read on the importance of the orchestra conductor:

http://www.violinist.com/blog/ContraDancer/201411/16379/

Flute case

Wed, 08 Jul 2015 04:48:31 +0000

I have a geminhardt flute and the case is broke. My alto sax case has a slot that is supposed to hold a flute case but I can't find 1 that fits. The sax is a selmer super balanced action from the 40's and I believe the case is original to the sax. The case also has a spot for a clarinet. Can anyone help with what kind of flute case fits in this case?

Which DCI Drum Line

Thu, 18 Jun 2015 22:57:13 +0000

Belongs to this finish this year?

Drum Corps Internation Scores- 2015 Tour

Thu, 18 Jun 2015 15:48:31 +0000

6.17.2015

Drum Corps International 2015- IT's TIME!!

Wed, 17 Jun 2015 15:30:00 +0000

In case you didn't know:

[video=youtube;ST-ReX1_YX4]

Shopping for a soprano sax

Tue, 12 May 2015 20:12:43 +0000

My daughter (13) recently changed from tenor sax to soprano sax and has really taken to it. Her tone surprises me on the fairly cheap sax she's borrowed from the school and she's very happy playing it -- clearly the instrument is a good fit. When she goes to high school next year, though, their program doesn't support soprano sax as there are very few band parts for it and they don't have one to loan. So I've made up a Kijiji search for soprano saxes for sale within 250 kilometres and am finding a few. But I'm not a sax player and don't know the brands or their resale value. My theory is that a $2000 used sax that we can sell in five years for $2000 is a better deal than a new $800 Chinese sax that we can sell in five years for $400. But I may be wrong.

My question is -- where can I find out more about soprano saxophones and the soprano saxophone market (which is, let's face it, pretty small and scattered).

Practice !! Your philosophy?

Fri, 12 Jun 2015 17:40:37 +0000

Practice makes perfect. So they say. For some (with extreme natural talent) I have known, it isn't even something they do. Buddy Rich claims to have NEVER practiced.

But for others, there is a natural progression towards betterment when they maintain a daily ritual of practicing.

What is your philosophy?

R.I.P Ornette Coleman.

Fri, 12 Jun 2015 16:13:14 +0000

http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/music_box/2006/10/take_the_o_train.html

Allondra de la Parra - Anyone watched her?

Thu, 11 Jun 2015 20:55:47 +0000

What a fantastic conductor! Love watching her- so much passion and even "dance" moves.

Hi, I`m kinda new here..

Sat, 25 Apr 2015 03:42:41 +0000

I see this as a really small group, and I see 1001 is here, so I`d like to introduce myself. My name is Matt, and I got into this genre through Angelo Clematide, who coached me until his untimely demise. I`m going to share some songs/demos from when I had really bad equipment, and was a ****************ty producer. I`ve already got through the constant "circular strings" thing so let`s go.

This was only Omnisphere, now I mix in other samples, but it`s not done yet. I`m in the process of remixing the whole song and having it professionally mastered. https://app.box.com/s/a82rbwd5l7zotlb2wovs This is a straight rough demo https://app.box.com/s/f8f402a2793bc9f63630<--wrong song but still good..

Ok rough string demo..https://app.box.com/s/bnkn5e9wv4vgkgw2k9ng

Atlanta to greatly reduce music programs in schools- A Mistake ...

Wed, 03 Jun 2015 01:03:28 +0000

http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/morning_call/2015/06/atlanta-public-schools-eliminates-orchestra-band.html

I just don't get it. But the football team will get new uniforms for every game.

Geesh.

Does playing an instrument benefit your brain?

Mon, 04 May 2015 14:21:10 +0000

Anita Collins thinks so —

Any good songs with harmonica?

Sun, 22 Mar 2015 04:11:47 +0000

I can only think of one right now...please post some.. thanks.

1980's Best Soprano solos and duets- Drum Corps

Fri, 24 Apr 2015 18:19:41 +0000

This is great stuff. I was lucky to march in the SunCoast Sound in 1983 and experienced much of this live!

Don't give up your horn yet.

Tue, 10 Mar 2015 04:01:41 +0000

My cousin was bragging a little on their Granddaughter who plays trumpet. Thought you might want to hear her. (Very worthwhile.) She was on From The Top radio show on NPR episode 202. Easy to find. Simple song, but not the way She plays it. She's been asked to play with orchestras on several continents and this was recorded 5 years ago. I'm waiting for her to get into college in a few years. (Yes, She's that young. Musical family. Mom is violinist for the Seattle Symphony and Dad a band director/trumpet player/ teacher.) I don't think I can call my self a trumpeter anymore. Compared to her, I only play at the instrument. Enjoy Her name is Natalie.

Awesome Dizzy Style Martin Committee on EBAY!

Fri, 30 Jan 2015 05:14:06 +0000

NAMM 2015

Tue, 27 Jan 2015 20:07:55 +0000

Make sure you check out our NAMM coverage threads:

http://www.harmonycentral.com/forum/forum/Forums_General/namm/31362449-count-down-to-namm-2015-a-daily-walk-through-namm

http://www.harmonycentral.com/forum/forum/Forums_General/namm/31388663-namm-2015-official-photo-thread

Are you interested in building a Brass Community in Los Angeles?

Mon, 05 Jan 2015 06:21:00 +0000

-Do you play a brass instrument?

-Are you interested in joining an active brass community in LA?

This posting was inspired by a recent Trombone Concert I went to see in the valley. I started thinking that there must be a Brass Community in LA, somewhere that active musicians and those wishing to be active again can get together and play, jam, rehearse, perform, share arrangements, etc.

At the moment, I'm gathering some information to see how many musicians would be interested in the area. If you're interested in something like this, please click below to submit your interest and any additional ideas/feedback.

Looking forward to meeting and playing soon!

[ATTACH=CONFIG]n31365546[/ATTACH]

All Music Performances Should Be This Fun!!

Tue, 30 Dec 2014 00:31:49 +0000

Leonard Bernstein's "Mambo"

12/2/2014 Rolling Stones Saxophonist, Bobby Keys dies at 70

Tue, 02 Dec 2014 20:05:42 +0000

Photo: Eric England

Story courtesy The Nashville Scene:

http://www.nashvillescene.com/nashvillecream/archives/2014/12/02/rolling-stones-saxophonist-bobby-keys-dead-at-70

Bobby Keys, longtime saxophonist for The Rolling Stones, has died. Michael Webb, keyboardist for Bobby Keys and the Suffering Bastards, confirmed Keys' death with the Scene, saying the legendary musician had been battling cirrhosis and passed away at his home in Franklin early this morning. He was 70 years old.

A Texas native who’d lived in Middle Tennessee since the early ’90s, in addition to his 40-plus-year tenure with The Rolling Stones, Keys appeared on legendary recordings by John Lennon, Joe Cocker, Barbra Streisand, B.B. King, Carly Simon, Lynyrd Skynyrd and others. More details to come.

Bad to the 'Bone ... Christopher Bill

Fri, 07 Nov 2014 15:23:06 +0000

I love this video. Makes the trombone so much fun. This video has made the rounds, but I thought it was a great testimony to what you can do with the right attitude and software.

Christopher Bill is a classically trained trombone player who attend(s) or attended the SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Music in NYC. In this video he plays a trombone loop version of Pharrell Williams' "Happy" and is using the Ableton Live 9 sequencer software.

[video=youtube;ZxODzxY6AvI]

Examples of Strings in Contemporary Music - Memorable Songs

Wed, 29 Oct 2014 15:09:47 +0000

There are so many examples of strings being used in contemporary music in the last 40 years.

Here was one that surfaced yesterday. It is hard to believe that this was in 1999. Where does time go? The Corrs from MTV unplugged (you know ... back when they showed stuff related to music)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nCq9Yo8Y3E&sns=fb

Doreen Ketchens: Amazing Clarinet - She slays it!

Mon, 27 Oct 2014 18:55:27 +0000

She Can sing to!

[video=youtube;EbH3HJvh2N0]

Influential Sax Players ... check it out .

Thu, 16 Oct 2014 17:42:54 +0000

http://www.harmonycentral.com/articles/influential-saxophone-players?src=3BNM4KAA

How Many Trumpets Do You Need To Own?

Thu, 23 Oct 2014 16:51:21 +0000

Woodwind & Brasswind Contributing Writer, Tony Guerrero explores this question while discussing Piccolo Trumpets, C Trumpets, Cornets, and more in this article:

http://www.wwbw.com/The-Woodwind---Brasswind---How-Many-Horns-is-too-Many-g26209t0.wwbw

Trumpet Mute Buying Guide! All your questions answered ...

Thu, 16 Oct 2014 17:36:12 +0000

http://www.harmonycentral.com/expert...e?src=3BNM4K3A