I have just finished a week adjudicating at the Ottawa Kiwanis Music Festival where I saw and heard some terrific woodwind soloists and Bands. This is a terrific Music Festival and should be a must for any young musicians to gain performance experience in a positive and constructive atmosphere.
Although the Soloists were all of a very high standard there was a common trend with the Bands (there being a couple of exceptions). Generally the bands tend to overplay the dynamic markings. The best advice I could leave any Band Director and Musician with is "Excitement in music comes from Contrast - not Noise. One should strive so that every instrument in the ensemble is heard with no one being the dominant. Balance & Blend!
Keep posted for articles on achieving the "Best Band Sound" and some tips for "Performance".
Hey there Bill - it will be interesting reading your thoughts on various subjects!
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