What is HI-R-BY-A-THIRD? HI-R-BY-A-THIRD stands for How to Increase Your Range By A Third This is a new support group just for high note wimps like me and it begins Today! • If you are tired of having other trumpet players laugh at you when you miss the high note at the end of your solo, join our group. • If you have lost jobs because of your limited range and want to play in a higher chair in your section, join our club. • If you are envious of the other players who are able to perform a full…
I love it when someone proves me wrong. It tends to bring me back to earth and realize that even old people (especially old people) can learn a thing or two. In an earlier post, I questioned the quality and newness of any compositions created in the past few decades and today I was proven wrong. Enjoy this beautiful composition which includes some Stravinsky as well as electric guitar. Please excuse me now as I will have to remove the egg from my face. To the younger crowd, that means I was wrong. The composer’s program notes are included below…
More on our continuing discussion on “Why do the bands still tune to the tuba”? Sound as if only one person has an opinion on how a band should be tuned. Or maybe he/she is the only one with the courage to voice his/her view? Again, my comments are in bold type and the comments are in regular type. “Oh yes, a couple more things”… “The tuba is the foundation of most chords in band music”, The tuba has usually the lowest note of the band but when trying to get a chord in tune, my focus first goes to…
More on our continuing discussion on “Why do the bands still tune to the tuba”? My friend has returned to voice his/her opinion on this topic and I applaud him/her. Seldom have I seen so much passion for a cause as this person exhibits. It is refreshing to exchange ideas in a civil manner and I do hope others will join in on this topic as my new friend has. And now to the continuance of our discussion on our topic- “Why do the bands still tune to the tuba”? Our visitor’s comments are in normal type and my response…
Thank you for responding to our post and I will try to answer each of your concerns. Your comments are in “”. My comments are in bold type. “Firstly, your point 2&3 is pretty much the same” Due to the fact you have not specified which two comments were “pretty much the same”, I will have to respond with an explanation for both comments marked 2 & 3. 2. The clarinet note lies more in the middle range of the human ear which makes it more recognizable by the majority of the players. The main focus of this statement is…
Many years ago, someone came up with the stupid idea that bands should stop tuning to a clarinet and start tuning to a TUBA. How ridicules! I thought it to be a fad started by some band hating string player as a joke but soon it caught on and it now seems that the majority of band directors are still continuing this unproductive and silly practice. As I listen to more and more bands continuing the time wasting exercise of tuning to the tuba, I shake my head in wonder. I have been shaking my head now for a long…
When speaking of greatness, merely the first name or nick name is sufficient. The name Pops, Diz, Bird, Duke, Count, Wynton instantly brings to mind these gifted musicians and when the name “Bub” is offered, only one person comes to mind; Bud Herseth. To the less aware, Mr. Herseth has been the shining star in the Chicago Symphony Orchestra sence he was first hired in 1948. His astonishing record of accomplishments in this ensemble is legendary and to the younger players, he should be their inspiration for perfect consistency, dependability and overall musical example. This radio interview is again one…
Sometimes you can be blown away with a great soprano aria. Sometimes you are brought to tears by the singing a beautiful choir. Even a sunset can make one stop and contemplate the universe, but when you hear the power, precision and drive of a band like this, all you can do is put down your horn and take a lesson. Please enjoy an ensemble which can only be described as a combination of North Texas State (University of North Texas, now) precision, the funk feel of George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic , the down home swagger of Sly & the…
I have know Paul for more than 10 years and have had contact with him in many areas which includes being a close friend, a fellow musician. Paul and his wife Carol are two of the nicest individuals my wife and I have know since moving to the Branson area. As a performer, there are few equals in the trumpet field. Paul has performed with the finest musicians who include members of the most well known big bands as well as theater performances throughout the United States as well as Canada. I have had the pleasure of performing with him…
Many have been very kind in asking how we are doing in Branson after a very busy night with tornadoes. I thank you all for your support and wanted to share some photos of our less fortunate neighbors on our street. Our house sustained minor damage and we should have all of the repairs completed in the next month. Many of our close friends will be faced with much more serious problems for as you can see from the photos, much has been lost by many. Fortunately no one was injured even though there were very close calls. As soon…