The rules for success in band ensembles!
1. Always listen…
… for rhythm, togetherness, and pitch.
… for other parts. If you can’t hear what they’re doing, play softer until you can, because you’re too loud.
… for pitch, and be “in tune” with the ensemble versus being “in tune” with a tuning device. Tuners do not make music.
… for other parts. If you can’t hear what they’re doing, play softer until you can, because you’re too loud.
… for pitch, and be “in tune” with the ensemble versus being “in tune” with a tuning device. Tuners do not make music.
… to blend your sound with similar instruments and parts, unless you have a solo line. Don’t stick out!
… to figure out how important your part is at the moment. Generally, motifs we’ve heard before are less interesting, and are less important than new ones.
… for balance with other ensemble parts in volume, pitch and rhythm. A pitch- and volume-balanced ensemble sounds stronger, and individuals don’t need as much effort to play.
… to figure out how important your part is at the moment. Generally, motifs we’ve heard before are less interesting, and are less important than new ones.
… for balance with other ensemble parts in volume, pitch and rhythm. A pitch- and volume-balanced ensemble sounds stronger, and individuals don’t need as much effort to play.
2. Always watch…
… the conductor, and position your stand to help a peripheral view so you can be together on each downbeat at least.
3. Always subdivide…
… longer-valued notes in your head, and listen for other parts for subdivision cues.
4. Always breathe for phrases or lines, never individual bars.
5. Always anticipate…
… what the conductor or lead voice will do. Being a better follower makes you a better musical leader.
6. Always read ahead…
… and never be looking at the note you’re making.
7. Always give full values…
… generally, a note ends at the start of the next note.
8. Always play a line…
… the way a good singer would sing it.
9. Always remember the order of importance: right rhythm, right notes, right markings (dynamics, accent marks, etc.)
10. If in doubt, leave it out.