Here at the Reference Desk, you can access
multimedia articles and other entertaining and educational materials on
a variety of musical themes. A brief description appears below
each title along with any content advisories for that link.
Bookmark this page and be sure to visit often to see the new Word of the Week,
Joke of the Fortnight and
Tip of the Month.
Bringing in a Brass Chamber Ensemble Whether you play in a brass trio, quartet, quintet or sextet, an
important technique for a group leader to master is the cue that brings
the ensemble in at the beginning of a performance. This multimedia
article teaches a method that the Empire Brass has used for over three
decades and has taught to hundreds of other brass ensembles. Because of the online video demonstrations throughout this article, it
is best view using a high speed connection. The video clips are in
Flash format. If your Flash plug-in
is outdated or not installed yet, you may be
prompted to download the most recent version. Due to Microsoft’s
update of Internet Explorer in April 2006, you may have to click on the
video once to “activate” it and then click on it again to begin
playback.
Diversity in
Phrasing The elegant and imaginative shaping of a musical phrase requires the use
of many techniques. This article describes these techniques and
how they may be applied to create a more rounded performance. An
even broader understanding of when to apply the techniques described
here can be gained by first reading its companion essay,
Intelligent Design.
Gate Checking Your Large Musical Instrument (or Case)
If your instrument or the case you’re using (i.e., double, triple or
quad-case) is too large to be considered a carry-on item, you have two
choices when you fly in the United States: check your instrument as
baggage or buy a seat for it. If you fly often, purchasing an
extra seat on every flight may not be practical. So how do you
minimize the risk to your instrument when you have to check it?
Try gate-checking it.
Intelligent Design Playing what is written on the page is good. It is also the least
that is expected. Capitalizing on the more hidden expressions in
music requires that a performer first be able to find them. The
search for such moments often requires more than instinct but
open-mindedness and objectivity as well. This article examines the
things to look for when mining a of piece music for hidden expressive
opportunities.
Musical Chairs
The seating configuration of any wind ensemble does not have to be
fixed. In fact, moving instruments around for certain pieces may
make more sense both practically and musically than one may think.
Presented here is a perspective on seating configuration for bands and
wind ensembles as well as a discussion of its many benefits.
Fiction
Short Stories
How to be a Jazz Critic Bill
Anschell tells gives you all the catch phrases you need to know to
become a first rate jazz critic.
Jazz Jam
Sessions: A First-Timer’s Guide Experience the comedic musing of writer/pianist,
Bill
Anschell, as you learn the proper etiquette and hidden dynamics of a
jazz jam session. This short story contains adult themes and language that some readers
may find objectionable or offensive. Readers’ discretion is
advised.
There’s a Sucker
Born Every Minute This short story by Bill Anschell takes an inside look at the
death-defying life of a staff musician aboard the S.S. Norway. This short story contains adult themes and language that some readers
may find objectionable or offensive. Readers’ discretion is
advised.
Searching for Glory at the Cookin’ Cadenza
Here’s a humorous tale about struggle of trying to be a “real” musician in the midst of mediocrity. This short story contains adult themes and language that some readers
may find objectionable or offensive. Readers’ discretion is
advised.
Careers in Jazz A clear and concise
dissertation on the structure of the jazz world and the interactions of
its constituents.
pavillon (Itl.) = the bell of a wind (particularly brass) instrument—as in Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring“pavillon en l’air” (hold bell up in the air)
Featuring the voices of Virginia Fordham (vocal recording
artist) and Steve Wilkes (Berklee College of Music, percussion faculty)
...you still don’t do it as often as you should? Overcoming the hassle factor of dragging around a recording device
can seem daunting, so, until you do, consider these options.
If you normal carry around a laptop, instead of leaving it in your locker when
you practice bring it with you. There are free programs that come
pre-installed with many operating systems (e.g., Windows› Sound
Recorder) or are available on the internet that can do a modest job of
capturing your sound. Many notebook computers even come with built-in
microphones. Remember, you’re not trying to record a CD; you’re simply
setting up a means by which you can reexamine what you think you are
doing.
An even more convenient option is to use your cell phone. I’ve
done this will much success and no hassle. Most cell phones have a memo
feature by which you can record 10, 20 or even 60 seconds of sound. The
tone quality is not very flattering; however, it is great for checking
your rhythm and, to a lesser extent, your intonation. If you are
practicing a passage and want to be certain your rhythm and tempo is
unwavering, record a memo of yourself. If you have a phone where you
have to hold down a button during the recording process an elastic band
and a peanut M&M can easily replace a finger—and the M&M
makes for a tasty treat when you’re done!
The most convenient option I've found is in the new wave of digital audio players
(a.k.a. MP3 players). You can now buy an MP3 player the size of a tube of chapstick
for under $20USD which are equipped with built-in microphones and can record hours of sound. Granted,
they are design for recording voice lectures and the quality of the sound is not very good;
but, if you want to check your rhythm or intonation on a given passage they do the
job wonderfully! Add to that the fact that you can easily carry around a commercial
recording of the music you’re working on and you have a practical and convenient
solution to this issue.
Once you get used to the feeling of progress and
accomplishment that recording your practice sessions generates, you’ll more
easily overcome the hassle factor of using more appropriate recording
equipment.
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