Posts by Gene Milford
Why should we bother with six-note band pieces?
While discussing the grade levels of band publications, a well known band music historian remarked “and then there are pieces so easy that they should never have been written.” Obviously, this is the perspective of someone who never worked with beginning instrumentalists and young ensembles. Performances are an important motivational tool and a culminating experience…
Read MoreMarches: Rehearsal Techniques and Performance Practices for Percussion
The percussion section of an ensemble can add or detract from the performance of a march in concert. The conductor needs to have a concept of the sounds expected from each percussion instrument and be able to assist the performers to achieve that tone quality. Directors should not be willing to accept whatever happens in…
Read MoreMarches: Rehearsal Techniques and Performance Practices
Marches Nothing in the band world is more inspiring, thrilling, and musically satisfying to band audiences than a stirring march, when performed by a superb band under the direction of vital, inspired leadership. Select marches carefully, rehearse them thoroughly, and perform them with life, vitality and observe your audience reaction. -William D. Revelli The University…
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