Trust in God

Brass Band

What is the greatest single error a band director can make?

	Criticise his predecessor in front of band members.
	Ridicule band members who perform poorly.
	Come to the rehearsal without first studying the score.
	Give long speeches at the podium.
	Fail to compliment the band when they play something well.
	Come late to the rehearsal.
	Set unrealistically high standards.
	None of the above.

Suggested Readings

1. Rehearsal Rooms

Struggling to improve the acoustics in your band room? Check out how the Medan Band did it.

2. Concerned about playing swing music properly?

Check out my guidelines

3. Ear training exercises for bands

Unlike piano players, ear training is essential for wind band performers. But how many band directors bother to give their bands suitable exercises?

4. Intonation problems

While tuning is simple act of adjusting a length of tubing on a wind instrument (often by reference to a single note), intonation is an ongoing process in which a player strives to match the pitch of others in the ensemble during performance.

5. “Blowing” a wind instrument

A common misconception among wind players is to believe that the air moves through the instrument in order to produce the sound. This is simply not true.

6. Conducting – suggestions for home practice

The best way for a conductor to improve is in front of a live ensemble. The unfortunate reality, however, is that this is not always possible. Aspiring conductors therefore have little choice but to find other ways of honing their skills.