Steve, I hope you aren't in one of the concert bands that plays at one of two dynamic levels: loud and louder. Concert bands can play exquisitely if disciplined and lead by a discriminating conductor, but unfortunately, these are in the minority. Here are some choices: 1) find a different band; find a smaller ensemble; 2) use your political influence to relocate yourself to the back of the band; 3) become friends with the conductor and with the principals, and again use your political wiles to broaden their weltschaung to include the possiblities of soft and delicate playing; a corollary approach would be to pop off with snide comments during rehearsal about "how nice would it be if the band could play softly at times" (not recommended).
Regarding playing those continuous off-beats, follow Professor Pizka's advice. I think off-beats can also be an opportunity to work on a disciplined embouchure if you can relax your lips during the non-play duration, then set again for the off-beat. Try to avoid sacrificing tone quality for volume. When your tone is good, you will feel that in your embouchure even if you can't here yourself against the 17 saxophones and 13 trombones. We are constantly in the process of trying to find our best venue. Find music happiness in seeing your own progress. Find what you need to make your own practice at home more enjoyable. For example, make up your own practice routine, play improvision, put as much of your own practice under your own control while still achieving your playing goals (of improved tone, extended range, endurance, musical expression, etc.). Don't play etudes that you don't enjoy. There are many different ways to develop as a horn player without needing to practice drudgery that you don't like. __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com _______________________________________________ post: horn@music.memphis.edu unsubscribe or set options at http://music2.memphis.edu/mailman/options/horn/archive%40jab.org
