tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90832855414325136522024-03-12T17:33:00.905-07:00Horn ReveriesPonderings, preoccupations, and ruminations on the horn.Evan Grulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428150339688178659noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9083285541432513652.post-37938144104963223012011-04-19T22:33:00.000-07:002011-04-19T22:44:17.763-07:00The Didjeridoo<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifc0LJDFvqtMiYPQQ2bMNVMifYTC4MOFLPyRNuxBwBGXK4v2SV4onhTbsuLGH6K6kpgpXngNoyQSk19Qc2a-xZgnD1TS-EstpgsxDkXZgHf6O-rs-2u9bppPSrTNYuYPHUsz-KRvZPWBNI/s1600/250px-Various_Types_of_Didgeridoo.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 185px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifc0LJDFvqtMiYPQQ2bMNVMifYTC4MOFLPyRNuxBwBGXK4v2SV4onhTbsuLGH6K6kpgpXngNoyQSk19Qc2a-xZgnD1TS-EstpgsxDkXZgHf6O-rs-2u9bppPSrTNYuYPHUsz-KRvZPWBNI/s320/250px-Various_Types_of_Didgeridoo.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597537447987157282" border="0" /></a><br />The didjeridoo has been used for 1,500 years by the indigenous peoples of Australia, although the instrument's exact age is unknown. It is made of wood, but anyone would classifying this as a 'brass' instrument, requiring a buzz to play. Today's didjeridoo's are 1 - 4 ft. long, some made from cheap plastic pipe.<br /><br />The didjeridoo, during typical play, is meant to sustain a drone for long amounts of time, up to 30-40 minutes. Players of the instrument use circular breathing to sustain for this long. One recording (Mark Atkins playing the Didjeridoo Concerto) has the didjerido playing continuously for 50 minutes. The instrument can achieve also timbral effects by use of multiphonics.Evan Grulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428150339688178659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9083285541432513652.post-34411716057514555692011-04-19T22:14:00.000-07:002011-04-19T22:30:21.838-07:00The Mariachi Tradition<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinhl0UrgL3JG7P8ISQrtsRiN_pe7tJDuEG_IrLwkHUnIi0kZt-Dt7_Z9ratxAHJX8DD4SWbr6DzSWfb-fDTdMmrUZfaS5DFkpItdHdEYbonbgBBKyJa0a0aIOyeV6FQohIx7n_tZthvf7m/s1600/images.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 156px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinhl0UrgL3JG7P8ISQrtsRiN_pe7tJDuEG_IrLwkHUnIi0kZt-Dt7_Z9ratxAHJX8DD4SWbr6DzSWfb-fDTdMmrUZfaS5DFkpItdHdEYbonbgBBKyJa0a0aIOyeV6FQohIx7n_tZthvf7m/s200/images.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597533846592227490" border="0" /></a>Mariachi bands have been a mainstay in Mexican culture for hundreds of years. It has become emblematic of Mexican music by being some of the first music on Mexican radio and film, and by creating some of the regional song forms of the country. Typically a Mariachi band uses violins, trumpets, and guitars (including a low-pitched guitar, a guitarron, and a high-pitched one, a vihuela).<br /><br />The mariachi style actually has many stylized song forms, analogous to Baroque and Renaissance dance forms. 2/4 song forms include Cancion ranchera, Corrido, Polka, and Pasodoble, and 3/4 forms include Valses mexicanos, Son Jaliscience, and Huapango.Evan Grulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428150339688178659noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9083285541432513652.post-69544774079624211042011-04-19T21:37:00.000-07:002011-04-19T21:51:41.759-07:00The Hypnotic Brass EnsembleThe <a href="http://www.myspace.com/hypnoticbusiness">Hypnotic Brass Ensemble</a> is certainly worth mentioning as far as ethnic brass ensembles. Using a New Orleans-style instrumentation, hip-hop/funk influence, and colorful, jazz-influenced harmonies, this band has risen to international fame. It is a 9-piece ensemble, eight of them brothers of the same father, coming out of the south side of Chicago.<br /><br />The HBE started out playing small gigs in Chicago, including at subway stations. They decided on their name when a man in a suit at the subway watched them for hours, missing train after train. Afterwards he came up to them and said "You guys just hypnotized me."Evan Grulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428150339688178659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9083285541432513652.post-66395620185716060172011-04-19T21:25:00.001-07:002011-04-19T21:36:43.125-07:00The British-style Brass Band<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7pgHfofxZOnY0OgbaFaQpWii9u6ls4koiW_LWpieV_BH-sshhQ-pGiwQDGDJEPsXr_fAFzi2pOJLtMqoilJHr6SIh_FFy1bwMORdkNfJUgYU41ImHCsOMrenbQ5TOGnofB4dFl6HTRvrX/s1600/300px-Brassband2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 91px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7pgHfofxZOnY0OgbaFaQpWii9u6ls4koiW_LWpieV_BH-sshhQ-pGiwQDGDJEPsXr_fAFzi2pOJLtMqoilJHr6SIh_FFy1bwMORdkNfJUgYU41ImHCsOMrenbQ5TOGnofB4dFl6HTRvrX/s200/300px-Brassband2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597520042684130066" border="0" /></a>Another type of ensemble is the British brass band, whose instrumentation and style has been used and elaborated upon by many nations (including Belgium, Germany, Ireland, Norway, Australia, Canada, the U.S., and even Latin America). The modern form of this brass band type in England dates back to the 19th century. The Stalybridge Old Band is of this style, and was founded in 1803 (may be the oldest civilian band).<br /><br />The instrumentation of such groups is: a soprano cornet, 9 cornets, a flugelhorn, 3 tenor horns, 2 baritones, 2 tenor trombones, a bass trombone, 2 euphoniums, 2-4 tubas, and percussion.<br /><br />Many big-name composers have written pieces for this instrumentation, including Malcolm Arnold, Artur Bliss, Elgar, Holst, Joseph Horovitz, and Ralph Vaughn Williams.Evan Grulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428150339688178659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9083285541432513652.post-63798154335823104032011-04-19T20:45:00.000-07:002011-04-19T20:59:39.929-07:00Mehter - oldest type of marching bandWhen looking into Balkan brass bands, I read of their original influences from <span style="font-style: italic;">Mehter</span>, an old ensemble type and musical genre from the Ottoman Empire. First appearing in the 13th century, these large ensembles of brass and percussion were military musicians (soldiers called <span style="font-style: italic;">janissaries</span>) who entertained sultans and royalty in what is today Turkey and the upper middle-east. These ensembles and their musical style continued to be played for centuries, and actually influenced Beethoven, Haydn, and Mozart during the Turkish music fad of the Classical era (ex. Mozart's Rondo Alla Turca).<br /><br />Today, the country of Turkey still has a military brass band that plays music of the <span style="font-style: italic;">Mehter</span> as a matter of ceremony. It is regarded as a reminder of Turkey's historical past.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqd9jA-6DpYGXkC3VgCNh9wYDzDMIOH2OcloVrRXtms4iX9Qjvj6Eq_VhBQOujg6Cn8jk18DdyHmyerKjhCskWO9fWq72q8RxINGw8SoQFsm2tcLbddAVxgsG4IzuboreQIOxTgJjS8EXb/s1600/350px-Mehterhane.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 156px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqd9jA-6DpYGXkC3VgCNh9wYDzDMIOH2OcloVrRXtms4iX9Qjvj6Eq_VhBQOujg6Cn8jk18DdyHmyerKjhCskWO9fWq72q8RxINGw8SoQFsm2tcLbddAVxgsG4IzuboreQIOxTgJjS8EXb/s200/350px-Mehterhane.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597510107049910754" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">(representation of a <span style="font-style: italic;">Mehter</span> band, called a <i>mehterân</i></span><span style="font-size:85%;">)<br /><br /></span></div>Evan Grulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428150339688178659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9083285541432513652.post-38468271398434957982011-04-19T20:29:00.000-07:002011-04-19T20:38:19.661-07:00Balkan Brass BandsThis is a style originating from Eastern Europe, when trumpeters in the Serbian military in the 19th century transcribed folk songs to boost morale. It's key regions of popularity and influence are Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, and Macedonia. It was common for a town to have a band in these areas to play at gatherings, ceremonies, and festivals such as births, baptisms, weddings, state and church festivals, funerals, and even harvesting, reaping crops.<br /><br />Many of the brass instruments used today in these bands are off the beaten path, such as flugelhorn, alto horns, helicons, and tenor horns. Included are also trumpets, euphoniums, baritones, tubas, and sometimes trombones.<br /><br />Some notable groups include the Kocani Orkestar I spoke of in a previous blog, and the Boban Marković Orkestar, founded and led by the greatest trumpeter to come out of the Balkans.Evan Grulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428150339688178659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9083285541432513652.post-56362706316101695472011-04-19T19:39:00.000-07:002011-04-19T20:17:05.612-07:00The Dance FormsDuring my listening presentation we heard some old dance forms from the Baroque and Renaissance. It would be important to know which forms are which, for they each have their own meters, tempi, and affects. Many of us are familiar with the Baroque forms like the sarabande or the gigue, but what about the stylized dances of the Renaissance? Both eras today.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Renaissance:</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Bassadance</span> - slow, stately dance, in a combination of 6/4 and 3/2 time (allowing for hemiola).<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Pavane</span> - slow processional dance, duple meter.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Allemande - </span>duple meter and moderate tempo. Grave and ceremonious.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Galliarde - </span>lively dance in 6/4. The dance itself is characterized by leaps and hops.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Courante</span> - lively dance in 3/2 or 6/4. Courante literaly means 'running.'<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Canario</span> - fast in tempo, in 3/8 or 6/8. Named after the Canary Islands from the dance's origin.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Baroque:</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Bouree - </span>quick dance, duple meter. The Bouree starts on the last beat of the bar, giving the music an off-set feel for performers.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Gavotte - </span>4/4 or 2/2, moderate tempo. Phrases begin in the middle of the bar (instead of the last beat like the Bouree).<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Gigue - </span>lively dance in compound meter, originating from the English jig.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Minuet - </span>in 3/4 time. Style and tempo may vary.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Passapied - </span>fast tempo, triple meter. Phrases begin on the upbeat to the bar.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Rigaudon - </span>a lively folk dance for couples in duple meter, uses hopping steps.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Sarabande - </span>slow, serious dance in triple meter.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Additional style terms:</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Passamezzo</span> - not actually a dance per se, but a particular chord progression used in Renaissance music. There are two 'passamezzo' chord progressions, one <span style="font-style: italic;">antico</span> (i-VII-i-V) and one <span style="font-style: italic;">moderno</span> (I-IV-I-V).<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Scherzo</span> - thought I'd throw this one in here. This style began as Beethoven's version of the Classical minuet. Fast triple meter, often energetic, comedic, or rambunctious.Evan Grulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428150339688178659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9083285541432513652.post-35037642322456331042011-04-19T17:04:00.000-07:002011-04-19T17:06:35.004-07:00The Dirty DozenThe main theme for my blogs has been "ethnic" brass bands that represent a style hailing from a certain part of the world. I forgot this could include America. The famous <a href="http://www.dirtydozenbrass.com/">Dirty Dozen</a> revolutionized the "New Orleans" brass band style, forming in 1977 and taking hip-hop and funk influences into their music.<br /><br />The rehearsals in their early years were not geared towards gigs. People were just interested in learning the chord progressions and players brought in anything they wanted for the group to read. This relaxed atmosphere fostered the funk influences, and led them to play lots of jaz standards many light-hearted pieces such as the Flintstones theme.<br /><br />The Dirty Dozen sparked a resurgence of interest in New Orleans style brass bands, and inspired the creation of bands such as Youngblood Brass Band and the Rebirth Brass Band.<br /><br />Listening:<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FU89y-AWDSg">"My Feet Can't Fail Me Now"</a><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aoo9nbdZTI0">"I Shall Not Be Moved"</a>Evan Grulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428150339688178659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9083285541432513652.post-79809242185154426432011-04-18T09:20:00.000-07:002011-04-18T09:36:34.680-07:00Arkady and the Alphorn<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCrgUfiUBTxedeisXy_VokEi4yGaHURJEAcqcKv9EE0hGDPq12CyrNczWGToR0FnKqsvg1eOetsD9zKUszJi_rBYvapHBf_y21UuXXOiELUAMgB3xxtzn3sjxSn1XO5hwg8Xz7dWfBOG9F/s1600/shilkloper_01.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 148px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCrgUfiUBTxedeisXy_VokEi4yGaHURJEAcqcKv9EE0hGDPq12CyrNczWGToR0FnKqsvg1eOetsD9zKUszJi_rBYvapHBf_y21UuXXOiELUAMgB3xxtzn3sjxSn1XO5hwg8Xz7dWfBOG9F/s200/shilkloper_01.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596963205240481634" border="0" /></a>Arkady Shilkloper is not a member of a brass ensemble, he's more of a one-man show. He is a Russian horn player who took up the alphorn and is kind of amazing on it. Arkady is a virtuosic improviser on the instrument, often soloing with chamber orchestras, looping over himself, or simply playing alone. He loves the funk idiom, as the harmonic series on the instrument (lydian/mixolydian; major scale with sharp-4 and flat-7) serves funk harmonies well.<br /><br />Jeff Agrell, with his interest in improv, has taken some influence from Shilkloper, advocating what he calls the "daily Arkady." This means to simply pick the horn and make things up constantly for five minutes, to see what comes out. Arkady said this method helped him learn to improvise. Here are some videos for your listening pleasure.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2u4L2VKZV-0">Arkady w/ chamber orchestra playing funk.</a><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QGUxjbgioY">Arkady improvising alone.</a><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMJyua-I4SQ">More improvising alone (longer).</a>Evan Grulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428150339688178659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9083285541432513652.post-17451976810042373932011-04-18T09:09:00.000-07:002011-04-18T09:17:54.093-07:00Mexican Banda MusicAt the center of the pop music world in Mexico is a style of brass music called Banda. Although first seen in the 1880's, banda music exploded into Mexican pop music in the 1990's. The instrumentation uses brass, woodwinds, and percussion: sousaphones, trombones, trumpets, Latin percussion, and clarinet/saxophones.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQWOAjSffHI">Banda el Recodo</a> is a very famous group today that plays in this style. It is remarkable that this group has been around since 1938 and is STILL in the pop scene today. That kind of longevity is the opposite of American pop. The ensemble consists of four clarinets, three trumpets, Latin percussion, a sousaphone, three trombones, and three singers.Evan Grulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428150339688178659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9083285541432513652.post-41743945045294083512011-04-18T08:51:00.000-07:002011-04-18T09:04:47.534-07:00Venezuelan Brass Ensemble - Gran Fanfaria<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq4VnjjJSC8POSs-fxD2Jnvg4yz3XqikyMZGYp2tW9OTfazftK3AjkJSHBfl14DVyKcz11atsruVtxg8HkAmPQiR99tyy-YAbw0x6Kh3FAvRsdCc-s1bcXJ2EQcP7-lbuoSYX4ekpuG9ot/s1600/2508.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq4VnjjJSC8POSs-fxD2Jnvg4yz3XqikyMZGYp2tW9OTfazftK3AjkJSHBfl14DVyKcz11atsruVtxg8HkAmPQiR99tyy-YAbw0x6Kh3FAvRsdCc-s1bcXJ2EQcP7-lbuoSYX4ekpuG9ot/s200/2508.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596955176793730434" border="0" /></a>This is a large brass ensemble (37 brass, 6 percussionists) hailing from Venezuela. They perform in concert settings, covering all styles, including Latin, classical, and jazz. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7F07MLyXfw&feature=player_embedded">This exciting video</a> shows those three styles, and at the end, they all stand and wildly play "I've Got Rhythm" to the delight of the audience. What a show!<br /><br />The Venezuelan Brass Ensemble was formed in 2003 from Venezuela's state youth orchestra system, so they are interestingly a state-sponsored group. They got their foot into the international scene in 2007 playing at the BBC Proms, and since then they have been playing all over Europe.Evan Grulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428150339688178659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9083285541432513652.post-30801171331276489992011-04-18T08:35:00.000-07:002011-04-18T08:47:56.823-07:00The Music of William BoyceDuring my listening presentation we heard the Canadian Brass play a suite by William Boyce. This piece was on the same album as such standards as Scheidt's Galliard Battaglia, Mouret's Rondeau, and Bach's Air on the G String, so the presence of Boyce's music should come as a relief to well-listened brass players who are looking for something different.<br /><br />Boyce is little-known to most people, but according to Grove, he was "the most technically accomplished and versatile English composer of the 18th century." Much of his fame came from his eight short symphonies that were originally written as introductions to theater pieces. Boyce was an admirer of Handel.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3XWyj_IQiY">Here is a link</a> to the first movement of his First Symphony in D.Evan Grulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428150339688178659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9083285541432513652.post-73893698588808215942011-04-18T08:02:00.000-07:002011-04-18T08:51:16.082-07:00Praetorius in the Brass World<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuXmQ3vjbafhwzAICMTw3_YSiEBLnI28-F9hIQ7yJ99S9UxO7vLR4k7Tdg6MRKDVpIh5mWIhFdrJWyYFPC8nl6mHz8rfQqv_VDuQa4mQkkzvOWLcW1TiYmpAWml8z4yZvs34d5EQXoRjDd/s1600/Praetorius.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 149px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuXmQ3vjbafhwzAICMTw3_YSiEBLnI28-F9hIQ7yJ99S9UxO7vLR4k7Tdg6MRKDVpIh5mWIhFdrJWyYFPC8nl6mHz8rfQqv_VDuQa4mQkkzvOWLcW1TiYmpAWml8z4yZvs34d5EQXoRjDd/s200/Praetorius.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596943855665630706" border="0" /></a>Michael Praetorius (pictured right) is mostly known for his collection of folk/secular instrumental Renaissance dances called Terpsichore. Terpischore is the name of one of the nine muses of Greek mythology, the one associated with dance. He did not write the melodies in these piece but did arrange them for wind instruments; the counterpoint/voicing is his own.<br /><br />Praetorius collaborated with the violinist/composer Caroubel, who was responsible for some 82 dances in Terpsichore. These dances were from the French tradition, and based off of pre-existing melodies.<br /><br />I love these pieces. I've heard some of these dances since I was young, and like the innocent and light feel to them. I think it's good every once in a while to listen to music that isn't super-serious. It can be oppressive to listen to music out of a sense of duty or self-improvement.<br /><br />During my listening presentation, we heard 2 "dance suites" arranged for the St. Louis Brass Quintet by the trumpeter, Allan Dean.Evan Grulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428150339688178659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9083285541432513652.post-74356823097686430052011-04-17T18:39:00.000-07:002011-04-17T21:17:32.438-07:00Listening on April 13I brought in much arranged brass quintet music, from many different time periods. Arrangements from other ensemble types can open up your brain to different styles and types of writing. Although these pieces aren't meant for a brass ensemble to play them, a good ensemble is challenged to make the music speak as it was intended, and in this way arranged pieces can be a musical muscle-stretcher for the players. Some arranged music such as the Nutcracker and Carmen are great for engaging the audience. It's always fun for people, especially lay-people, to hear tunes they recognize, and a transcribed piece may be the only way to do that.<br /><br />Listenings included:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">St. Louis Brass</span><br />Praetorius - 2 "dance suites" from Terpsichore<br />Hindemith - Four Madrigals<br />Scheidt - Passamezzo variations<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Bonesapart</span><br />Bizet - Carmen excerpts<br />Tchaikovsky - Nutcracker March<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Canadian Brass</span><br />Boyce SuiteEvan Grulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428150339688178659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9083285541432513652.post-29111718293384668502011-03-23T20:29:00.000-07:002011-03-23T20:48:40.565-07:00The Bollywood Brass Band<a href="http://www.eea.org.uk/bbb/">This brass band</a> hails from the UK. They describe themselves as Indian-style, using such instruments as tabla and dhol drums, and performing the music of the greatest Indian films. Much of the spotlight during their shows is given to the drummers, who employ complex Indian rhythms as well as funk and hip hop rhythms.Evan Grulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428150339688178659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9083285541432513652.post-42803159862682930402011-03-23T17:53:00.000-07:002011-03-23T18:11:34.290-07:00Kočani Orkestar<a href="http://www.myspace.com/kocaniorkestar"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Kočani Orkestar</span></a> is a Romani brass band hailing from Kočani, Macedonia and is known for their blend of funk and Balkan brass. Their song "Siki, siki baba" is featured on the soundtrack to the movie Borat, even though the song has no connection with Kazakhstan. The band's leader, Naat Veliov, has actually filed a lawsuit against the makers of Borat for unauthorized use of their song!<br /><br />This is my favorite group I've blogged about so far. Intricate, driving rhythms, even a little bit of Latin influence!Evan Grulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428150339688178659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9083285541432513652.post-90147953419190929982011-03-23T17:40:00.000-07:002011-03-23T17:53:08.502-07:00Jaipur Kawa Brass Band<a href="http://www.myspace.com/jaipurkawabrassband">Jaipur Kawa</a> uses a brass ensemble in combination with Indian melodies and percussion. Most of their pieces have the brass playing all in unison on the melody/raga, but it makes for an interesting listen.<br /><br />The creator and artistic director of Jaipur Kawa is Hameed Khan, a renowned musician who chooses their varied repertoire. The band includes a singer (who sings the melody and is the focal point of each track) a dancer and even a fakir (sword swallower). They often play in parades as well as on stage.Evan Grulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428150339688178659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9083285541432513652.post-61071918671959800642011-02-25T12:22:00.000-08:002011-02-25T12:27:07.445-08:00Fanfare CiocărliaA brass band heralding from Zece Prajini<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">, Romania. </span>Starting out as a local band that played at weddings and festivals, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9uR5InkOCk&feature=related">Fanfare Ciocarlia</a> began recording and touring in 1996 when approached by a German producer. They are known for their dizzying speed and energy, playing traditional folk melodies from Romania and other eastern European countries.<br /><br />Since they began touring, they have played over a thousand concerts in over 50 countries, and have released five albums.Evan Grulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428150339688178659noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9083285541432513652.post-35796304503613754202011-02-25T11:50:00.000-08:002011-02-25T12:02:15.847-08:00An African Brass Band<span style="font-family: georgia;">Just found <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qjio-y6J0ME">this video</a> of a local <span style="font-size:100%;">brass band in Jacqueville, </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;">Côte d'Ivoire (the Ivory Coast in Africa). When the local missionaries banned traditional music, the people responded by creating an amateur brass band that began to play at the towns various festivities. Although they mainly provide dancing music, the band also plays at religious ceremonies, festivals, funerals, and celebrations.<br /><br />The video advertises a documentary made about the band, shot just a few weeks before an outbreak of civil war in the country. The first couple minutes are silent shots, but hear the band around the 2:15 mark!<br /></span>Evan Grulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428150339688178659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9083285541432513652.post-9367164930171361112011-01-31T06:44:00.000-08:002011-02-25T12:27:22.498-08:00Philadelphia German Brass BandThis group is first in a series of spotlights on brass ensembles that specialize in a certain ethnic or cultural style. Having performed continuously for 75 years, the <a href="http://philadelphiagermanbrassband.com/default.aspx">Philadelphia German Brass Band</a> began as a band of German immigrants in the 1930's who got together to play German tunes that reminded them of home. The ensemble continued to play through the decades, changing directors very few times, and still are going strong today. A small number of devoted members care for the ensemble's library, new arrangements, and recording. The band often plays at Oktoberfests and other festivals or ethnic events.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jfy9GTNQ6FY&feature=player_embedded">Philadelphia German Brass Band Soundbite!</a>Evan Grulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428150339688178659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9083285541432513652.post-64911504470734083472010-05-12T19:07:00.000-07:002010-05-12T19:13:52.973-07:00The Summer!Things that you like are naturally included in your spare time. This goes for horn too! I hope we all like horn playing. If you do it should naturally follow that you play over the summer. If this sounds oppressive, then just play for fun! Any playing helps, even a little bit. I know how it is to just want to relax and do nothing over the summer (guilty!) but I hope that everyone can pick up their horn and play through etudes or solos that they like.<br /><br />I certainly plan on playing. My goal is to go through the entire Schuller etude book (mentioned in the previous blog). I might also be practicing the Telemann horn concerto.<br /><br />Because we aren't being pressed to play because of school, you should make sure to keep it fun! But also remember that learning and challenging yourself can be refreshing and invigorating. So keep yourself fresh over the summer! You will not regret it.Evan Grulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428150339688178659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9083285541432513652.post-668156840804941752010-05-12T18:51:00.000-07:002010-05-12T19:06:34.038-07:00Gunther Schuller's Studies for Unaccompanied Horn: a reviewWhile the book could've simply been called 'etudes for horn,' I believe this is one of the better atonal etude books out there. Each of the 13 etudes are based off of a repeated rhythmic or interval-based pattern. Like other atonal etude books, this one will certainly improve your sense of pitch and your accuracy. But unlike some other atonal studies, each etude to me has a nice easy-to-identify idea, a nice flow, and a real sense of musicality. The first etude for instance is slow and lyrical, and even seems to have antecedent and consequent phrases.<br /><br />The Schuller etudes are excellent for improving your large-interval slurs! Almost every etude has slurs that span augmented octaves and beyond.<br /><br />I would highly recommend this book for those of you who are looking for a refreshing type of etude.Evan Grulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428150339688178659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9083285541432513652.post-5571491932528394332010-05-12T18:44:00.000-07:002010-05-12T18:50:23.383-07:00Pedagogy GemsArticulation<br />- the tongue doesn't start the note, the air does. Just let the tongue fall as the air pushes through.<br />- practice isolated single tones in all registers<br /><br />A Daily Routine<br />- the routine for every player is unique<br />- avoid distractions<br />- your routine must work on your problem areas as well as reinforce fundamentals<br /><br />Range<br />- the note before the high note is almost more important than the high note<br />- low range is all about sensitive adjustment of the oral cavity<br />- high range air = small volume, high speed. Low range air = large volume, low speedEvan Grulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428150339688178659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9083285541432513652.post-67351500652252795662010-05-12T18:42:00.000-07:002010-05-12T18:43:50.302-07:00Improv Part III: ListeningImprovisation also shows you the ideal way to listen to music. While improvising in a group, you must be constantly thinking about rhythm, tonality, style and form, and about what you need to add that is appropriate to the piece. You must listen intently and know exactly what is going on on every level. This type of in-depth listening goes beyond what is necessary for the average player, and can serve as an example of how we should be listening to music in the first place.<br /><br />Not a single note or rhythm in a composed piece was placed there by accident; they are all there to express an overall mood, feeling, image, or story. If every aspect of such music has a purpose, it should all receive attention from our ears. Listening this way increases the satisfaction that one can get from listening.Evan Grulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428150339688178659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9083285541432513652.post-32427986096543094412010-05-10T17:12:00.000-07:002010-05-10T17:21:18.090-07:00Pedagogy GemsOver the years, I have acquired many little teaching phrases or sayings that can help in correct playing technique. I shall share some with you here!<br /><br />Breathing:<br />- bring in the air naturally from the lips<br />- inhale so no one can hear it<br />- let the notes float on a steam of air<br /><br />Embouchure:<br />- use a half-pucker, half-smile<br />- for a better tone, use less "squeeze" in your lips<br /><br />Buzzing:<br />- a good buzz is halfway between loose/airy and tight/constricted<br />- keep your mouth an oval shape, as if you had an egg in your mouth<br />- aim for a big, rich sound<br /><br />More categories to come!Evan Grulkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428150339688178659noreply@blogger.com0