“Author Archive”
Stories written by Wayne Downey
Wayne Downey was the first of Drum Corps Planet’s panel of subject-matter expert columnists – providing our readers with expert information and insight from the best teachers and leaders in the drum and bugle corps activity. In addition to his long-term role as Music Director of the 14-time DCI World Champion Blue Devils drum and bugle corps – where he’s won 21 Jim Ott awards for “Excellence in Brass Performance”, Wayne is distinguished as one of the finest brass teachers/clinicians and arrangers in the world. His work has been featured by some of the world’s most-respected drum corps, high school and collegiate bands – as well as the Tony and Emmy award winning show “Blast” and in feature films. In 1991 Wayne was inducted into the Drum Corps International Hall of Fame for his contributions to the Drum & Bugle Corps activity as the musical director for the Blue Devils. Wayne’s latest venture – XtremeBrass.com provides brass players of all ages and skill-levels, as well as educators, personalized lessons and access to his championship-winning techniques and methods.

Brass Advantage with Wayne Downey
Issue 23

Welcome back to the land of “All Things Brass.” This installment of Brass Advantage delves into an all-important physical action that will determine the performance success or failure of any musician. “Breathing & Breath Control Techniques for the Symphonic & Marching Wind Musician”

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Brass Advantage with Wayne Downey
Issue 22

Welcome back to the land of “All Things Brass.” This installment of Brass Advantage is “Part Two” of an article written by Ms. Lucinda Lewis (Principle Horn of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra) that was written for both music educators and brass players seeking advice on embouchure health and rehabilitation: Embouchure Overuse Syndrome in Brass […]

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Brass Advantage with Wayne Downey
Issue 21

Welcome back to the land of “All Things Brass.” This installment of Brass Advantage is “Part One” of an article written by Ms. Lucinda Lewis (Principle Horn of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra) that was written for both music educators and brass players seeking advice on embouchure health and rehabilitation:

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Brass Advantage with Wayne Downey
Issue 20

Welcome back to the land of “All Things Brass.” This installment of Brass Advantage is “Part Two” of an article written by Mr. Marty Erickson (a fabulous musician, tuba player and a world-class teacher) that was written for both music educators and tuba players seeking advice and counsel from a professional tuba player to improve […]

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Brass Advantage with Wayne Downey
Issue 19

Welcome back to the land of “All Things Brass.” This installment of Brass Advantage is dedicated to a topic that I regard as a one of the most important factors in a brass players success, proper lip care and maintenance. The article was authored by Dan Gosling, the ChopSaver Guy and includes invaluable information for […]

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Brass Advantage with Wayne Downey
Issue 18

Welcome back to the land of “All Things Brass.” This installment of Brass Advantage was written for both music educators and tuba players seeking advice and counsel from a professional tuba player to improve their performance qualities. Written by Mr. Marty Erickson who is both a fabulous musician (tuba player) and a world-class teacher, this […]

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Brass Advantage with Wayne Downey
Issue 17

Welcome back to the land of “All Things Brass.” This installment of Brass Advantage delves into an all-important musical technique that is a must for both amateur and professional musicians to better understand and incorporate into their performances, “Vibrato.” Vibrato is a musical effect, produced in singing and on musical instruments by a regular pulsating […]

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Brass Advantage with Wayne Downey
Issue 16

Welcome back to the land of “All Things Brass.” This installment of Brass Advantage is titled “The Art and Science of Miking Brass”. With the recent passage of the new D.C.I. rule concerning amplification of brass instruments which allows the miking of soloists and small ensembles up to 12 members (implementation 2009), I thought it […]

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Brass Advantage with Wayne Downey
Issue 15

Welcome back to the land of “All Things Brass.” This installment of Brass Advantage is Part 2 of “Making a Good Sound on the Trumpet” or for that matter, any brass instrument. If you haven’t read Part 1 I would encourage you to do so now. You’ll find it here. A Model of Good ToneTo […]

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Brass Advantage with Wayne Downey
Issue 14

Welcome back to the land of “All Things Brass.” This installment of Brass Advantage is titled “Making a Good Sound on the Trumpet” or for that matter, any brass instrument. If your trumpet players are having trouble playing in tune the problem may be related to tone. A shrill or nasal tone is easily confused […]

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