Brass soloists

[elmhurstmusiced]

Do we really need to mic them?

I remember a time when the Blue Devils had soprano, and even after, trumpt soloists that didn't need a mic to be heard.

I remember in Malaguena from Cadets 2003 that they didn't need a mic to play the triplet part(granted Jon Schipper did the same part in 1996 without a mic and was louder).

But do they really need a mic?

If so, can't they get people with stronger chops.

Just my thought.

[Schickmeister]

[2000Cadet]

[Mello Dude]

Do we really need to mic them?

I remember a time when the Blue Devils had soprano, and even after, trumpt soloists that didn't need a mic to be heard.

I remember in Malaguena from Cadets 2003 that they didn't need a mic to play the triplet part(granted Jon Schipper did the same part in 1996 without a mic and was louder).

But do they really need a mic?

If so, can't they get people with stronger chops.

Just my thought.

Uh oh...you said something...true. Look out!

[charlie1223]

Do we really need to mic them?

I remember a time when the Blue Devils had soprano, and even after, trumpt soloists that didn't need a mic to be heard.

I remember in Malaguena from Cadets 2003 that they didn't need a mic to play the triplet part(granted Jon Schipper did the same part in 1996 without a mic and was louder).

But do they really need a mic?

If so, can't they get people with stronger chops.

Just my thought.

You don't need to.... Until the music analysis judge says they can't hear the soloists over the corps.

[fsubone]

Spent much time in a domed stadium? With the crazy acoustics in those places, some of the soloists need to be mic'd if they want a chance to be heard. If the rest of the corps is playing at the same time as a soloist, then they need the mics for San Antonio, Georgia, and Indy

[zachariaswmb]

Spent much time in a domed stadium? With the crazy acoustics in those places, some of the soloists need to be mic'd if they want a chance to be heard. If the rest of the corps is playing at the same time as a soloist, then they need the mics for San Antonio, Georgia, and Indy

Especially if there's an entire hornline playing forte or louder behind said soloist.

[kickhaltsforlife]

Wait until you hear Crossmen this year...

[emc2]

Do we really need to mic them?

I remember a time when the Blue Devils had soprano, and even after, trumpt soloists that didn't need a mic to be heard.

I remember in Malaguena from Cadets 2003 that they didn't need a mic to play the triplet part(granted Jon Schipper did the same part in 1996 without a mic and was louder).

But do they really need a mic?

If so, can't they get people with stronger chops.

Just my thought.

Boston Charlie from last year. No mic. Just wonderful sound.

[skywhopper]

Especially if there's an entire hornline playing forte or louder behind said soloist.

Part of the challenge for the arranger, designer, and musicians is balance. Perhaps putting soloists in front of an entire corps playing forte is a poor design choice.

Regardless, my main objection to amping brass soloists is that it usually sounds terrible. And it especially sounds terrible when it's cranked enough to compete with the full brass line playing loudly. And honestly when the brass is blaring at triple-F, the solo isn't going to ring clearly through that wall of sound no matter what you do to it.

A single brass player can be heard just fine from any point in the stadium, even playing relatively quietly (see Phantom 2010, Boston 2011). If the corps is drowning them out... then you're doing something wrong.