Orpheus Posted September 25, 2002 Share Posted September 25, 2002 Speaking of loud, I didn't hear that many "loud" corps at DCI this year. Is that because of the B flat horns? Nope ... it's just a trend. It's easier to play controlled and in tune if you never play louder than forte. I thought the Blue Devils, Cadets, 'Coats, and Crossmen were plenty loud. These days, tho, some of the corps who are shooting for a more symphonic style prefer to take a more measured approach to their music. Look at how many people praised the Cavaliers' "mature" sound but had little else to say about their brass. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave_G Posted September 25, 2002 Share Posted September 25, 2002 Quality is the most important to me... a hornline that is perfectly in tune, or as close as possible to perfection, WILL naturally sound louder then a hornline that is playing the same exact dynamic level without the same quality of intonation. The key IMO is getting the intonation out of the entire corps at a moderate dynamic level, and then trying to take the dynamics as low as they can go with a good sound. I personally think it's harder to play soft with a good sound then to play loud with a good sound. I would take the Cavaliers "mature" sound from this year over that of any other corps from this season. That was the best i have ever heard a corps sound in person (though that only goes back to 2000). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spcbrass Posted September 25, 2002 Share Posted September 25, 2002 The most mature hornlines can play at any dynamic level, any tempo, and registster and maintain the same quality of sound. Playing in the "mezzo zone" all hornlines sound great, but when playing at "pp" or "fff" and all those dynamics outside of "mezzo" really shows off a mature hornline. Add a really tough moving passage, and put that in 7 octves(contra through upper lead sop) with multiple layered parts, play it at any volume clean with great TQ&I...then you have got yourself a mature hornline. Realistically how many hornlines can do this? Consistently...I would say lines like BD, Cadets (although the upper sop intonation isn't quite there), SC...those come to mind. There has to be a balance in the brass book between soft and loud, layered and not layered, fast passages and slow passages. Being able to play in a wide variety of styles and a wide variety of tempos, and a wide variety of volumes, while maintaining proper balance blend and intonation, that is what defines a mature hornline. I'll take a hornline that can do all that please, loud and good. ^0^ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
randomnoise Posted September 25, 2002 Share Posted September 25, 2002 It's all about contrast, baby! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orpheus Posted September 25, 2002 Share Posted September 25, 2002 There has to be a balance in the brass book between soft and loud, layered and not layered, fast passages and slow passages. Being able to play in a wide variety of styles and a wide variety of tempos, and a wide variety of volumes, while maintaining proper balance blend and intonation, that is what defines a mature hornline. Exactly. That's why it drove me crazy that the Cavaliers won High Brass. I mean, where was the meat in their horn book compared with the rest of the top corps? Yeah, they had a great "mature symphonic" sound, as has been repeatedly said in these forums, but it's certainly a lot easier to achieve such a sound when your not really challenging your horn players. I'm sure the Cavaliers horn lins could have handled some really tough stuff, but this year's music wasn't it. <sigh> ... and people complained that Star's horns had too much tacet time in '93. Next year, I want both the Cavies and the Glassmen to prove to me that they can play a real friggin' loud "fff". We know they can play really good at "mf," but as Chris says, how about some contrast? I voted for "quality" over "volume," but this is still drum corps, after all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kimelabari Posted October 24, 2002 Share Posted October 24, 2002 they do...you got to love BD. (Junior corps) But in the world of senior...I go with Renegades, but I am biased B) Kimela Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cheezedogg 23 Posted October 24, 2002 Share Posted October 24, 2002 I gotta agree with Orpheus. Sure they had the best sound and probably a neat perfect show in the horns. But yeah, i bet any of the top 12 could have done just about as well. I think a high brass winner, part of it should require a significant demand, not just a clean sound. I'd would have given BD or Cadets high brass in a second after i heard then all on finals night this year. But i'm not a judge and i dont' make the rules. But still.... i have my right to throw my 1.99 cents out there, not quite 2 any more, i lost a part when i get hit by a Horn line. :P Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TealSoundMellophone Posted March 9, 2003 Share Posted March 9, 2003 I would much rather hear a good corps rather than a loud and not so good corps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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