FFFFFFFFFFFFF!

[Einstein On The Beach]

Good advice. I was thinking about how to clean drumlines, myself. My suggestion is to play with sticks, rather than wet mackerel. I think sticks would give you a much more controllable, precise sound than slimy fish.

-Mean

Hahahahhahaa

[Martybucs]

I feel if you are trying to increase the intensity and volume of the section you need to do it as a section so that, indeed, no one plays outside the ensemble. If you practice as a section and someone sticks out, then you can call the person on it immediately and correct the situation.

Individually, Breath control is important, (the diaphragm is used for inhalation only - look it up), but it doesn't take tons of air to get a full, rich sound and if you all produce the same full, rich sound at the same time, in tune, you'll gain volume, maintain control, pitch, and have a pleasing sound. If that doesn't suffice for the band, tell them to play softer. Your band director should realize what needs to be done in this regard if a section is being overpowered. Let the director balance the band or bring it to the director's attention if you feel it's a problem. A director has a billion things going on at the same time and your problem may not be a priority until you say something. They're not mind readers.

In anycase, sectionals are your best approach. Have the section stand facing a solid wall about 6 feet back. Horns definitely up, as someone mentioned, (the sound does not come out of the valves). Do long tones together on a note that is comfortable for the whole section to play. Start at ppp and crescendo, (with no one directing, but agree on a set duration, i.e.16 beats), to FFF and decrescento back to ppp. Have everyone focused on listening to how they fit in as an individual. The wall supplies feedback. Do this til you're sick of it. Your section leader should organize this. (section leader; here's your chance to earn your stripes and get valuable life experience. Try coordinating a bunch of people's schedules and getting them to do what you want them to do.)

Do chords this way. This can be fun with modulations, especially, "jazz" chords. Then do your parts and listen, always listen. YOU are responsible for your sound! Not the horn. A lot of people blame a particular horn for bad intonation. It's not the horn and the audience doesn't care if you have trouble playing a particular horn. Learn to play what's in your hand!

In any team effort, sports or music, it has to be coordinated and practiced to perfection. Individual effort is required at home, but ultimately, to be a successful section you have to do it together. Practice it ad nauseum, (a lot), and remember once you're on the field you have a bunch of other stuff to worry about, the above should be second nature to you. You'll be moving a lot and some physical conditioning comes into play, so you don't get winded so easily. See if the section would do some aerobic exercise together. Biking or long hikes are good for this since not everyone can run so easily. This will not only get you in shape, but will help you bond as a section so you'll always have eachother's back.

Hope this helps and GOOD LUCK!

Edited October 22, 2006 by Martybucs