Rhythm is defined as "a strong, regular, repeated pattern of movement or sound". In music, rhythm is typically very uniform and set and there is not much lenience. The rhythms are divided up perfectly and mathematically with the tempo so they are extremely precise and always accurate. However, we as humans are not robots, so it is impossible to make everything we play mechanical and perfect with math. We can get pretty darn close, but in actuality our rhythms and what we play will never be absolutely in time and flawless. It is simply impossible. This is part of how we get rhythmic interpretation.
It becomes harder to play perfectly in time the more complicated the rhythms become. Half, quarter, eighth, sixteenth, or basically any multiple of four not rhythms are typically easier to play in time. More difficulty comes with groupings of three or five or some other odd number. Since the rhythms are more complicated, it is easier to interpret them in more different ways. Although not everything is perfectly in time, there are multiple ways that can be correct.
Oftentimes musicians stretch or emphasize rhythms during solos. It is their time to shine, and it shows musicality if you do it correctly. Certain notes in a phrase are more important than others, so it makes sense to hold on to those a little longer than written. Doing such makes the piece more musical and that shows great skill and understanding of music.
In music, there is no right or wrong way to be musical or interpretive. The ability to improvise or slightly change things is what makes music interesting and beautiful.
Sunday, April 24, 2016
Professional Musicians
Many young children dream of becoming professional sports players, firefighters, or astronauts when they grow up. But how often do you hear them saying they dream of becoming a professional musician? The answer is not very often. It is extremely hard to strive in the area of music. The truly gifted soar to fame and are asked to perform at every high class event, while the rest fight viciously for a lowly spot at the local bar. Despite the constant stress and struggles, somehow there are many people who are willing to accept the difficult lifestyle of becoming a musician.
There is no doubt money is a major issue. It is sometimes hard to get by as a musician because often times there is not a stable source of income. Landing a seat in a band or orchestra is ideal, but that does not always happen as planned. Players may jump around from gig to gig taking whatever they can get their hands on. Many college students aspiring to perform as an occupation are faced with a shocking realization somewhere along the way: it is going to be really, really hard to succeed. However, a simple solution to this problem can be found. Many professional musicians decide to also take up another job related to music. These could include becoming a band instructor, teaching private lessons, or working in an instrument repair business. By taking up another job, musicians are able to feel more secure regarding money. Unfortunately, having another job does not allow for as much freedom as some would like. Musicians are no longer able to completely devote themselves to performing and finding opportunities to play. Despite this, happiness can still be found through these other occupations. The truly dedicated also find time to perform no matter how busy they are.
Music has the capacity to bring joy to everyone, whether it be through performing or teaching. Performing for others creates a special and unique feeling of connection amongst the performer and the audience. They may have never met before and may not ever meet again, but there is still a connection between them because of the music. Similarly, a special bond is created between a teacher and student. Giving someone the tools and instruction to succeed is one of the most amazing feelings in the world. Knowing that you helped someone and shaped his or her life in some way feels great. Life as a professional musician can be very difficult, but it can also be pretty wonderful, if you choose to make it that way.
There is no doubt money is a major issue. It is sometimes hard to get by as a musician because often times there is not a stable source of income. Landing a seat in a band or orchestra is ideal, but that does not always happen as planned. Players may jump around from gig to gig taking whatever they can get their hands on. Many college students aspiring to perform as an occupation are faced with a shocking realization somewhere along the way: it is going to be really, really hard to succeed. However, a simple solution to this problem can be found. Many professional musicians decide to also take up another job related to music. These could include becoming a band instructor, teaching private lessons, or working in an instrument repair business. By taking up another job, musicians are able to feel more secure regarding money. Unfortunately, having another job does not allow for as much freedom as some would like. Musicians are no longer able to completely devote themselves to performing and finding opportunities to play. Despite this, happiness can still be found through these other occupations. The truly dedicated also find time to perform no matter how busy they are.
Music has the capacity to bring joy to everyone, whether it be through performing or teaching. Performing for others creates a special and unique feeling of connection amongst the performer and the audience. They may have never met before and may not ever meet again, but there is still a connection between them because of the music. Similarly, a special bond is created between a teacher and student. Giving someone the tools and instruction to succeed is one of the most amazing feelings in the world. Knowing that you helped someone and shaped his or her life in some way feels great. Life as a professional musician can be very difficult, but it can also be pretty wonderful, if you choose to make it that way.
All-State
For most high school students involved in music, all-state is a huge deal. The All-State Band and Orchestras are composed of the best of the best players in the state. The competition is cutthroat. With all-state auditions right around the corner in less than a month, I think it is a good time to explain exactly what it takes to be a part of one of these outstanding ensembles.
There are three parts to the all-state audition: a solo, two etudes, and scales. Each year students are asked to choose a minute to minute and a half excerpt from a solo to perform for the judge. The solo is always performed first, so it is extremely important that it be very solid. It needs to be especially good because it is the first thing you will play when you walk into the room, so it serves as a first impression for the judge. No matter how good anything else sounds, if you walk in and play your solo poorly, the chances of getting selected are very low.
The next portion of the audition is the etudes. Each year two etudes are selected from a specific book for the all-state auditions. Typically there will be one fast and one slow etude chosen to give players a chance to show off both aspects of their playing. It is important for musicians to have the ability to play both technically and beautifully at different tempos.
The final section of the auditions is arguably the most important: scales. Scales are said to be the things that either make or break your audition. There are twelve major scales total that must be memorized and played at a certain tempo. However, you only play three scales in the audition. Each student walks in and picks up a card that has two scales written on it. These are the two scales that are performed in the audition. The third is the player's choice scale. Everyone is given the opportunity to play their favorite scale that they feel most comfortable with for the judge. If your choice scale is written on the card you select, however, you cannot play that scale again as your choice scale. This is why it is important to have a number two choice scale. Some instructors even say to have a third just in case both of your choice scales are written on the card you choose. The last scale performed in the audition is the chromatic scale. The chromatic scale consists of every note you are capable of playing on your instrument; from the lowest to the absolute highest and back down. In order to make it into all-state, your scales must be near perfect.
This is my third year auditioning for all-state and I feel more prepared than I ever have. I hope all my hard work pays off and I am given the opportunity to play in one of these outstanding all-state ensembles.
There are three parts to the all-state audition: a solo, two etudes, and scales. Each year students are asked to choose a minute to minute and a half excerpt from a solo to perform for the judge. The solo is always performed first, so it is extremely important that it be very solid. It needs to be especially good because it is the first thing you will play when you walk into the room, so it serves as a first impression for the judge. No matter how good anything else sounds, if you walk in and play your solo poorly, the chances of getting selected are very low.
The next portion of the audition is the etudes. Each year two etudes are selected from a specific book for the all-state auditions. Typically there will be one fast and one slow etude chosen to give players a chance to show off both aspects of their playing. It is important for musicians to have the ability to play both technically and beautifully at different tempos.
The final section of the auditions is arguably the most important: scales. Scales are said to be the things that either make or break your audition. There are twelve major scales total that must be memorized and played at a certain tempo. However, you only play three scales in the audition. Each student walks in and picks up a card that has two scales written on it. These are the two scales that are performed in the audition. The third is the player's choice scale. Everyone is given the opportunity to play their favorite scale that they feel most comfortable with for the judge. If your choice scale is written on the card you select, however, you cannot play that scale again as your choice scale. This is why it is important to have a number two choice scale. Some instructors even say to have a third just in case both of your choice scales are written on the card you choose. The last scale performed in the audition is the chromatic scale. The chromatic scale consists of every note you are capable of playing on your instrument; from the lowest to the absolute highest and back down. In order to make it into all-state, your scales must be near perfect.
This is my third year auditioning for all-state and I feel more prepared than I ever have. I hope all my hard work pays off and I am given the opportunity to play in one of these outstanding all-state ensembles.
Sunday, April 17, 2016
Singing
The definition of diction is "the choice and use of words and phrases in speaking or writing". We have learned about this term a lot over the past semester in my AP Language and Composition class. However, this term has a slightly different meaning in music. In music, diction can be defined as "the pronunciation and enunciation of words in singing". Oftentimes, when singers are singing their lines they are told to use their diction to enunciate the words they are singing. This is especially stressed in show choir. During the concert choir season, the directors often tell their students to use 'show choir diction'.
When young students sing, they do not always think about how their words sound to their audience. The students know the lyrics and the words they are singing, so they do not think about if their audience can understand them and what they are saying. Sometimes singers do not concentrate on pronunciation and it just sounds like they are singing mush. The words are not distinct or clear and it is impossible to decipher the lyrics. To avoid this the singers must be sure to always make sure they pronounce both the beginnings and the ends of their words. Perhaps the hardest words to do this with are words that end with the letter 't'. It is easy to simply run the middle of these words into the beginning of the next word without fully pronouncing the 't' sound. However, if you actually take the time to think about it, it is easy to make your words sound clear and crisp to the audience.
When young students sing, they do not always think about how their words sound to their audience. The students know the lyrics and the words they are singing, so they do not think about if their audience can understand them and what they are saying. Sometimes singers do not concentrate on pronunciation and it just sounds like they are singing mush. The words are not distinct or clear and it is impossible to decipher the lyrics. To avoid this the singers must be sure to always make sure they pronounce both the beginnings and the ends of their words. Perhaps the hardest words to do this with are words that end with the letter 't'. It is easy to simply run the middle of these words into the beginning of the next word without fully pronouncing the 't' sound. However, if you actually take the time to think about it, it is easy to make your words sound clear and crisp to the audience.
Composing Music
In music, an arrangement is a musical reconceptualization of a previously composed work. It may differ from the original work by means of reharmonization, melodic paraphrasing, orchestration, or development of the formal structure. Arranging differs from orchestration in that the latter process is limited to the assignment of notes to instruments for performance by an orchestra, concert band, or other musical ensemble. Arranging "involves adding compositional techniques, such as new thematic material for introductions, transitions, or modulations, and endings...Arranging is the art of giving an existing melody musical variety."
When arranging music, it is important to consider many elements such as instrumentation, balance, style, and much more. Oftentimes arrangements are of pieces that were written as solos for a single instrument and piano. When arranging such solos, the arranger must not only come up with other lines and melodies and harmonies, but he or she must also consider the instrumentation. If you write a part for too many instruments, the balance will be thrown off and the piece will not sound very sophisticated or good. Another important thing to consider when arranging a piece is style. Unless the arranger intends to change the style of the song drastically, he or she must pay very close attention to the articulations and styles the original composer used in the original piece. Keeping consistent articulations and tempos helps aid this process.
Overall, arranging is very hard work and it takes a lot of skill and time to master it. I hope to be able to learn how to compose and arrange music proficiently some day, but I still have a lot left to learn. :)
When arranging music, it is important to consider many elements such as instrumentation, balance, style, and much more. Oftentimes arrangements are of pieces that were written as solos for a single instrument and piano. When arranging such solos, the arranger must not only come up with other lines and melodies and harmonies, but he or she must also consider the instrumentation. If you write a part for too many instruments, the balance will be thrown off and the piece will not sound very sophisticated or good. Another important thing to consider when arranging a piece is style. Unless the arranger intends to change the style of the song drastically, he or she must pay very close attention to the articulations and styles the original composer used in the original piece. Keeping consistent articulations and tempos helps aid this process.
Overall, arranging is very hard work and it takes a lot of skill and time to master it. I hope to be able to learn how to compose and arrange music proficiently some day, but I still have a lot left to learn. :)
Oboe Reeds
Many woodwind instruments require the use of a reed, such as oboe, clarinet, bassoon, and saxophone. However, oboe reeds are far different than any of these other types. It is most similar to a bassoon reed because they are both classified as double reeds, but they are still not that much alike.
Oboe is a double reed instrument. This means that instead of just having one sliver of wood vibrating against a mouthpiece to make sound, there are two slivers of wood that are pressed up against each other. These two pieces of wood are made out of cane. Sound is produced when air pressure is applied to make these two pieces of wood vibrate against each other. The two pieces of can are held together by wrapping them with string around a tube that is connected to a piece of cork. The two pieces of cane are held together around the tube very carefully while they are wrapped and tied off with the string. The piece of cork on the end is then inserted into the top of the oboe and it is ready to be played.
There are three main parts of an oboe reed: the tip, the heart, and the back. The tip controls the vibration and response of the reed. The heart provides stability and control for the sound. Finally, the back controls the tone and sound the oboe produces. These three parts are very distinguished and the place to go when something is not working right. There are also more, less known parts that you can go to work on when something is not right, also. The rails are the parts on the very end of the sides of the reed that provide support and hold the two pieces of cane together. In the middle of the reed on both sides there is a thin layer of bark that is thicker than the rest. This is the spine. The spine also provides support and stability for the reed.
The reed is one of, if not the most, important parts of the oboe. Without it, there is no way to produce a sound. It controls the pitch, tone, volume, and many other things. The reed is very complex and difficult to understand, but I hope I made it a bit easier!
There are three main parts of an oboe reed: the tip, the heart, and the back. The tip controls the vibration and response of the reed. The heart provides stability and control for the sound. Finally, the back controls the tone and sound the oboe produces. These three parts are very distinguished and the place to go when something is not working right. There are also more, less known parts that you can go to work on when something is not right, also. The rails are the parts on the very end of the sides of the reed that provide support and hold the two pieces of cane together. In the middle of the reed on both sides there is a thin layer of bark that is thicker than the rest. This is the spine. The spine also provides support and stability for the reed.
The reed is one of, if not the most, important parts of the oboe. Without it, there is no way to produce a sound. It controls the pitch, tone, volume, and many other things. The reed is very complex and difficult to understand, but I hope I made it a bit easier!
Sunday, April 10, 2016
Honor Bands
Honor bands are a large part of the concert band season. These select bands range from informal to very prestigious. Many students apply and only the very best from each school are chosen to participate. Students from many different high schools are selected as a part of these honor bands. In order to participate in an honor band, you have to fill out an application and compete for a certain number of spots in the ensemble. If selected, a set of music is sent to the director and he or she will pass it out to the students. This usually happens around a month to a month and a half before the actual honor band takes place. The students are to practice and prepare the music ahead of time before they come to the honor band. Once at the actual honor band, auditions are held for each instrument to determine their chair placement. For younger students, such as sixth and maybe seventh grade, they usually just sit the students alphabetically. However, once you get older you are required to participate in the auditions. During the auditions, you are usually asked to play a short section of each piece you received in your folder. If there are solos, the judges typically ask you to play the solo section of the piece. The judge then determines the order of chair placement, seating the best players at the top of the section. Then, the day commences.
Honor bands are extremely taxing on all players. You will be playing your instrument upwards of around eight hours a day. Most students are not accustomed to playing their instruments this long and they will fatigue very easily. It is important to take frequent breaks and not over-do it. It is not the end of the world if you lay out on a few sections throughout the day to save your chops for the concert.
At single day honor bands, the students simply come in the morning, have their auditions, and rehearse all day to perform a concert that night. There is often a lunch provided, but dinner mostly happens after the concert. Some of the more prestigious honor bands last multiple days over the weekend. Students usually leave school around half way through the day on Thursday and arrive that night. They then rehearse all of Friday and Saturday and have a concert Saturday afternoon or evening. These honor bands are especially fun because you get to stay overnight at a hotel with all the other students attending the honor band from your school.
Many students are afraid to try out for honor bands because they are worried about getting in or they do not think it will be fun. I love honor bands and I suggest that everyone try some out some time!
Honor bands are extremely taxing on all players. You will be playing your instrument upwards of around eight hours a day. Most students are not accustomed to playing their instruments this long and they will fatigue very easily. It is important to take frequent breaks and not over-do it. It is not the end of the world if you lay out on a few sections throughout the day to save your chops for the concert.
At single day honor bands, the students simply come in the morning, have their auditions, and rehearse all day to perform a concert that night. There is often a lunch provided, but dinner mostly happens after the concert. Some of the more prestigious honor bands last multiple days over the weekend. Students usually leave school around half way through the day on Thursday and arrive that night. They then rehearse all of Friday and Saturday and have a concert Saturday afternoon or evening. These honor bands are especially fun because you get to stay overnight at a hotel with all the other students attending the honor band from your school.
Many students are afraid to try out for honor bands because they are worried about getting in or they do not think it will be fun. I love honor bands and I suggest that everyone try some out some time!
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