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Schools

Band shares notes of wisdom

By JORGE SANCHEZ
Published January 30, 2007

ADVERTISEMENT [Times photo: Stephen J. Coddington] Senior Airman Miles Hudlow, center, warms up his tenor saxaphone as members of the Band of the U.S. Air Force Reserve prepare for a concert at the Curtis Peterson Auditorium in Lecanto on Monday. Band students from Citrus, Crystal River, Hernando and Lecanto high schools came for the concert.

LECANTO - Almost any young musician must dream of becoming good enough to turn pro, touring and playing show after soldout show.

On Monday, high school band students got to hang with players who are already at that level.

Members of the United States Air Force Reserve Band spent Monday giving local high school musicians tips on playing and also what it means to be a real musician.

After playing a terrific concert Sunday to a full house at Curtis Peterson Auditorium, the Air Force musicians invited high school band students back on Monday for some intensive clinics and a private concert.

Students attended brass, woodwinds and percussion clinics to learn from the Air Force counterparts.

To paraphrase AC/DC, it's a long way to the top, but practice and dedication will be just about all you'll need to get a seat on the tour bus, according to many of the Air Force musicians.

Trumpet player and Senior Airman Tom Saylers told a young player that equipment isn't as important as ambition.

He still uses the same mouthpiece that he had in high school. It's so worn that all the shiny plating is worn off. "There is no magic mouthpiece," Sayler said in answer to a question about gear. "If it sounds good, it is good."

The Air Force Brass quintet led a clinic that, among other topics, showed students how to practice to get the most out of the time spent together.

Horns and woodwinds, unlike pianos or guitars, can only play one note at a time. To play a chord, which is three or more different notes simultaneously, the horns must unite.

To play a chord in tune, the horn players must listen to each other and adjust their pitch. That's what makes a great horn section: not five players, but five sounding as one to produce a full, nonwavering chord.

The most important part of practice, they said, was to learn how to play together as an ensemble. Learn the notes on your own time, they said. When five horns play, they should focus on the collective sound.

Bassoonist and Staff Sgt. Jerome Miner also reminded students of something they probably hear at band practice.

"Keep doing the basic things and do them right," he said, reminding students to breathe properly, filling their diaphragm.

"Get it all the way down here," he said, pointing to his belly.

French horn player and Staff Sgt. Ryan Miles said the band, on its second show of the winter tour, was happy they could "share our wisdom with young players."

"I'm glad that the School Board here can recognize the value of these clinics. We reinforce a lot of what is already being taught, but I think if the students hear it said by other folks, it may sink in even more."

Citrus High band leader Brian York said the clinics were a great opportunity for the students.

"The service bands are among the best in the world."

Jorge Sanchez covers arts and entertainment in Citrus. Contact him at sanchez@sptimes.com or 860-7313 or toll free at 1-800-333-7505, ext. 7313.

[Last modified January 30, 2007, 07:32:18]