Posted by Jason on April 08, 2008 at 09:50:54:
In Reply to: Low brass help! posted by anon on April 07, 2008 at 13:09:22:
I am a low brass player and have had this problem as well. ONe thing I have found is that when they understand how important they are and that the band sounds really average with out them, they tend to want to do better. I constantly tell the entire band how important the low brass is. Even before the beginners start we push how important it is. Secondly, I started using the breathing gym book at every grade level. After some work with that I was trying to figure out how to make this a measurable practice. I bought some incentive spirometers, Measures lung capacity. They are like $8 at a medical supply store. Now we have breathing contests occasionally. This inspires them to learn to breath. Without the horn in thier hands. Then when they play it is natural. It has been very amazing how easy they have applied it to brass playing. The other benefit is in the flutes, their sound is incredible!!!!
: I am a flute player and my low brass section is the weakest in my middle school band. They have flat, weak, and unsupported sounds. I have difficulty getting them to play any louder than mezzo forte and our band is very unbalanced. Unfortunitely, most of them are the weakest musicians (in terms of reading, counting, etc.)in the band. We do long tones, lip slurs, and chorales as a part of our daily warm up. I think I'm telling the right things about breathing, air speed, support, etc. but maybe there is a different way to explain or other things I should be working on with them. What can I do to help them? Also, my tuba player just switched from trumpet and is having trouble sustaining pitches and playing in the low register. What should I be working on with her?