n0musicn0life

Iberian Escapades

2011-02-19T22:48:00.001+08:00

Iberian Escapades

Bar 1-5

First note not clear

My fp gone again :’(

Bar 6-18

Not quite in time

*Melody people, please ask our dear clarinetists! They are the role model now :) because they got special treatment from me :D

Bar 19-26

Trumpet can be clearer! Just play out :D

Where my magic at bar 26?

Bar 27-54

More support from the bass

My crescendo at bar 42 and 54!

Bar 55-68

Still my crescendo at bar 60

Minim peoples, my fortepiano at bar 62-64

Bar 69-111

Bar 71, the harp part, can be more legato, sounded too choppy!

The open fifth from flutes at bar 71-75, take care of intonation!

Bar 76-77, recall how we worked on tt :D

Open fifth from flutes and clar at bar 78-80, same problem again :(

The atmosphere at bar 84 is not there. If you have no idea, go enjoy a sea breeze

Melody at bar 88 to be played separated

You are totally relax now! At bar 92 :)

Eup + Hrns + A.Sax, the semiquavers and minim, more accent! At bar 95

Now! Bar 96, imagine sunset, at the moment, is so wonderful! Is a moment that you wish tt time would stop. But in reality, it cannot happen, and it lasted for a very short while, where we go on to bar 99, where the struggle is.

Eventually, we have to move on, bar 100- 109

Same thing again, the flutes and clar at bar 105-107

Bar 110-111, is where you want to hold on to it. You wish that you had 1 more minute, just 1 more minute, enjoying tt very moment.

Bar 112 –164

Gone… played like what is written, aggressively!

Articulation can be clearer

Quavers at bar 115-116 to be join smoothly and play it shorter

Hrns, Trbs, Eup at bar 116, just do it!

Entry for trp at bar 117 still not steady

Flutes, oboe, clar, sax, you got to play soft… at bar 117, crescendo only at the semiquavers. BIG CRESCENDO!!! Piano to fortissimo =.=

The crotchets at bar 118 and 119, 5^th and 6^th beat, make it bouncy!

Minim at bar 119, no tua! I hate tua. Tua tua tua tua….

Melody people, please consult the clarinetist :)

Phrasing and direction at bar 130-135, flute + clar + sax.

Quavers at bar 136-137 can be shorter

Fortepiano! At bar 145. Minims people.

Hold the note at bar 146 straight, don’t articulate it too hard, totally different from bar 145

Flute + Clar + Sax, please do practice these 2 bars with the articulation given! I will test 1 by 1 on Tuesday! Muhahahahaha!

Please gliss together! My dear trombone at bar 159-160

Quavers at pick up of bar 162-164 pretty messy

Please do look thru the pointers I give, and do make notes in your score if you need to! And remember our deal :)

Cheers

Li Tian

Memories of Frienship - 2

2011-02-19T21:35:00.002+08:00

I can imagine the story you all are telling me :) Right now, it just needs to be polish up, and this is where the conductor start to crack their head! That why you see me and Mr Lim’s hair got shorter :X

Is like we have tape, cd, dvd, blu ray. Now we are at cd quality. We just need to put in more imagination and hard work, I believe very soon, we will go to dvd and finally blu ray :) I can hear the hard work you all have put in, and I thank you very much for putting in the hard work. Please do continue to put in the hard work, together with Mr Lim, the tutors, me and the alumnus, just 1 more month.

Don’t always say you all don’t sound good, cause you all are getting better. Do compare the recording recorded today and the last recording during January. I believe we all can hear the improvement. Even thought it might not be there, but I believe, as long we have the goal in our mind, our very own story of memories of friendship, we can do it. Don’t say is impossible, because even impossible is tell you I m possible :)

There are many great things happened during the rehearsal, but definitely, challenge ourselves to strive for better is the way to improve in anything we do. We all always say, practice and you will get better. Yes, practice and you will get better, but to be frank, is the obstacles we faced and challenges we take on that makes us better, is not the practice.

I do hope when we play memories of friendship, it can be like what Satoshi said, “I will be very happy if this work becomes a page in you memory”. So do enjoy music making with Mr Lim, the tutors, me, the alumnus and you with the band.

Don’t just play notes, play beyond the notes :) If we to play notes, I think my music composing software can do a better job, haha!

Li Tian

PS: Sorry for the bad English, because is never good before :)

Memories of Frienship

2011-02-19T21:33:00.001+08:00

Memories of Friendship

Bar 1 – 8

First note too short

Can be more together + more clarity in every note

Wrong Balance. It should be like that time how Mr Lim worked it out.

8 bars pharsing (4+4)

Snare drum can be slightly louder and clearer

The upbeat at bar 8 can be much clearer

Trombone articulation can cleaner, less harsh

The passing of melody can be smoother at bar 8

Figure A + B

Melody too stagnant

Accompaniment too choppy

My dynamic contrasts are gone :( Remember my ray of light? :)

Phrasing!

Fanfare articulation can clearer
Dotted crotchet at bar 25-28 should hit and back off

The anacrusis of Figure C is too loud!

Figure C + D

Melody, my phrasing :(

Flutes articulation can be clearer at bar 31-32

Bar 48 semiquavers can be neater

Balance for lower winds + brasses melody can be better

The phrasing of the lower winds + brasses melody are missing

I ‘miss’ my 3^rd trombone :)

Bar 52 semiquavers can be neater

Melody at bar 53 can be clearer in terms of articulation and the balance

Clar 2+3 and Sax 1+2, remember what I told you those 4 bars (53-56) :)

Running notes at 59, where my crescendo? :)

Pick up at Bar 60 can be better

Pick up to E, Flutes + Oboe + Clar 1, you got to play out :)

Figure E + F + G

Usual problems for Sax + Horn + Trombone from bar 62 – 65 Wrong balance too!

Trombone at bar 66 – 97 too choppy! Wrong balance too!

Balance of the melody should be Eup – Tenor sax – Bassoon

Melody can be more legato, articulation too hard

Lower winds + Tuba, 4 quavers at 81, do a crescendo

Bar 90 – 91, Bsn + T.sax + Hrns + Eup, detach every note

Anacrusis of G, still so happy… Sad… :’(

Bar 101-102, where my hope? Give me some hope :)

Bar 104 Lower winds + brasses, detach the 4 quavers

Bar 104 – 105, Picc + Flutes + Oboe + Clar 1+2 + A.Sax 1+2 + Hrns, more legato for the 6 quavers

Balance + Harmony at Bar 106-109 is wrong. My fault, I haven’t fix it :P

My fortepiano at Bar 108 gone :(

Delay the crescendo at 108-109

Figure H

Fanfare!!!

My layers of dynamic contrasts from bar 110- 121

Bar 118- 121, the accents can be more

Rit at 120-121 can be smoother and my crescendo are gone :(

Figure G

First note, too short…

Figure I + J

Refer to the notes infront :) I lazy type :P

Figure K

Fanfare again! Haha.

When doing allargando at 145-146, add a crescendo! More expressive!

Figure L

Look at what’s written! Grandioso a tempo :)

Trumpet at bar 149 + 153 + 169 can be clearer; the crochet at 150 + 154 + 170 can be slightly longer.

Lower winds + tuba, my crescendo :(

Figure M

I love French Horn, where are you? Bar 165-170

My drop in dynamic level at bar 177! GONE!!! NOOOOOOO!

Figure N

Bar 183, I miss my ffp crescendo!

Cheers Li Tian

2010-12-24T00:30:00.002+08:00

Its Christmas soon..

Here wishing EVG winds members a Merry Christmas ! ^^

Don't forget to practice. audition's coming ~!

2010-07-22T23:24:00.003+08:00

Hey Band (: It's been sometime since NBC and now we already got something new to prepare for! The National Day parade is in 14days only...

I hope that you all will make the effort and take the initiative to get your section for sectionals...especially the SLs. You all may think that practicing at home or just practicing during band practice is enough, but it's not! During sectionals you have all the time you need to work out all the things you have problem with. During band, we should not be working on things like notes and rhythm...time is precious, don't waste the teacher's and the seniors' time. Get serious. Parade is not a time to fool around and play wrong stuff.

One more thing, next time after practice, please move faster, keep faster, pack faster, speed up your actions! You guys like to take your own sweet time to do things...why? You take a longer time you end up going home later and everybody is not happy. So please have a sense of urgency before, during and after band practice, it will make things alot more efficient.

Yeo Yin (:

2010-06-18T21:00:00.003+08:00

Hey guys! This is the end of the week long intensive practice and I am sure everyone knows that we have improved(: I thank everyone everyone for putting in so much effort to wake up every morning to go for band and come back super tired for 1 whole week and still have manage to stay happy. I hope that after the games we played at the start of the practices for the whole week you guys are more comfortable with each other and start mixing around. We cannot play as a band if we are not comfortable with each other. It would be like a group of strangers trying to do something as 1. So I want all of you to put in effort to get to know the other band members more, talking to each other when you all have the time, especially with the Sec 1s joining us.

One more thing, I hope that you guys would be able to discipline yourselves without everybody getting angry all the time. You guys cooperate, everyone is happy. Move fast, have a sense of urgency. If not, nothing will get done. Why would you all want to waste time coming to school just to do nothing and accomplish nothing??? Think about it eh?

Look at the countdown. So little time to NBC. Don't think that July 10 is a long time away, cause it's not, just 2 weeks after school reopens. So please start getting serious if you haven't already done so.

I hope to see YOU ALL next Tuesday for band prac and if you cannot come, make sure you have an MC.

Thanks, Yeo Yin

2010-06-02T19:14:00.003+08:00

Band members, if you do not turn up for band practice, make sure that you have an MC. Letters will not be accepted.

2010-05-29T12:42:00.002+08:00

Hi Band! Theodora here(:

The holidays are here! so does our band practices for our holiday starts! If anyone of you lose the schedule for the June holiday practices, the whole schedule has been posted under the section "band practices" on the blog. Please refer to it.
I hope all of you have at least took a few minutes to think about your attitude towards band. The band has to improved on many things. If i were to name it all, you people will be very shocked. But still, i'll name a few and see for yourself.

Things to be improved on:

1. YOUR ATTITUDE.- everything starts from your attitude.

2. FOOT DRILLS- the drills are in the band's programme for a purpose! it's to make sure that you all can stay alert and to train your alertness. we are kind enough to let you have drills under the shade without the sun. If the next time i see anyone, just one of you slacking during fall in, i'll make sure i bring all of you down to the parade square to do Drills.

3. RESPECT- Respect is one of our school values right? Ask your self this, have you been respecting the leaders and especially Mr Lim?

4. ATTENDANCE- As all of you know, whether you are taking part in the NBC or not, all depends on your performance! your performance as in your attendance and whether you pass the audition by Mr Lim.

See this list? there are more things that you guys need to improve on. But first, this are the most basic things that you guys need to work on. I hope that during this holiday, i can see improvement on your attitude and your attendance. Just two things i'm sure this can be done. I believe in you guys ok. Let's work together to work towards our goal!

Take Care(:
Theodora(:

2010-05-26T20:46:00.004+08:00

Hey band members. Please read this and keep it in mind. NBC is on the 10th of July 2010. We don't have a lot of time left. If you come for band practice with a lousy attitude all the time without wanting to even learn anything then what's the point? You all come with this kind of mentality that you all won't be able to learn and improve then we are all just planning to fail! We fail, we loose face. We disappoint teachers. Spend so much time during practice just to loose face later then might as well save the time right? Mr Lim come all the way here just to get angry is it? He's not paid to come here to scold us and we are not there to get scolded. So please change your attitudes can?

Things that need improving:
1. Drills- Don't make yourselves look so sloppy lah
2. Respect should be shown towards anyone who is speaking in-front. At least show some recognition that someone is speaking and don't just day dream!
3. Attitude during Sectionals have to be corrected- got time to practice before practice why waste it? You spend the whole of sectionals talking and slacking then later cannot play then get scolded. WORK COMES BEFORE PLAY!!!

2010-05-21T18:29:00.004+08:00

Hi all !!! Yeo Yin here(: Please remember to listen to the recordings and write 3 good and bad points about them. Upload it onto Skydrive in Microsoft Word format. Remember to practice too. Success only comes with hardwork, if we wanna do well for NBC, we have to put band as our top prioritiy besides our studies. See you all next practice!

2010-05-20T20:31:00.002+08:00

Hi band(: Let me say a few words here ya? The blog is so dead... haha:D

Alright. First of all I would like to thank Mr Lim and the other band teachers in charge for givning me the oppotunity to be the band's DM and of course attending the LIA camp that made me a CCA Exco. So yeah, THANK YOU MR LIM AND BAND TEACHERS IN CHARGE(: also i would like to thank all of you bandsmen for your support and to me, your support is very important(: let's work together to make band a even better place to be in!

Next, all of you are part of the band and i hope all of you will put in your BEST effort for NBC. Not only NBC but in everything that you do eg. your life failures, school, exams etc... pick yourself up from where you fall. Don't give up just because you failed. Just try your best in everythng that you do alright?
Encourage one another. to me, i think that you guys are just awesome!(:

Before i end, i hope that my leadership journey would be and awesome and enjoyable one. This journey will be etched in my mind :D i wanna tell everyone that EVGWinds is awesome and they have given me such a great time as a leader of the band(: Leave a good impression to the Juniors and the new recruits next year ok? Let's work together to achieve our goals! My greatest wish before i leave next year is to see all of you being so bonded regardless of your race you background and that nothing can tear us apart!(:

Wait, remember to do your homework over the weekend! Do a reflection with at least 3 good and 3 bad points per piece than load it into the skydrive. remember to include your name, section and the date that you went in to listen to the piece. if possible, download the piece and listen to it day and night. Joking. but do try to download it.

Go EVGWinds! Take Care(: any queries any thing that you face and problems do not hesistate to either tag on the cbox or just sms me(:

Theodora
signing off!

2010

2010-01-01T10:26:00.002+08:00

Hey guys its the new year...

I tink i shall do the honours by being the first to write something here.

In 2009,we were filled with emotions such as joy, laughter and tears.

We started off our year with the preparations for the SYF..All our hard work were paid off with us earning our first silver medal in the history of EvgWinds.The sec threes(2009) also got a chance to organise a camp in march and a barbeque outing for u guys.They were also the ones doing our graduation concert.and of course to close the year we experienced one of our conductors,our big father,our big boss,ending his single life by getting married...Very beautiful.This was wat happens last year.

THis year,i hope that the band will do more stuffs.I also hope that this year will be as exciting as last year.To all those whom i may have hurt emotionally,pls forgive me.I was only doing my job.(like hari raya man as for forgiveness).I hope to see u guys next week for our sec one orientation....Enjoy ur weekends.

Everyone

2009-12-31T00:09:00.002+08:00

Hey guys the new year is just approaching.Like everyone i have a few resolutions that i hope u guys will fulfill in the coming year.
Firstly,i hope there will be no more latecomers for every band practice especially for the practices during the school holidaes.
Secondly,i hope that all of the seniors will know the names of all the secondary one or should i say sec two members and vice versa.
Thirdly,starting frm next yr i hope to see full at least a 80% attentance for every band practice.
Fourth,starting frm next yr,all band members are to converse in english.No mother tongue is allowed.Those caught shall earn a punishment for their section.
Fifth,i hope that all of u guys will start to pay attention during band practice rather than talking all the way.I notice this during the last practice where some of the juniors were simply talking n not listening to Mr Lim.
Sixth,pls remember to do ur holiday homework.
Lastly,I hope none of u guys will be involved in any disciplinary cases with school regardless of ur attire,latecoming or other stuffs.
With that,i wish u a happy new year.

Yours truly,
Khairul Syazwan
Band major 09-10

Attention....

2009-12-08T13:26:00.003+08:00

Those going this saturday,pls meet outside the school gates by 8am sharp.Transport is provided.However, u nid 2 go home urself.Pls wear something appropriate.No shorts,no tube.Girls try 2 wear dresses.Guys no singlets.Hope 2 see u there...

2009-11-30T19:27:00.004+08:00

Hello Band,

MySpace-Countdowns
See th countdown up there? We've another 3days left. Its not too much.
But neither is it very little. We can do alot of things if we make use of th time given. :D
As Mr Lim has said, " This is our only concert in year 2009."
So let us work harder and make this concert memorable for not only th audience,but yourself too.
Please LOOOOK at Mr Lim when he is conducting.
Cos you'll never know when he's going to do something and if we dont do it,we all look bad.
Percussion : Please look through your score and enquire your seniors if you have doubts.
Get your rhythms right for th scores too. :D
Winds : Please practice your running notes and dont try to fake through.
Brass : Please try to get your intonation right.
thats all,please do your best for th practices! :D

2009-11-25T11:38:00.005+08:00

Band Member:

The concert is just next week.Pls practice your instrument and look through ur score at home.
Make sure u guys do ur homework, go to youtube n look for e titanic video clip n salsa dance.
Lastly,pls be punctual for monday's practice.Remember 2 bring all e repertoire pieces.for the main band pls bring ur lunch money.And pls bring ur sweater if u feel cold.

2009-11-12T02:09:00.002+08:00

HCIBAND:

Conductors: Darence Leng, Daniel Kiang
Date/Time: 28 Nov (Sat), 7.30pm
Venue: Hwa Chong Institution (College) Auditorium

HCIBAND:
-Machu Picchu (Satoshi Yagisawa)
-Mononoke Hime (Jo Hisaishi/ arr. Takashi Hoshide)
-Little Mermaid Medley (Alan Menken/ arr. Takashi Hoshide)
-Imagine (John Lennon/ arr. Takashi Hoshide)

Junior Band:
-Big Fun in the Sun (David Marshall)
-Highlights from High School Musical (arr. Ted Ricketts)

Hwa Chong (College) Symphonic Band:
-Orient Express (Philip Sparke)
-Japanese Graffiti XIV (arr. Miura Hideaki)
-Xinyao Medley (arr. Ong Jiin Joo)

Combined Band:
-Flight to the Future~ Festival Overture (Fukushima Hirokazu) [Local Premiere]
-John Williams Symphonic Soundtrack (John Williams/ arr. John Moss)

Tickets are priced at $8, visit http://hciband.org or email hciband09@gmail.com to place your order.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQlEYQAMMJI

2009-11-12T01:29:00.002+08:00

NCO DISPLAY

This Display was done by grp 1 and 2 drum major...

2009-11-07T12:13:00.006+08:00

hi,
-Hwa Chong (HCI) is having a concert
Date: 28th Nov
Time: 7.30pm
Venue: Hua chong institution (college) auditorium
Tickets are priced at $8
For more detail- http://www.hciband.org/
-CHIJ (TP) who both have concerts on the same day,
Date: 28th Nov
Time: 7.30pm
Venue: CJ performing arts centre
Tickets at $15

-Crescent Girls' School Symphonic Band
is having a concert on...

Date: 2 Dec 2009

Time: 7.30pm
Venue: Mrs Lee Choon Guan Hall @ ACS (Barker)

Tickets are at $12 each, free seating!
-TKSS also have concert on 29 Nov @ Esplanade(:
detail are not confirm yet.
if anyone want to go, please inform bernard.. thx...(:

2009-09-02T18:18:00.010+08:00

BAND RESUME !!!

To All Band Members , Band will resume

Tomorrow , 3/9/09 , Thursday

Attire for Main Band & Junior Band

School Uniform

Reporting Time

2.45 pm

2009-08-02T13:59:00.002+08:00

there will be ndp rehearsals on mon,tues and wednesday.Report at2.45pm on monday.Attire will be pe attire.PLS make sure u have these scores:Honour Glory,Where e black hawk soars,National anthem,vip FAnfare,St Petersburg and VIP Fanfare.

2009-07-27T19:45:00.007+08:00

CCA suspended

Junior band training will be CANCELLED due to H1N1

wait for any further notice for band resume

Main band training will be as normal due to the performanc

2009-07-26T21:31:00.002+08:00

Hi guys...Pls make sure that u have all tis pieces 4 tis tuesday's practice.The scores are: St Petersburg March,Twist and Shout,YMCA,Pomp and Circumstance,Galaxy 999,Ponyo,Stand Up for Singapore,Majulah Singapura,Yellow Mountains and Shan Hu Hai(Coral Sea).All this scores r 4 next week's performance.

2009-07-19T00:50:00.007+08:00

Band resume !

Junior Band -

Fall in outside ava room
On monday ( 20/7 )
3.30 pm
Full PE attire
Remember to bring all the stuffs required & not forgetting your INSTRUMENT

Main Band -

Fall in outside ava room
On Tuesday ( 21/7 )
2.45 pm
Full school Uniform
Remember to bring your score & Instrument

TO ALL BAND MEMBERS, BRING YOUR THERMOMETER TO BAND FOR TEMPERATURE TAKING DURING BAND !!!

2009-07-06T23:12:00.005+08:00

Homework !

Main Band :

usual scales & chromatic. ( Memorized )

score that chosen for 10th year & concert

Junior Band : carry on with your essential elements

No Band Practice till further notice. pls prac insrument these few days.

Pls go to band blog every night to see any last minute notice. Thank you

2009-07-01T21:52:00.002+08:00

To All Band Members:

Follow up on what BM said this afternoon,

RESPECT each other including juniors

RESPECT the one talking in front, not just Mr Lim and Teachers

Better Silver, Better 2009, also BETTER DISCIPLINE

No vulgarity, No scolding, No fighting, No quarreling

Love one another, Be politely to each other

All must be from today onwards.

Change of date/day and time to bring home instrument

Band Members, the date/day & time will be on this Friday

Friday, 3/7/09 , 12.30pm , straight away after school

Muslims members, u all will draw out instrument First as you all have your Friday Prayer

2009-06-30T21:27:00.002+08:00

NOTICE

All Band Members are to report to AVA room on Wednesday at 2.45pm !

If u have any workshop or what, tell teacher in charge to give u 10 minutes.

Its to bring back your instruments & some homework given by Mr Lim & Mr Goh.

So, all of you must be back tomorrow. Regardless of Junior Band or Main Band.

2009-06-22T22:53:00.006+08:00

Hi guys, below are some of the links to imeem/kjos that hav the full duration for the following pieces.

Amazing Grace by Robert Rumbelow -
http://kjos.vo.llnwd.net/o28/audio/mp3/wb355.mp3

Japanese Graffiti IV by Kosaku Dan , arr. by Atsuhiro Isozaki - http://www.imeem.com/people/XPJvDy/music/buRmjrSO/tokyo-kosei-wind-orchestra-japanese-graffiti-iv/

Simple Gifts by Frank Ticheli - http://www.imeem.com/veldamack/music/lO6pDnRJ/harper-concert-band-simple-gifts/

银河铁道999 ( Galaxy 999 ) by 山下国俊 - http://www.imeem.com/kellynting/music/aZzqimwf/masanori-taruya-galaxy-express-999/

ST. PETERSBURG MARCH by Johnnie Vinson (ASCAP) - http://www.imeem.com/people/1PSGSB/music/6fc9A3nI/johnnie-vinson-st-petersburg-march/

Centuria, overture for band by James Swearingen - http://www.imeem.com/benben92/music/UWj4RhfO/james-swearingen-centuria/

Where The Black Hawk Soars by Robert W. Smith - http://www.imeem.com/people/N5IVWV/music/_9gmqRuW/smith-robert-w-robert-w-smith-where-the-black-hawk-soars/

All the links about are taken from the following website.
www.imeem.com
www.kjos.com

2009-06-20T16:23:00.007+08:00

URGENT NOTICE

TO ALL BAND MEMBERS, Main Band & Junior Band PLS BRING YOUR THERMOMETER TO SCH.

THIS INSTRUCTION IS BY MRS TAN.

REPEAT AGAIN, BRING UR THERMOMETER TO SCH ON MON, 22/6

Alumni & Tutors, u r also require to bring thermometer if u r coming for the band practice

2009-06-02T20:15:00.002+08:00

Yo! 2 important things...
(1) If you have any fun or cool music for band which you wan our band to play for the graduation concert... [Eg.Enka medley, saxophone solo or anything that you like... Or maybe your solo music...]
Please msg me or tag the board... thx...
(2)And also... Any ideas for a name for grad concert... [Eg. childhood, memories.. etc]
Please tell me or tag thx...
bernard here..

2009-05-31T16:42:00.002+08:00

Hi band!!!
Pls Remember to hand in ur homework to our band email which is evergreenwinds@hotmail.com
by this monday 11.59pm.The homework is just find a video abt ur own instruments,copy e link n tell why u like it.Pls write ur name so we know whose work it is.This is only 4 e main band.

anderson alumni band

2009-05-24T22:34:00.004+08:00

Big News

Hi Evg band, anderson alumni band is having their concert this friday 29th of may 09 7.30pm at the victoria concert hall. Mr Goh, Mr Kang, Mr Ben, Brian and Mr Lim are performing. Tickets are at 12 dollars. Please do read and think about this... give bernard and khairul the orders by tuesday 19th of may o9.
Thanks.
It will feature new japanese pieces.

2009-05-24T18:30:00.003+08:00

Band resuming:

For Junior Band, fall in at 3 pm sharp on Monday, 25/5
bring all the stuffs needed

For Main Band, report at 3 pm or earlier @ ava room on Tuesday, 26/5
bring all the stuffs needed

Congratulations

2009-04-26T18:58:00.002+08:00

Just to add on...

Congratulations Gamelan for getting silver.

Aniwae great party everyone...

To all band will stop 4 e exams....
So i shall see u guys after e exams is over....
Lastly pls study hard....

2009-04-22T21:08:00.002+08:00

CONGRATULATION !!!

To our Chinese Orchestra for getting a Gold With Honor

To our Chinese Dance for getting a Gold

To our Malay Dance for getting a Silver

2009-04-22T21:01:00.004+08:00

Up Coming Band Outing ( BBQ )

Venue: Woodgrove Condominium
Time: 6.30 pm to 11.30 pm
Day/Date: Saturday , 25 April 2009
Cost: $5 per person*

*For the cost, please give the $5 to secretary, yan siew lastest by Thursday, 23/4/09

How to go:

Take 912 bus ( towards marsiling checkpoint )
Berth 13
Get down at 5th stop
5th stop - main gate

For any queries, please SMS either bernard, khairul or hexiang

Evgwinds , all the best !

2009-04-19T21:27:00.003+08:00

Hey Evgwinds ! :D

Today's performance at Causeway Point was great alright ! :D
Good job Evgwinds ! Especially Hexiang & Annzy !
Both of you rock when you're up there conducting :)
But you both will be better , right ? All the best student conductors ^^

I look forward to see a better Evgwinds ,
because I believe you all can make it !
& so you must make it :D All the best !

With love ,
Yanhong

2009-04-01T21:00:00.002+08:00

alright band!!great job everyone..
We finally got a silver after many years of being a bronze band.
Now that we r a silver band,our mindset must be changed.
We should work harder so that we can achieve a gold 4 e next syf
The sec 4s n 5s i hope that u guys will support e band even after u guys graduate.
once more congrats everyone.Thank you Mr Lim,Miss Sng,Mr Kang,Mr Goh and the other tutors not forgetting our teacher's in charge 4 their time in helping our band.

Lets Do It!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-03-28T16:29:00.002+08:00

Okae band!!!
This is e final round!!!!
Whether we make or break it is all down to us.
Yes!!!!!
You n ME!!!!
The choice is ours!!!!
If u guys wan people to say good things abt our band then pls play well...
If u guys especially e sec 4s who r passing out
wan 2 leave these band wif pride then let's show them on Monday!!!!
Let's make the adjudicators become shocked!!!
Let us show e other CCAS that we r better!!!
So remember,
if u wan everyone 2 stay then let's give our all
on monday, i wan 2 see that u guys r ready
I wan u guys 2 play as if this is e last time 4 all of us even 4 me
With that i end this speech,

By Khairul,ur BM

2009-03-25T21:31:00.003+08:00

Hello band.
This is a message to all.

From Bernard.
hi.. guys... this is ur new band DM bernard here.
As u guys know that SYF is comin very soon.. still got about 5 more days... so i hope that u guys can be more hard workin in band.. dun waste time teachin back old stuff... hav confidence in ur playin... dun giv up easy... and aim high for band( dun be afraid of aimin high)... show to the sch that wad band is make of.
and if u guys did not get the band target.. u will know wad will happen to the band... i know that the sec4 will hav some problem wif CCA and ur exam...and i jus hope that sec4 can work wif the band till SYF over...so guys work hard... dun jus say that u will work hard.. do it, prove it, show it... i will also will work hard wif u guys. Thanks.

From me,KaiYing & YanHong.
okayr,band,as Bernard says,we only have 5days left. and top of that,we got 2prac left.
1)Please try to be on time for practice and make full attendance.
2)Dont give a tire-d face to anyone in front. When you're in band,throw away th fact that you have tons of homework pile-g up at your bag. Just know that you're a musician,practice-g so long for th upcome-g important competition.
3)Have trust in yourself that you CAN & MUST do it. Dont back down. Just recap whatever th instructors taught you and you will do well.
4)REMEMBER EVERYONE IN TH BAND IS KEY TO SUCCESS TO OUR GOAL. As 1+1+1+1+1+...+1=1!
No matter how many people is in band,only one sound and music is heard.
so Jiayous! :D

2009-03-12T21:47:00.003+08:00

Kit List

1. Toiletries

Toothbrush
Towel
Toothpaste
Shampoo and Bathing Soap
Plastic bag for used clothing (optional)

2. Clothing

Sufficient undergarments
1 school PE T -shirt
2 PE shorts (3 if possible)
1 school T -shirt
Band T -shirt (main band)
Sec 1s camp T -shirt (sec 1s)
Slippers / Sandals
Jacket / Sweater (compulsory)

3. Others

Personal Medication (if necessary)
Thermometer
Torchlight
Mugs
Water bottle (compulsory)
Alarm clock
Money (max. $10, optional)

4. Prohibited items

Electronic devices )e.g. hand phone, Discman, MP3, etc)
Jewelries
Cosmetics
Card games (e.g. poker cards. Etc)
Cigarettes
Tidbits (e.g. sweet, crackers, potato chips, etc)

Remarks: Any prohibited items found will be CONFISCATED.

2009-02-14T20:54:00.002+08:00

Hello Band, here are th list of food items that you can donate to th ManFutTong Nursing Home. :D

1. Dry Ration
- High Calcium Milk Powder , 1.8kg
- Ensure Milk Powder
- ProPass
- Salted eggs ( Locally made)
- Century egg

2.Vegetarian Canned Food
- Abalon Mushroom
- Mock Duck
- Luo Han Zai
- Straw Mushroom

3.Beverage
- Nestum Cereal, NO sugar.
- Coffee 3 in 1, Low sugar.

4.Wet Ration
- Soya Sauce, Dark Sauce, Chilli Sauce and Tomato Sauce.
- Vegetables : Cauliflower, Broccoli ,Cabbage ,Ginger and Winter Melon.

5.Dry Ration
- Bread (in loaf form) either plain or whole meal
- Zhu sheng
- Bean Paste in bottle
- Dried Mushroom
- Almond
- Oyster Sauce

6. Consumables Items
Adult diapers (Size: M & L for DAY and NIGHT use)

This is a VOLUNTEERY thing . If you are donate-g, please bring th rations on Thursday and pass it to me during Band. THANKS ! :D

KaiYing.

2009-02-08T21:12:00.004+08:00

Hello Band, this is th exam format for SYF 2009.

Judging Criteria

50% - Technique
1. Articulation
2. Dynamics
3. Intonation
4. Rhythm
5. Tone

50% - Musicianship
6. Balance
7. Blend
8. Expression
9. Intepretion
10. Phrasing
11. Style

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

AWARDS

Participating schools will be awarded certificates based on their performances as follows :

GOLD : Above 80%
SILVER : 70% - 79%
BRONZE : 60% - 69%
CERTIFICATE of PARTICIPATION : 59% and below

so after reading this, what do you want to get for SYF 2009?
Think back, we grade ourselves on Saturday's practice, only ard 20 marks.
and most of us wants GOLD . its 60 SIXTY marks difference! 2months left .
SO, i hope you guys can really work hard tgt with everyone and get th medal we want .
things will get hard and tough and torturing for us, but i really hope that everyone would still have th determination to persist on .
thats all. See you all on Tuesday .

KaiYing

2009-02-08T20:53:00.003+08:00

Hello Band,

I hope you all are aware that we have only 9practices & 23days and counting to 3March,our syf rehearsal .
Please MEMORISE your score by Tuesday,10.02.2009 AND LOOK AT TH CONDUCTOR!
Try your best for every practice,Time is not enough for us already,so EVERY MINUTE COUNTS !
**Section Leaders & ASL, please try your best to help your juniors out . cox each individual's playing is important to th results for what we gonna get for SYF . I know balancing studies and band is going to be hard, but i hope you guys do your best and that way, you wont dissappoint yourself or any of th band tutors/conductor.
**Juniors, please try your best to cooperate with your seniors. Do your best for all practices and sectionals if there is.
They take out time to teach you when they can use it for study-g so dont waste each others time and do your best.

GOOD LUCK AND WORK HARD EVERYONE ! :D

KaiYing.

2009-01-29T19:27:00.015+08:00

Marcato means Marked, accented, emphatic, stressed .

Extra info of combined accents :

Legato & Staccato Accents :
stressed and moderately short, separated from next note

Normal & Staccatissimo Accents :
moderately percussive with short note duration

Normal & Legato Accents :
moderately percussive with full note duration

Normal & Staccato Accents :
moderately percussive and short

Strong & Legato Accents :
very percussive while retaining full duration of notation

Strong & Staccatissimo Accents :
strongest percussive attack possible with an exaggerated short duration

Strong & Staccato Accents :
very percussive and shorter duration than notated

2009-01-16T18:34:00.002+08:00

DRILLS VIDEO !!!

Report Time: 7.30 am (to be fall in outside avaroom)

Attire: Band T - Shirt, Band Uniform Bottom, School Shoe/Black Shoe. ( No need black shoe lace) Girls: Black Ankle Socks.

Remember to BRING consent form.

'Honor March' score to be MEMORIZED !

2008-12-20T13:15:00.003+08:00

Hi EVGwinds .

You all are AWESOME ! :D
You guys did a great job during the concert (Music with Hearts ll) !
Keep up the good work & carry on to work hard to upcoming SYF09 guys !

Thanks BTPS Guest Brass Symphonia , Alumni winds ,
Mr Benjamin Lim , his friend , for joining the concert (:
Percussion/Clarinet ensemble great job too .

Thanks Mrs Tan, Mr Tan, Ms Chong for all the hardwork
you all put in the concert :D we love you ! ^^

& All the conductors , instructors . Mr Jeremy Lim, Mr Goh
Mr Eddie , Mr Kang, Ms Ng , Ms Racheal for the great efforts
& endurance you put in for the band.

Lastly , the Alumni and sec2 who did the admin stuff for the concert .
& helped us alot ! Thanks for all your efforts guys (:
Wish you guys all the best ! & take care (:

EVGwinds , please rest well for this 1 week .
& see ya on Monday, 29dec 12.45pm outside AVA room .
In Band-t , school bottom , school socks/shoes with evg shoelace (:
Remember to bring bandfile/waterbottle/pencil/instrument ^^

With love,
Yanhong

2008-12-18T10:44:00.003+08:00

Hello Band,

well,You all know that tmr is th concert alr! haha.

So I hope that you all have a good night rest today.
During th Concert day,i hope everyone would be attentive and give your utmost attention to th instructions given.
Alot of things will be happening on that day,so listen out for instructions.
DONT TALK SO MUCH! well,at least try not to talk so much.

And when you're at Republic Polytechnic,DONT WANDER OFF AROUND without telling th majors where you're going.
Cox if you're lost or smt,we need to find you,and it will waste ALOT of time.
and during that day,TIME IS PRECIOUS! :)

and REMEMBER,if you're bringing your valuables to Republic Poly,TAKECARE of them YOURSELF!
Dont expect any teachers or th majors to account to it,if it is lost.
Cox it is your own RESPONSIBILTY to TAKECARE of your own stuff.
You're all in Secondary school alr,not in primary school,where teachers always keep stuff for you.
SO be responsible and DISCIPLINE to keep your valuables with you and keep quiet at all times.

AND REMEMBER TO look at CONDUCTOR at ALL TIMES.
Thats all i want to say. SO JIAYOUS EVERYONE FOR TMR!! KAMPATEH! :)

KaiYing.

2008-10-30T18:53:00.020+08:00

Hello Section Leaders,

1. Please ensure all your members have bring home their instrument. If they couldn't bring home their instrument , during your self-sectional with them , please borrow them and take turns to practise .

2. Its your responsibility to ensure that all your section members practise.

Senior from sec 2 and above can have 1 on 1 sectional with junior if your section is too big.

3. Sectional hopefully be at least once a week.

*The ava room is open this friday, 31st oct 2008 from 12.45 pm to 1 pm.

Everybody MUST bring home instruments to practice.

_________________________________________________________

Message from Mr Lim :

Dear EVG Winds,

Over this 3 weeks of break, all of u are expected to practise your parts.

If you have not loaned out your instrument due to one reason or another,

please do so.

There is no point of a bunch working hard and

another not taking it seriously, and another not understanding

the things that the pains that the instructors are going through.

These complacent people will tear down the standard of the band.

Do use this 3 weeks as a Self Reflection and also Practise.

Due to this, all pieces will be auditioned and only the players

who are able to manage their parts efficiently will perform the piece.

Do justice to the music u are bringing life to.

The going will get tough but with good

DETERMINATION and PERSEVERENCE.

Nothing can stop us. Towards excellence and beyond..

*Please sms me or Mr Goh if you need

help with your self planned sectionals.

Good luck and see you soon.

Work hard, play hard.

Hope to hear good music from u all on the 17th of Nov.

With Regards,

Mr Jeremy Lim

2008-09-09T16:17:00.005+08:00

Hello Evgwinds ,

I hope you all can achieve the 5Ps I've mentioned during last practice .

1. Present - for all practises or you'll miss what the rest have learn .
2. Punctual - for all practises or you'll miss what the rest have learn too .
3. Pencil - on your stand for all practises to take down what instructors have said , so that you'll not forget (:
4. Practice - to maintain and improve your playing .
5. Passion - love your instrument and music (:

Please do not talk during combine rehearsal unless neccessary .
When you see somebody is trying to say something to everybody in band ,
stop all talking and listen with eye contact .

Please have more initiative in band & help one another.
Regardless senior to junior or junior to senior.
Eg : Help to set up/keep instrument and chairs / print scores / pick up litters etc .
Including helping percussionist to keep instrument .
And bags/instrument case please put nicely at the back of avaroom & not percussionist area .

Thank You (:

*******************************************************************

Evgwinds,

I hope you all will have sectionals more often .
Its not always the section leader to organise sectional , junior also can request .
Sectional is very important as that could make a better combine rehearsal .
If we do not have GOOD sectionals , it is very hard to improve our standard .

With this kind of standard of the band ,
dont even think of getting a bronze/silver for SYF next year .

Anyway, since we have achieved a Gold in NBC ,
so we cannot disgrace ourselves to get lower than that for SYF !
WE MUST GET GOLD FOR SYF 09 !

What I can say to all of us is to
PRACTISE ,
PRACTISE
& PRACTISE
more often (:

However , end of year exam is coming .
I would also want you all to study hard (:

GOOD LUCK EVGWINDS !

2008-08-17T17:06:00.006+08:00

Attention to Evgwinds !

From now on ,

If the attendence falls before 90% on a particular day , Mr Lim will just make his exit.
There is no point for him to be having band practice if more than 5 members are absent.
Every member is important to the band and no one should only think for themselves.

All those attendence which falls below 90% to the date of the concert or SYF
will be pulled out of it.

The holiday practices will be on :
- 3rd Sept (Wed) 8am to 5pm
- 4th Sept (Thurs) 8am to 5pm
- 5th Sept (Fri) 8am to 12.30pm

Attendence is compulsory!
All those who are going for their holidays have to submit letters and reasons together with the leave form to Peggy Secretary .
* Leave form take from Peggy Secretary .

If you're absent for any band practice , you MUST produce MC/letter .
AND give it to peggy personally the next practise immediately .
*Please do not make us to get it from you .

& Lastly , we hope that no more band members would be going to put on braces .
Because it would affect your playing , furthermore a major concert & SYF is coming .

2008-08-13T21:50:00.002+08:00

hello band.

BAND PRACTICE ON THURSDAY(14.o8.2oo8).
Report 2.45pm outside AVA Room
Attire:PE SHIRT AND PE SHORTS.
**No FBT shorts.
**You can wear Racial Harmony shirt,NDP shirt,band t.
BUT NO CLASS T-SHIRT ALLOWED.

Remember to bring WATER BOTTLE.

Please dont be late tmr. Thanks.

KaiYing.

2008-08-09T10:18:00.007+08:00

HAPPY NATIONAL DAY 2008 EVGWINDS :D

Anw, here are some photoes taken before we went to VCH for NBC (:
All waiting to have lunch . haha :D

Cheeese :) haha ... all not camera shy

Once we reached VCH ...
excited ? nervous ?

On our way back ...
Look , pratheep looks like a boss . HAha .

All tired after NBC .. haha * no offence *

2008-08-01T20:55:00.000+08:00

To all section librarians,

Pls do NOT photocopy the original scores at the SCHOOL!!
Because the auntie need A4 size then can photocopy....

If use original score to photocopy at SCHOOL,
she will damage the score as she will squeeze into the machine.
And it will be crumpled or TEAR !! So , please dont photocopy in school (:

& Please photocopy one extra set for the librarians .
Return all original scores BY MONDAY!!

Thank you (:

2008-07-18T14:37:00.001+08:00

( EDITED - THOSE IN GREEN WORDS )

EVG Winds
Individual Assessment (31 July 2008)

List A: Pieces (60marks) Choose 2 out of 3
1. Honor March
2. VIP Fanfare, EVG General Salute, Honor Glory
3. National Anthem

List B: Scales or Technical Study (20marks) Choose either one
Scales :
1. Concert Bb Mrjor Scale*
2. Concert Bb Chromatic Scale*
3. Concert Eb Major Scale
4. Concert Eb Chromatic Scale
5. Concert Db Major Scale
6. Concert Db Chromatic Scale
7. Concert Ab Major Scale
8. Concert Ab Chromatic Scale

Juniors are only tested on the Concert Bb Major Scale
& the Concert Bb Chromatic Scale
James Swearingen Chorale Book- Chorale 1 in Concert Bb Major Scale

All members are to practise
scales ascending & descending
sustained in Semibreves, Articulated in Crotchet and Quavers.

Or Technical Study

I Recommend Student Book pare 21

Staccato Etude
Slur-Legato Etude
Semi-Staccato Etude

[means choose either ALL SCALES (1-8) OR TECHNICAL STUDY ]

List C: Sight Reading and Sight Singing (20marks)

Grading System :
A = 85% & above
B = 60% - 84 %
C = 60% and below
D = 59% and below ( Non participation in NDP )

Please do all your assesment from list A-C .
Any question , please ask any of your seniors.
Section Leader are responsible to organise sectionals & help one another.
But of course, individually you all must practise yourself .
If you're not chosen to participate in NDP , please dont be upset.
You're just not as hardworking as others or maybe you're a slower learner.
Practise makes perfect, have more determination & you'll make it :D
Seniors , dont be proud that you can play good and don't practise,
your juniors will be better than you one day if you stop practising !

Help one another & work as a team :D
You're just as strong as the weakest person in the band.
So we shall workhard together ! Remember , one sound bad , all sound bad !

Posted by : Yanhong

2008-07-17T23:00:00.000+08:00

Hello Band.

Hope you all are coping well in band and your studies.
Try to balance them.
Although band ends till very late but it wont affect your studies if you learn to balance them. You wont even be stress if you know how to balance them and have confidence in yourself.
If you dont understand or dontknow how to play your parts,go and look for your seniors,they will be there for you,no matter what.
and PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT!
Practice your instruments at least 15minutes daily so you wont lose your embrochure and you wont flunk th audition MrLim is giving.

There is a bad habit in band recently and i guess you all should know that already which is talking in band. I know that th quantity of th band have increase for more than 1/3. But that doesnt give you th right to talk during band. i hope you guys can try to refrain talking to your friends or seniors. During band,you can talk to them only about music stuff,other than that,please leave it after band. Do th right thing at th right time.
1)Dont give MrLim or anybody standing infront a tired face.(if you're tired,everybody is,so dont be selfish and put up a SMILE!=D)
2)When th majors give you all a time limit to keep your instruments,it doesnt only require you to keep your instruments but also arrange back th chairs.Dont be so selfish to keep your own instrument and take your bag and stand at th back of th ava room.(Be PROACTIVE)
3)When you are packing up your instruments and arranging back th chairs,keep th volume down. Dont shout like you are in th market be CIVILISED EVGians.
4)When you have settled your instrument and stuff,everyone is suppose to put their bags on th chair arranged at th back of th ava room.

Okayr. That is all i want to say. Hope you guys have th discipline to keep quiet during band practices and during fall in. Dont move. We are already a Gold medal Band,shouldnt have substandard movement.
and Hope everyone would buck up and work hard for th National Day parade. Look at conductor at all times.=D

Posted by:KaiYing.

2008-07-13T13:25:00.000+08:00

CONGRATULATIONS TO OURSELVES! :D

HERE TO ANNOUNCE THAT EVGWINDS HAVE GOT A PERFECT 80% GOLD MEDAL

for National Band Competition !

Evgwinds , now we're gold band .

So we must behave like a gold band & keep on improving our skills .

In our playing , our attitude , our discipline , our studies & all -

must keep on improving & make sure we balance our cca & study time well :D

Studies is very important as well !

Good luck evgwinds ! See you all on Monday ! :D Take care .

Fall in 245pm outside avaroom in PE attire ( PE shirt & shorts ) !

Do remind your bandmates :D remind each other alrights .

We shall continue to work hard together AS A BAND !

THREE CHEER AND THREE CHEER AND THREE CHEER FOR EVG WINDS

HIP HIP HOORAY, HIP HIP HOORAY, HP HIP HOOAY !!!!!!!!!

Posted by :

Yanhong

2008-07-06T22:35:00.000+08:00

Hello band.

Here are some points you guys need to tackle and note about when playing th 2 pieces. Its all done by MrLim,so please read it carefully and jot it down.
*If you dont understand or whatsoever,find your section leader. Thanks.

Under the Flag of Glory
Beginning Note was very sloppy and Unfirmed
Chorale: Think of Phrases not everything slurred
Bar 9 and 10: Horn and Saxophone Intonation
Bar 11 to 16: All to work on individual lines
Fig A: Trumpets and Trb to heavy (Light Articulation)
Bar 28: Good Articulation needed for 2nd Trumpet
Bar 40: Harmony
Fig D: Rhythm for all lines
Fig E: Horn Tone + Articulation + Phrase
Fig F: Main Melody too heavy
Bar 78 to 80: Check Intonation
**In General, the march is too heavy and too loud. Aim for Sensitivity and Make meaning out of your music. Forte is a light Dynamic.

Ghost Fleet
Flute: All to practice the solo
Clarinet Ensemble: Selection of players for this part
Bar 9: Horns and Saxophone too Choppy
Bar 11 to 15: Flute Oboe Horn to check intonation
Bar 17: To check notes and Intonation
Bar 18: Baritone Sax Phrases too short
Bar 24: Flute and Oboe Harmony
Bar 18 -25: Eup Phrase ending too abrupt
All Transitions too Un firmed, Causes In stability in piece
Bar 29: Flute entry too Un Firmed
Bar 34: Saxophone too check their entries
Bar 35 to 45: Too loud: Dynamic only mp
Bar 45: Ensemble to take note of stringendo
Bar 46 to 48: Check the Layering and Step up (Articulation to be emphasized)
Bar 52: All entries to check: Especially rhythm (Polphony)
Bar 57: Mallets to focus on pulse
Bar 58: Percussion have to keep regular pulse
Bar 65 tp 70; Articulation
Bar 73 to 79: Blend, focus on chords, Too loud
Bar 84: Trumpets and Horns too loud, Focus on Harmony
Bar 100 to 108: Flutes more than 1st Clarinet
**Focus on Tone Quality and Balance: Forte is a light Dynamic.

so you guys have to practice th portions above and focus on it. also ALL MUST MARK IT DOWN ON YOUR OWN SCORE.
and on th Tuesday's practice,we will be rehearsing it WITHOUT scores.
so everyone please get th scores memorised by Tuesday's practice.
Tuesday's attire is uniform and report at 2.45pm Outside AVAroom.

remember to bring water bottle and pencil. so that you can replenish and jot down things that Mr Lim wants you to note.
thats all. please work hard for th next 2practices.
its not alot but we can achieve alot if we work hard. JIAYOUS everyone!=D

Posted by:KaiYing.

countdown to NBC

2008-06-27T16:40:00.003+08:00

COUNT DOWN TO NBC !!

Please work hard during the rest of our practices !

Don't waste time on unnecessary things !

FOCUS ! CONCENTRATE ! LOOK AT MR LIM ! ALERT !

UP INSTRUMENT TOGETHER AS A BAND !

LISTEN TO EACH OTHER !

ONE SOUND BAD , ALL SOUND BAD

we can do it .
we will do it .
WE MUST DO IT !!

2008-06-19T23:21:00.000+08:00

Hello band.

HOMEWORK for all.=D
all th scales at page 10 from th CHORALES book.(from 1-8)
"i recommend":chromatics,arpeggios and interval studies.
and also memorise both NBC pieces.

Section Leaders PLEASE sms/call/write down th number of times your section members are absent from band to yanhong. THANKS.

okayr. next band prac is next monday(23.o6.o8).
attire for everyone is th same. its UNIFORM.
and reporting time is 2.45pm outside AVArm.
*for whatever reason,dont be late.=D

oh yea. remember to bring water bottle and pencil to band.

thats all from yanhong and me. but please work hard people.
"WE MUST DO IT!". its not we can do it. its a must.
and you guys must have th discipline and will to continue.
so hope you guys can buck up more. JIAYOUS!

Posted by:KaiYing.=D

2008-06-11T10:10:00.000+08:00

Hello Band :D

Remember to do your homework during the holidays okay (:
And , Section leader , I want you all to remind your section mate when's the next practise .

Same attire , same place . 7.45am to be fall in outside AVA room .
Sec 2 and above : Band tee with school bottom + school shoes and socks .
Sec 1 : Pe Shirt with school bottom + school shoes and socks .
Remember to bring waterbottle & pencil with you .

Those guys Mr Lim asked you all to cut your hair , remember to cut . I'll check on tuesday (:
Girls , i want your fringe to be clip up if it is touching your eyes alrights (:

Remember what Mr Lim wants you to do .
Example finding your instrument range stuff
& going to youtube to listen to the 1812 overture . Here's the link .
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzMGzBKRttU ( part 1 )
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkS9THHjp38 ( part 2 )

Anyway , thurs (12/6) we'll have a drill session from 8am to 12pm taken by He Xing .
Those who want to come , you may . Please be in your Pe Attire & bring waterbottle :D

And the next monday (16th june ) ,
Committees are to come back to clean/pack up the band stores from 9.30 - 11.30 pm.
Also to help moving the instrument from NCC room to the store :D
Please make yourself free on that day (: See ya committee members !

I shall end with what Mr Lim said on the tagboard .
Just in case some of them dint read (:

Mr Jeremy Lim says :
Dear EVG Winds,
It was an encouraging performance at CLAPs. Keep up the good work but to the NBC.
We still have a long way to go. Kudos to the Sec 1s who struggled and found success.
Keep it up ! Have a good break
but don forget to practise or to familiarise yourself with the score.
The next practise will be on the 17th of June (Tuesday).
Take care and have a good break.
Anyway, please memorise the 2 pieces and we will rehearse without scores .

Posted by : Yanhong (:

2008-05-31T23:24:00.000+08:00

A new quote :)
By Maurice Bourque, French Oboist
"The real embouchure is in the stomach. The other is only a connection. You should take the reed as you take a forkful of food: simply"

Posted by: Li Tian

2008-05-29T22:33:00.000+08:00

School that is participating in NBC in 3rd division.

Ahmad Ibrahim Concert Band - Silver
Balestier Hill Secondary School Band - Silver
Cedar Girls' Symphonic Band - Silver
Chua Chu Kang Secondary School Winds - Bronze
East Spring Military Band - Bronze
Evergreen Winds - Bronze
Fuchun Secondary School - Bronze
Hai Sing Catholic School Concert Band - Silver
Hwa Chong Institution Military Band - Silver
Junyuan Symphonic Band - Silver
Kuo Chuan Band - Bronze
Loyang Secondary School Symphonic Winds - Bronze
New Town Concert Band
Peirce Secondary School Symphonic Band
Unity Secondary School Symphonic Band - Bronze
Woodlands Secondary School Symphonic Band - Silver
Yishun Secondary School Symphonic Band - Bronze
Yishun Town Wind Orchestra - Silver
Yuan Ching Concert Band – Bronze

2008-05-29T21:11:00.000+08:00

Hey band members!

I will be practising in school @ 10am most of the time.
So if anybody is interested in practising in sch,
if dun mind, can join me :)

Posted by: Li Tian

2008-05-29T20:34:00.000+08:00

This is the Ghost Train recording.
Enjoy :)

Just some background about it :)
Title: Ghost Train Triptych
Composed by: Eric Whitacre
Eric Whitacre (b. 1970) is an American composer of choral, symphonic and wind band music; as well as electronica and music theater.
He also wrote pieces such as October, Winter, Water night etc...

Movement I: The Ride
Movement II: At The Station
Movement III: Motive Revolution

2008-05-26T11:24:00.000+08:00

June Holidays Practises for Main Band :

Tuesday [ 27/05/08 ]
Thursday [ 29/05/08 ]
Monday [ 02/06/08 ]
Tuesday [ 03/06/08 ]
Thursday [ 05/06/06 ]
Practises will be from 8am to 4.30pm .

Reporting time will be 7.45am where everybody should be fall in already
But NOT walking up the stairs or taking your time to fall in .
Please dont be late & if you're absent , you must produce an MC or a parent letter .
Thank you (:

Saturday [ 07/06/08 ]
will have a performance at toa payoh . time will be from 1.30 to 9.30pm .

& last holiday practise will be ,
tuesday [ 17/06/08 ] from 8am to 4.30pm (:

* Attire will be told during fall in .

Please work hard for the performance & NBC ! Goodluck .

2008-05-07T11:54:00.000+08:00

Hello band ,

This coming saturday ( 10may2008 ) there will bea bbq party at tekong park ,
which is somewhere near Woodlands Pri Sch.

Go by yourself . But if you dont know how to go ,
Some commitee be meeting outside boots and shoes (@ woodlands control station) at 3pm.
Then they'll bring you go to tekong park .

You have to pay $5 to valerie if you're going .
If you haven pay , please find her & pay asap . Or pay the money to her on saturday .

2008-05-07T00:33:00.001+08:00

Heeeee
Is me again..
Li Tian

Got 1 new quote to share with u guys :)

Life is like music, it must be composed by ear, feeling and instinct, not by rule. Nevertheless one had better know the rules, for they sometimes guide in doubtful cases, though not often.
~Samuel Butler~

2008-05-05T17:42:00.001+08:00

Hello band members~!
Attention!!! Attention!!! Attention!!!
This is posted Li Tian...

Just want to post some quotes only.
Nothing Serious :P
Enjoy Reading it :)

Music isn't just learning notes and playing them, You learn notes to play to the music of your soul.
~ Katie Greenwood ~

There are two golden rules for an orchestra: start together and finish together. The public doesn't give a damn what goes on in between.
~ Sir Thomas Beecham ~

Without music, life is a journey through a desert.
~ Pat Conroy ~

Music is the vernacular of the human soul.
~ Geoffrey Latham ~

Music is your own experience, your own thoughts, your wisdom. If you don't live it, it won't come out of your horn. They teach you there's a boundary line to music. But, man, there's no boundary line to art.
~ Charlie Parker ~

The high note is not the only thing.
~ Placido Domingo ~

"Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosphy. Music is the electrical soil in which the spirit lives, thinks and invents."
~ Ludwig van Beethoven ~

"Music does bring people together. It allows us to experience the same emotions. People everywhere are the same in heart and spirit.No matter what language we speak, what color we are, the form of our politics or the expression of our love and our faith, music proves: We are the same."
~ John Denver ~

I got all these quotes from the library@esplanade.
I will post more of these if i can get more quotes from the library :)

Anyway, good luck to everyone for the MYE :D

2008-04-22T10:05:00.000+08:00

Hey band members !

Please study hard for MidYear Exam and score well ! :D
And take the initiative to ask teacher after school if you have any questions .
Good luck for your MYE and keep up the good work ! (:

Wish all the Sec 4 and 5 alumnis score well in their N and O level examinations too !
Good luck !!

Anyway ,
Band will resume after MYE , on the 15 MAY (thursday) .
Please report same time , same place . ( fall in @ 2.45pm outside AVA room in school uniform )
See ya guys ! :D

Posted by : Yanhong

2008-04-13T09:35:00.000+08:00

Some photoes taken when doing the platform for Mrlim .
Actually wanna make it a surprise for Mr Lim . But , he already know it .
So , post photoes to show how the platform look :D

Hexing Sawing wood ~

Chuen Jye help too (:

Rui Qing Sanding the wood .

Kaiying measuring ~

& draw lines ~

Chuen Jye camara shy :D
hahas ! saw wood still look else where. tsk tsk ~

SNAP SNAP !
still shoot you la chuen jye !

Hexing nailing ~

& drilling ~

This is the bottom part :D

& Hope it is stable for Mr Lim ~
Credits to : Hexing ,Chuen Jye ,Ruiqing , Kaiying , Hexiang & Yanhong !

2008-04-13T02:20:00.000+08:00

Some random photoes taken on Honours day 2008 (:

Hello Jeffrey (:

Haley's here .

Pay attention ~

Valerie ,
Handsome over there?

Backview of trombonist ~

Endure the burning under the hot sun !

Hello Nash (:

Being alet is important during parade !

Back view of our Band Major ...
who is going to step down ...

Double Reeders :D

the windsss ~

The parade is going on ~

March out ~

Backview of the tallest guy in band - LiTian
with his junior beside (:

Drum Major's conducting the band ~

Sya sya ! our trumpeter (:

Pratheep , percussionist (:

2008-04-10T23:47:00.000+08:00

2008-04-07T10:40:00.000+08:00

This is the Graduation Poster .

And the new repetoire list will be -
Postcard from Singapore (Mvt 1 & 2)
“The Merry Widows” Selections
Blue Ridge Saga
Nocturne Opus 9 ( piano )
Animation Medley
Kaze No Mai~ Dancing in the Wind
The Jolly Chimney Sweep (Tuba Solo)
Can’t Take My Eyes off you
One Moment in Time

Honors Day 2008

2008-03-26T20:29:00.000+08:00

hello... ruiqing here... as u all know ar... this friday is the honors day... plz do it well ok... dun always day dream and be alert... and 1 VERY VERY IMPORTANT thing... PLZ LOOK AT AREF(the conductor)!!! No matter who is standing in front plz look la... its the so called "last parade performance" for the sec 4s liao(2nd last time we are gonna wear the band uniform xD)... so... plz play well!! as for the winds... the reception area may be squeezy but plz bear with it can? 1 piece onli... about 4mins.... plz remember to memorise the scores if not the stands are going to take up even more space and make it even more squeezy.... Attire for friday will be FULL BAND UNIFORM... thx... =D

Defination for FULL BAND UNIFORM:
1. Uniform Top
2. Uniform Bottom
3. Sash
4. Black Ankle Socks (for girls)
5. School Socks/black Ankle socks (For Guys)
6. 2 Gold Pins
7. Band Leather Shoes

*NOTE:Iron all ur uniforms(including the sash) and plz polish all ur
leather shoes.

Thank You

2008-03-13T03:30:00.000+08:00

Hello Band ,

I've change the blogskin. Please comment about it.
If you don't like it ( like if you think it's too kiddy or too girly or what-so-ever ) ,
please kindly tell me. I will make changes to it. Thank You.

Posted by:
Yanhong

2008-02-11T22:05:00.000+08:00

~IMPORTANT~

The 15th Feb Performance is !!!CANCELLED!!!

!Thursday there will be NO band practice!

Pls take note of this.Thank you:)

2008-01-10T20:25:00.000+08:00

GENTING TRIP

Views of Genting Highland

Leisure Time

(StarBucks rox!!!)

(wow~wat a nice postures~)

FALLING IN!!STRICT!

(The BASSES,after the friendship concert)

say cheese!

Groups Photos!!!

2007-10-02T15:38:00.000+08:00

PHOTOS ON MUSIC WITH HEARTS - ENCORE VERSION!!

Rehearsal at RP before the concert

Mr Marcus Ng, our Horn Soloist

Ms sya sya, 1 of our Trumpeter

our precious Mr lai is eating!!

Concert Start

Ms tay sok fong, our Flute Solo ,presenting ~~The Moon Represent My Heart~~

wow!!our vice principle is receiving flower from our percussionist, zafirah!

Mr tony is receiving flower from his dad.

Wei quan is receiving flower from VP,mrs lim!!

our Band major! Ms rui qing!!

our Drum major! Mr aref!!

Mr aref is conducting!!

Focus!!!

our Tuba guest player!!Mr lai!!!

our 2 Pretty & Smart MC

our Clarinets guest player!Mr goh!!

Ms sya sya,our trumpet solo,presenting ~~One Moment In Time~~

Handsome Mr lim & Pretty Ms sya sya

wow!the Trombone & the Horn section!!

wow!our drummer,seng kiat!!
the sec 4 senior supporting us!!

The BAND!!!!

The Tuba Section!!

The sec 4 senior!

kai zhi & some of the students from BTPS

Aref & the Tuba player from BTPS

Aref & the students from the BTPS

Mr lim & Ms seetoh!!

The Seniors!!

The Funniest Aref & The Handsomest Mr lim

2007-09-22T13:02:00.000+08:00

PHOTOS ON MUSIC WITH HEARTS - FINAL!!

oh~ mr ratish!!

our saxo section!! *clapclap*

to be continued...

2007-09-22T12:53:00.000+08:00

PHOTOS ON MUSIC WITH HEARTS - PART 4!!

Our percussion section!! *clapclap*

WAH!!

Look look here.. look look there..

Whose back is that??

Mr chester and his long long bassoon.. hahax..

2007-09-22T12:44:00.000+08:00

PHOTOS ON MUSIC WITH HEARTS - PART 3!!

aiyo.. camera shake.. shake shake shake..

C-H-E-E-S-E-!!

C-H-E-E-S-E AGAIN!!

wee woo wee~ solo sia..

aiyoyo.. camera shake again.. oh~ our precious mrlim n msyeo are eating!! *clapclap*

2007-09-17T21:24:00.000+08:00

PHOTOS ON MUSIC WITH HEARTS - PART 2!!

to be continued...

2007-09-17T11:45:00.000+08:00

Are these what you all waiting for?? HAHAX~!!

PHOTOS ON MUSIC WITH HEARTS!!

to be continued...

2007-09-12T08:20:00.000+08:00

AREF IN THE HOUSE!!

2007-08-08T21:02:00.000+08:00

2007-07-24T19:10:00.000+08:00

[[InStRuMeNt 0f ThE wEeK - OBOE]]

The oboe is a double reed musical instrument of the woodwind family. The English word "oboe" comes from the French translation of the word hautbois; the name of the instrument in French (literal meaning, "high" or "loud" wood). The Italian name displaced the older English name "hautboy" or "hoboy" in the 18th century. A musician who plays the oboe is called an oboist. Careful manipulation of embouchure and air pressure allows the player to express a large timbral and dynamic range. Along with the French horn, the oboe is often considered one of the most difficult instruments to play.

In comparison to other modern woodwind instruments, the oboe has a clear and penetrating voice. In the play Angels in America, the oboe has been described as sounding like a duck if the duck were a songbird. The timbre of the oboe is derived from the oboe's conical bore (as opposed to the generally cylindrical bore of flutes and clarinets). As a result, oboes are readily audible over other instruments in large ensembles.
Orchestras will usually tune by listening to the oboe play a concert A. Adjusting the pitch of the oboe is achieved by changing the position of the reed in the instrument, or by permanently altering the scrape, removing cane from the reed. Subtle changes in pitch are also possible by adjusting the embouchure. The oboe is pitched in concert C and has a mezzo-soprano to soprano range.

Information took from : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double_reed

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oboe

2007-07-16T16:03:00.000+08:00

[[InStRuMeNt 0f ThE wEeK FLUTE]]

The flute is a musical instrument of the woodwind family. Unlike other woodwind instruments, a flute produces its sound from the flow of air against an edge, instead of using a reed. A musician who plays the flute can be referred to as a flute player, a flautist, a flutist or even a fluter.

The Western concert flutes

The Western concert flute, a descendant of the 19th-Century "German Flute", is a transverse flute which is closed at the top. Near the top is the embouchure hole, across and into which the player blows. It has larger circular finger-holes than its baroque predecessors, designed to increase the instrument's dynamic range. Various combinations can be opened or closed by means of keys, to produce the different notes in its playing range. The note produced depends on which finger-holes are opened or closed and on how the flute is blown. There are two kinds of foot joints available for the concert flute: the standard C foot or the longer B foot with an extra key extending the flute's range to B below middle C.There can also be a Bb below middle c foot joint added to the instrument. With the rare exception of the Kingma system, or custom-devised fingering systems, modern Western concert flutes conform to the Boehm system.

Flute terms

Flautist/Flutist - one who plays the flute.

Crown - the cap at the end of the head joint that unscrews to expose the cork, and which helps keep the head joint cork positioned at the proper depth of insertion.

Lip plate - the part of the head joint which contacts the player's lower lip, allowing precise positioning and direction of the air stream.

Riser - a metal section shaped like a 'top hat with the top cut off', which raises the lip plate from the head joint tube.

Head joint - the top section of the flute, has the tone hole/lip plate where the player initiates the sound by blowing air across the opening.

Body - the middle section of the flute with the majority of the keys.

Closed-hole - a finger key which is fully covered.

Open-hole - a finger key with a perforated center, allowing the use of techniques such as pitch bending or glissando.

Pointed arms - arms connecting the keys to the rods which are pointed and extend to the keys' centers; found on more expensive flutes.

Playing Technique

When the Flute is correctly assembled, the embouchure-hole of the head-joint should be in-line with the keys. The rod of the foot-joint should also be in line with the keys. These alignments help the player maintain proper hand positions, where the Flute is held steadily, and the fingers may work efficiently.
The head-joint (of an A440-pitch Flute) should not normally be pushed all the way in, but should be kept pulled-out about 1/8th of an inch. This position should allow the player to play at A440 pitch at normal room-temperature (around 20oC). The spare 1/8th of an inch (approx.) gives the player a little leeway to ‘push in’ to cope with cold conditions where the Flute plays flat (or to cope with a Piano that is tuned sharp). On a very hot day, in direct sunshine, the head-joint may have be pulled very far out to get down to A440-pitch.
The Flute is held asymmetrically. To avoid possible strain on the spine, it is best not sit or stand 'square on' to the music-stand and conductor (as you would when playing Clarinet or Oboe), but to start facing slightly to the right, so that when you raise the Flute to play, you are reading the music (and looking at the conductor) along the line of your left thigh when seated (or left foot when standing). This minimizes strain on the spine.
Efficient breathing is facilitated by raising the elbows. It is also facilitated by breathing out before breathing in, because this prevents CO2 credit / oxygen deficit, and therefore prevents compensatory 'over-breathing' and the resultant avoidable strain. This is most efficient if you take particular care to relax in the middle of the abdomen, allowing maximum freedom of movement of the diaphragm muscle itself. Breathing out before breathing in also allows you to inhale involuntarily 'on the recoil', which is efficient, and prevents the avoidable strain likely to result from voluntary breathing. Strain in one part of the body tends to spread to other parts of the body, including the mind. The less strain you experience, the less strain is likely to be manifest in your playing.

Piccolo
The piccolo is a small flute. Its name in Italian is "flauto piccolo" which means "small flute." Like the flute, the piccolo is normally pitched in the key of C, one octave above the concert flute (making it, effectively, a sopranino flute). Music for the piccolo is written one octave lower than concert pitch. Fingerings on the piccolo correspond to those of the flute, but sound an octave higher. Also, many alternate fingerings may be used to tune the individual pitches, as many are consistently out of tune. In addition to the standard C piccolo, there is a piccolo pitched in Db that is sometimes used in bands, and one in A-flat, rarely used outside Italian marching bands.

2007-07-02T20:43:00.000+08:00

[[InStRuMeNt 0f ThE wEeK CLARINET]]

The clarinet is a musical instrument in the woodwind family. The name derives from adding the suffix -et meaning little to the Italian word clarino meaning a particular type of trumpet, as the first clarinets had a strident tone similar to that of a trumpet. The instrument has an approximately cylindrical bore, and uses a single reed.
Clarinets actually comprise a family of instruments of differing sizes and pitches. It is the largest such instrument family, with more than two dozen types. Of these many are rare or obsolete, and music written for them is usually played on one of the more common size instruments. The unmodified word clarinet usually refers to the B♭ soprano clarinet, by far the most common clarinet.

A person who plays the clarinet is called a clarinetist or clarinettist

Reed

The instrument uses a single reed made from the cane of Arundo donax, a type of grass. Reeds may also be manufactured from synthetic materials. The ligature fastens the reed to the mouthpiece. When air is blown through the opening between the reed and the mouthpiece facing, the reed vibrates and produces the instrument's sound.
While a few clarinetists make their own reeds, most buy manufactured reeds, though many players make adjustments to these reeds to improve playability. Clarinet reeds come in varying degrees of hardness, generally indicated on a scale from one (softest) through five (hardest). This numbering system is not standardized, varying between reed manufacturers. Reed hardness and mouthpiece characteristics work together to determine ease of playability, pitch stability, and tonal characteristics.

The reed is attached to the mouthpiece by the ligature; and the top half-inch or so of this assembly is held in the player’s mouth. (German clarinetists often wind a string around the mouthpiece and reed instead of using a ligature.) The formation of the mouth around the mouthpiece and reed is called the embouchure.The reed is on the underside of the mouthpiece, pressing against the player's bottom lip, while the top teeth normally contact the top of the mouthpiece (some players roll the upper lip under the top teeth to form what is called a ‘double-lip’ embouchure). Adjustments in the strength and configuration of the embouchure change the tone and intonation (tuning). It is not uncommon for clarinetists to employ methods to soften the pressure on both the upper teeth and inner lower lip by attaching pads to the top of the mouthpiece or putting (temporary) padding on the front lower teeth, commonly from folded paper.

Concert Band

In wind bands, clarinets are a particularly central part of the instrumentation, occupying the same space (and often playing the same parts) in bands that the strings do in orchestras. Bands usually include several B♭ clarinets, divided into sections each consisting of 2-3 clarinetists playing the same part. There is almost always an E♭ clarinet part and a bass clarinet part, usually doubled. Alto, contra-alto, and contrabass clarinets are sometimes used as well, and very rarely a piccolo A♭ clarinet.

BASS CLARINET

The bass clarinet is a musical instrument of the clarinet family. Like the more common soprano B♭ clarinet, it is usually pitched in B♭ (meaning it is a transposing instrument on which a written C sounds as B♭), but it plays notes an octave below the B♭ clarinet. Bass clarinets in other keys, notably C and A, also exist, but are very rare.

The bass clarinet has been regularly used in scoring for symphony orchestra since the late 19th century, becoming more common during the middle and latter part of the 20th century. In recent years, the bass clarinet has also seen a growing repertoire of solo literature including compositions for the instrument alone, or accompanied by piano, orchestra, or other ensemble. It is also used in wind bands, in clarinet choirs, and in film scoring, and has played a minor, but persistent, role in jazz.
The bass clarinet has an appealing, rich, earthy tone quite distinct from other instruments in its range, drawing on and enhancing the qualities of the lower range of the soprano and alto instrument.

2007-06-26T15:29:00.000+08:00

[[InStRuMeNt 0f ThE wEeK SAXOPHONE]]

The saxophone (colloquially referred to as sax) is a conical-bored instrument of the woodwind family, usually made of brass and played with a single-reed mouthpiece like the clarinet. The saxophone is commonly associated with popular music, big band music, blues and jazz, but it was originally intended as both an orchestral and military band instrument. Saxophone players are called saxophonists.

Members of the saxophone family

The saxophone was originally patented as two families, each consisting of seven instruments. The "orchestral" family consisted of instruments in the keys of C and F, and the "military band" family in E♭ and B♭. Each family consisted of sopranino, soprano, alto, tenor, baritone, bass and contrabass, although some of these were never made; Sax also planned--but never made--a subcontrabass (Bourdon) saxophone.

Alto Saxophone

The alto saxophone is a variety of the saxophone, a family of woodwind instruments invented by Adolphe Sax. The alto is the third smallest of the saxophone family, which consists of ten sizes of saxophone (see saxophone). The alto is the most common size of saxophone, and is also the size most commonly composed for by classical composers.
Of the people who learn to play saxophone, most begin on alto. The second most common size of saxophone is the tenor; most tenor players start on alto and switch to tenor after a few years.
The alto saxophone is a transposing instrument and reads the treble clef in the key of E♭ (that is to say, a written C for the alto will sound as E♭; concert, a major sixth lower).
The range of the alto saxophone is from concert D♭ (D♭3) to concert A♭ (A♭5) (or A5 on altos with a high F# key). The range as written for the player is B♭3 to F6 (or F#6). An additional upper range, known as the altissimo register, begins at F# and extends upwards for an octave or more. However, this range is commonly mastered only by advanced players.
Notable alto saxophonists include jazz musicians Charlie Parker, Cannonball Adderley, Lee Konitz, Eric Dolphy, Ornette Coleman, Dave Koz, and Paul Desmond. The alto saxophone is included in classical music more often than the tenor, and many concertos for alto exist. The alto has great versatility and is used commonly in concert, jazz, funk, blues, pop, marching bands, and rock music.

Tenor Saxophone

The tenor saxophone is a medium-sized member of the saxophone family, a group of instruments invented by Adolphe Sax. It is perhaps the most well known of all saxophones and is a transposing instrument, pitched in the key of B♭, and written as a transposing instrument in the treble clef, sounding a major ninth lower than the written pitch.
In the early 20th century, instrument makers manufactured a saxophone slightly smaller than the tenor which was pitched in the key of C, a whole tone higher that the modern tenor instrument. This was known as a C melody saxophone. C melody saxophones became common during the American saxophone craze (1919-1929). No C melody saxophones have been mass manufactured since 1929, and C melody saxophones are not usually included in any present-day band or jazz ensemble.
The tenor saxophone is used in many different types of ensembles, including concert bands, big band jazz ensembles, small jazz ensembles, and marching bands. It is occasionally included in pieces written for symphony orchestra and for chamber ensembles; two examples of this are Ravel's Boléro and Webern's Quartet for violin, clarinet, tenor saxophone, and piano. In concert bands, the tenor plays mostly a supporting role, sometimes sharing parts with the euphonium, horn and trombone. In jazz ensembles, the tenor plays a more prominent role, often sharing parts or harmonies with the alto saxophone.
The tenor saxophone became better known through its frequent use in jazz music. It was the pioneering playing of Coleman Hawkins which lifted the tenor saxophone from its traditional role of adding weight to the ensemble and established it as a highly-effective melody instrument in its own right. Many prominent jazz musicians from the 1940's onwards have been tenor players. Since then, the tenor saxophone and its deep soulful tone have been considered one of the key instruments of blues and jazz music. The tenor is also extremely common in rhythm and blues music. As a result of its prominence in American jazz, the instrument has also featured prominently in other genres. These include rock and roll and more recent rock music as well.
Approximately 90% of all student saxophonists start learning the instrument using the alto saxophone. Approximately 20% of student saxophonists later learn to play the tenor. Switching from one saxophone to another is not very difficult, since all modern saxophones are transposing instruments and all saxophones share the same fingerings.
The tenor saxophone requires a slightly larger mouthpiece, reed, and ligature than the alto.

Baritone saxophone

The baritone saxophone, often called "bari sax" (to avoid confusion with the baritone horn, which is often referred to simply as "baritone"), is one of the larger and lower pitched members of the saxophone family. It was invented by Adolphe Sax. The baritone is distinguished from smaller sizes of saxophone by the extra loop near its mouthpiece; this helps to keep the instrument at a practical height (the rarer bass saxophone has a similar, but larger loop).
The baritone saxophone is the largest saxophone commonly seen in modern ensembles. The other three are the alto, tenor and soprano. It is a transposing instrument in the key of E-flat, one octave lower than the alto saxophone, although Adolphe Sax had originally also produced a baritone saxophone in F intended for orchestral use. Despite its low register, music for the baritone saxophone is written in treble clef. It is also possible to read parts written in the bass clef for instruments pitched in C as if the part was in the treble clef, while adjusting the key signature from C to E-flat and any accidentals as necessary. This is often useful for reading tuba or trombone parts in songs without a written baritone saxophone part.
The baritone saxophone is used in classical music (particularly in the saxophone quartet, of which it is a member), but composers have rarely called for it in orchestral music, and it has a comparatively small solo repertoire. It has, however, been an important part of military bands, concert bands, jazz bands, wind ensembles and is common in show music, especially those of the more "jazzy" type. In concert bands, it often plays a part similar to that of the tuba. The baritone player usually plays rather simple rhythms in order to maintain the musical pulse of the group. Often, this consists of quarter notes on beats one and three in 4/4 time. In big bands, the role of the baritone player usually involves doubling with the bass trombone, bass, or first alto saxophone. (The saxophone section of a standard jazz band contains two altos, two tenors, and a baritone.) The baritone player is usually expected to double on bass clarinet.
The exceptional weight of the instrument (13-14 pounds or 6.5 kg), as compared to the other three commonly used sizes of saxophone, makes it difficult to use in marching bands. Baritone saxophone players in marching groups often use a special harness that distributes the weight of the instrument onto the player's back instead of around his neck, as is the conventional way of supporting the instrument. But the baritone saxophone can still be used in a marching band with the standard neckstrap. Its reed size is notably large, twice that of an alto saxophone reed and noticeably larger than that used by the tenor saxophone.
The fingerings for all of the instruments in the saxophone family are essentially the same and many players play more than one saxophone. The baritone saxophone, however, is the only member of the saxophone family which often possesses a "low A" key (sounding concert C, the same pitch as the lowest note on the cello), whereas most other saxophones descend only to a fingered B♭, though altos and basses have been manufactured with low A keys, and Benedikt Eppelsheim now makes a contrabass saxophone with one; (sounding pitch depending on the key of the particular instrument).

2007-05-29T11:00:00.000+08:00

[[InStRuMeNt 0f ThE wEeK - FRENCH HORN]]

The horn (popularly known also as the French horn) is a brass instrument decended from the natural horn that consists of tubing wrapped into a coiled form. Modern horns have three or four finger-operated valves to help control the pitch. Someone who plays the horn is called a horn player or hornist. (The International Horn Society has recommended since 1971 that the instrument itself be properly referred to solely as the horn.)

The horn is a conical bore instrument much like the cornet and Saxhorns. This means the bore is tapered, steadily increasing in diameter along its length, unlike the trumpet and trombone which are considered cylindrical. Unlike most other valved brass instruments, which use piston valves, most modern horns use rotary valves, though earlier horns and horns used in Austria and France still use pistons. Each valve toggles a length of tubing, changing the length of the instrument and therefore the pitch. Each length of tubing is a separate part, and is moved to adjust the tuning of the instrument, making them tuning slides. A modern double horn contains a total of 21 ft (6.4 meters) of tubing, including all tuning slides, although not all this tubing can be played at any one time.
Compared to the other brass instruments commonly found in the orchestra, the typical range of the horn is set an octave higher in its harmonic series, facilitated by its small mouthpiece and narrow leadpipe. In this range, the partials—notes available in a given valve combination simply by changing the frequency of the lip buzz—are closer together than on other brass instruments, making it very prone to playing wrong notes, even among professional players, due to not having precisely the proper lip tension. Its conical bore is largely responsible for its characteristic tone, often described as "mellow". Horn music is often written in F, and sounds a perfect fifth lower than written, with the typical range starting at F-sharp immediately below the bass clef, to the C above the treble clef (sounding B below the bass clef to F at the top of the treble clef). Although this is the standard range found in classical repertoire, some players can play many notes beyond this range, both lower and higher.
Also important to note is that many pieces from Baroque to Romantic periods are written in keys other than F, with the player providing the final transposition to the correct pitch. This notion began in the early days of the horn before valves, when the composer would indicate the key the horn should be in (horn in D, horn in C, etc.) and the part would be notated as if it were in C. For example, a written C for horn in D would be transposed down a minor third, and played as an A on F horn. This tradition was only recently abandoned, being used as late as Wagner and Richard Strauss, albeit only for short passages (the majority of the piece being written for horn in F).

Double Horn

Despite the introduction of valves, the single F horn proved difficult for use in the highest range, where the partials grew closer and closer, making accuracy a great challenge. An early solution was simply to use a horn of higher pitch -- usually B-flat. The use of the F versus the B-flat horn were a hotbed of debate between horn players of the late nineteenth century, until the German horn maker Kruspe produced a prototype of the "double horn" in 1897.
The double horn combines two instruments into a single frame: the original horn in F, and a second, higher horn keyed in B-flat. By using a fourth valve (operated by the thumb), the horn player can quickly switch from the deep, warm tones of the F horn to the higher, brighter tones of the B-flat horn. The two sets of tones are commonly called "sides" of the horn.
In the words of Reginald Morley-Pegge, the invention of the double horn "revolutionized horn playing technique almost as much as did the invention of the valve." [Morley-Pegge, "Orchestral," 195]
In the USA, the two most common styles ("wraps") of double horns are named Kruspe and Geyer (also known as Knopf), after the first instrument makers who developed and standardized them. The Kruspe wrap locates the B flat change valve above the first valve, near the thumb. The Geyer wrap has the change valve behind the third valve, near the pinky finger (although the valve's trigger is still played with the thumb). In effect, the air flows in a completely different direction on the other model. Both models have their own strengths and weaknesses, and are a matter of personal choice among horn players. Kruspe wrap horns tend to be larger in the bell throat than the Geyer type.
In the UK and Europe the most popular horns are arguably those made by Gebr. Alexander, of Mainz (particularly the Alexander 103), and those made by Paxman in London. In Germany and the Benelux countries, the Alex. 103 is extremely popular. These horns do not fit strictly into the Kruspe or Geyer camps, but have features from both. Alexander prefer the traditional medium bell size, which they have produced for many years, whereas Paxman do offer their models in a range of bell throat sizes. In the United States, the Conn 8D is one of the most popular models in professional orchestras

Vienna horn

The Vienna horn is a special horn used primarily in Vienna, Austria. Instead of using rotary valves or piston valves, it uses the Pumpenvalve. Unlike the modern horn, which has grown considerably larger internally (for a bigger, broader, and louder tone), and considerably heavier (with the addition of valves and tubing in the case of the double horn) the Vienna horn very closely mimics the size and weight of the natural horn, (although the valves do add some weight, they are lighter than rotary valves) even using crooks in the front of the horn, between the mouthpiece and the instrument. Although instead of the full range of keys, Vienna horn players usually use an F crook for most music, switching to an A or B-flat crook for higher pitched music (Beethoven 7th symphony, Bach, various Mozart and Haydn, etc).

2007-05-27T14:59:00.000+08:00

[[InStRuMeNt 0f ThE wEeK - TRUMPET]]

The trumpet is the highest brass instrument in register, above the horn, trombone, baritone, euphonium and tuba. A musician who plays the trumpet is called a trumpet player or trumpeter. The most common trumpet by far is a transposing instrument pitched in B flat - the note read as middle C sounds as the B flat 2 semitones below - but there are many other trumpets in this family of instruments.

The trumpet is made of brass tubing bent into a rough spiral. Although the bore is roughly cylindrical, it is more precisely a complex series of tapers, smaller at the mouthpiece receiver and larger just before the flare of the bell begins. Careful design of these tapers is critical to the intonation of the instrument. Sound is produced by blowing air through closed lips, producing a "buzzing" sound into the mouthpiece and starting a standin wave vibration in the air column inside the trumpet. The player can select the pitch from a range of overtones or harmonics by changing the lip aperture. There are three piston valves, each of which increases the length of tubing when engaged, thereby lowering the pitch. The first valve lowers the instrument's pitch by a whole step (2 semitones), the second valve by a half step (1 semitone), and the third valve by one-and-a-half steps (3 semitones). When a fourth valve is present, as with some piccolo trumpets, it lowers the pitch a perfect fourth (5 semitones). Used alone and in combination these valves make the instrument fully chromatic, i.e., able to play all twelve pitches of Western music. The sound is projected outward by the bell.

The mouthpiece has a circular rim which provides a comfortable environment for the lips' vibration. Directly behind the rim is the cup, which channels the air into a much smaller opening (the backbore or shank) which tapers out slightly to match the diameter of the trumpet's lead pipe. The dimensions of these parts of the mouthpiece affect the timbre or quality of sound, the ease of playability, and player comfort. Generally, the wider and deeper the cup, the darker the sound and timbre.

On any trumpet, cornet, or flugelhorn, pressing the valves indicated by the numbers below will produce the written notes shown - "OPEN" means all valves up, "1" means first valve, "1-2" means first and second valve simultaneously and so on. The concert pitch which sounds depends on the transposition of the instrument. Engaging the fourth valve, if present, drops any of these pitches by a perfect fourth as well. Within each overtone series, the different pitches are attained by changing the embouchure, or lip position and tightness, along with increasing air velocity. Standard fingerings above high C are the same as for the notes an octave below (C sharp is 1-2, D is 1, etc.).
Note that the fundamental of each overtone series does not exist - the series begins with the first overtone. Notes in parentheses are the sixth overtone, representing a pitch with a frequency of seven times that of the fundamental; while this pitch is close to the note shown, it is slightly flat relative to equal temperament, and use of those fingerings is generally avoided.

The fingering schemas arises from the length of each valve's tubing (air passing through longer lengths of tubing produces a lower pitch). Valve "1" increases the tubing length enough to lower the pitch by one whole step, valve "2" by one half step, and valve "3" by one and a half steps. This schema and the nature of the overtone series create the possibility of alternate fingerings for certain notes. For example, third-space "C" can be produced with no valves engaged (standard fingering) or with valves 2-3. Also, any note produced with 1-2 as its standard fingering can also be produced with valve 3 - each drops the pitch by 1-1/2 steps. Alternate fingerings may be used to improve facility in certain passages. Extending the third valve slide when using the fingerings 1-3 or 1-2-3 further lowers the pitch slightly to improve intonation.

2007-05-20T09:17:00.000+08:00

[[ InStRuMeNt 0f ThE wEeK - TROMBONE ]]

The trombone is a musical instrument in the brass family. Like all brass instruments, it is a lip-reed aerophone; sound is produced when the player’s buzzing lips cause the air column inside the instrument to vibrate. The trombone is usually characterised by a telescopic slide with which the player varies the length of the tube to change pitches, although the less common valve trombone uses three valves similar to those on a trumpet.

The word trombone derives from Italian tromba (trumpet) and -one (a suffix meaning large), so a trombone is quite literally a "large trumpet". Trombones and trumpets share the important characteristic of having predominantly cylindrical bores. Therefore, the most frequently encountered trombones — the tenor and bass trombone — are the tenor and bass counterparts of the trumpet. A person who plays the trombone is referred to as a trombonist.

The trombone consists of a cylindrical tube bent into an elongated "S" shape in a complex series of tapers, the smallest being at the mouthpiece receiver, and the largest being at the throat of the bell, before the flare for the bell begins. (Careful design of these tapers is crucial to the intonation of the instrument.) As with other brass instruments, sound is produced by blowing air through pursed lips producing a vibration that creates a standing wave in the instrument.

The detachable cup-shaped mouthpiece, similar to that of the baritone, closely related to that of the trumpet, is inserted into the mouthpiece receiver in the slide section, which consists of a leadpipe, inner and outer slide tubes, and bracing, known as inner and outer slide stays. While modern stays are soldered, sackbuts (a medieval precursor to the trombone) were made with loose, unsoldered stays, which remained the pattern for German trombones until the mid-20th century. The leadpipe contains the venturi, which is a small constriction of the air column, adding a certain amount of resistance and to a great extent dictating the tone of the instrument; leadpipes may be soldered in permanently or interchangeable, depending on the maker.

The telescopic 'slide', the defining feature of the trombone (cf. valve trombone) allows the player to extend the length of the air column, lowering the pitch. In order to prevent friction from slowing the action of the slide, additional sleeves were developed during the Renaissance and these stockings were soldered onto the ends of the inner slide tubes. Nowadays, the stockings are incorporated into the manufacturing process of the inner slide tubes and represent a fractional widening of the tube to accommodate the necessary method of alleviating friction. This part of the slide must be lubricated on a frequent basis. Additional tubing connects the slide to the bell of the instrument through a neckpipe, and bell or back bow (U-bend). The joint connecting the slide and bell sections is furnished with a ferrule to secure the connection of the two parts of the instrument, though older models from the early 20th century and before were usually equipped with friction joints and no ancillary mechanism to tighten the joint.

The adjustment of intonation is most often accomplished with a tuning slide that is a short slide between the neckpipe and the bell incorporating the bell bow (U-bend); this device was designed by the French maker François Riedlocker during the early nineteenth century and applied to French and British designs and later in the century to German and American models, though German trombones were built without tuning slides well into the 20th century.

As with the trumpet, the trombone is considered a cylindrical bore instrument since it has sections of tubing, principally in the slide section, that are of continuous diameter. This is in contrast to conical bore instruments like the cornet, euphonium, and tuba, whose only cylindrical tubing is in the valve section. Tenor trombones typically have a bore of 0.450" (small bore) to 0.547" (large or orchestral bore) after the leadpipe and through the slide. The bore expands through the backbore to the bell which is typically between 7" and 8½". A number of common variations on trombone construction are noted below.

Until the early 18th century, the trombone was called the sackbut in English, a word with various different spellings ranging from sackbut to shagbolt and derived from the Spanish sacabuche or French sacqueboute. This was not a distinct instrument from the trombone, but rather a different name used for an earlier form. Other countries used the same name throughout the instrument's history, viz. Italian trombone and German Posaune. The sackbut was built in slightly smaller dimensions than modern trombones, and had a bell that was more conical and less flared. Today, sackbut is generally used to refer to the earlier form of the instrument, commonly used in early music ensembles. Sackbuts were (and still are) made in every size from soprano to contrabass, though then as now the contrabass is very rare.

As with all brass instruments, progressive tightening of the lips and increased air pressure allow the player to move to a different partial in the harmonic series. In the first or closed position on a B flat trombone, the notes in the harmonic series begin with the pedal or fundamental B flat1, followed by B flat2 (one octave higher), F3 (a perfect fifth higher), B flat3 (a perfect fourth higher), D4 (a major third higher), F4 (a minor third higher), A flat4 (a minor third higher; this note is always flat and is not usually played in this position, though it has been the practice in Germany and Austria to do so), B flat4 (a major second higher), C5 (a major second higher), D5 (a major second higher), E flat (a minor second higher, but very sharp), F5 (a major second higher). Very skilled players can go higher than this, to G5, A flat5, A5 and B flat5.

In the lower range, significant movement of the slide is required between positions, which becomes more exaggerated on lower pitched trombones, but for higher notes the player need only use the first four positions of the slide since the partials are closer together, allowing higher notes to be played in alternate positions. As an example, F4 (at the bottom of the treble clef) may be played in both first, fourth and sixth positions on a B flat trombone. The note E1 (or the lowest E on a standard 88-key piano keyboard) is the lowest attainable note on a 9' B flat tenor trombone, requiring a full 2.24 m of tubing. On trombones without an F attachment, there is a gap between B flat1 (the fundamental in first position) and E2 (the first harmonic in seventh position). Skilled players can produce so-called "falset" notes between these, but the sound is relatively weak and not usually used in performance.

2007-05-20T08:58:00.000+08:00

[[ InStRuMeNt 0f ThE wEeK - EUPHONIUM ]]

The euphonium is a conical-bore, tenor-voiced brass instrument. It derives its name from the Greek word euphonos, meaning "beautiful-sounding" or "sweet-voiced" (eu means "well" or "good" and phonium means "voice"). The euphonium is a valved instrument; nearly all current models are piston valved, though rotary valved models do exist.
A person who plays euphonium is sometimes called a euphoniumist or a euphonist, while British players often colloquially refer to themselves as euphists. Similarly, the instrument itself is sometimes referred to as eupho or euph.

The euphonium is pitched in concert B♭, meaning that when no valves are depressed the instrument will produce partials of the B-flat harmonic series. In the United States, music for the instrument is usually written in the bass clef at concert pitch (that is, without transposition), though treble clef euphonium parts, transposing down a major ninth, are included in much concert band music¹. In the brass band tradition, especially in the United Kingdom, euphonium music is always written this way. In continental European music, parts for the euphonium are sometimes written in the bass clef but a major second higher than sounding pitch.

Professional models have three top-action valves, played with the first three fingers of the right hand, plus a "compensating" fourth valve, generally found midway down the right side of the instrument, played with the left index finger; such an instrument is shown in the above picture. Beginner models often have only the three top-action valves, while some intermediate "student" models may have a fourth top-action valve, played with the fourth finger of the right hand. Compensating systems are expensive to build,and there is in general a wide discrepancy in price between compensating and non-compensating models. For a thorough discussion of the valves and the compensation system, see the article on brass instrument.

The euphonium has an extensive range, potentially from far below the bass clef to F six ledger lines above or even higher in professional hands, though B♭ four ledger lines above the staff is an average cutoff for intermediate players. The lowest notes obtainable depend on the valve set-up of the instrument. All instruments are chromatic down to first ledger-line E below the bass clef, but 4-valved instruments can reach at least down to C below the staff. Non-compensating four-valved instruments suffer from intonation problems from E♭ down to C, and cannot produce the low B-natural; compensating instruments do not have such intonation problems and can play the low B-natural.² From B♭ below the bass clef down lies the "pedal range," i.e. the fundamentals of the instrument's harmonic series. They are easily produced on euphonium as compared to other brass instruments, and the extent of the range depends on the make of the instrument in exactly the same as just described. Thus, on a compensating four-valved instrument, the lowest note possible is BBB, six ledger lines below the bass clef.

As with the other conical-bore instruments, the cornet, flugelhorn, French horn, and tuba, the euphonium's tubing gradually increases in diameter throughout its length, resulting in a softer, gentler tone compared to cylindrical-bore instruments such as the trumpet and trombone. While a truly characteristic euphonium sound is rather hard to define precisely, most players would agree that an ideal sound is dark, rich, warm, and velvety, with virtually no hardness to it. On the other hand, the desired sound varies geographically; European players, especially British ones, generally use a faster, more constant vibrato and a more veiled tone, while Americans tend to prefer a more straightforward, open sound with slower and less frequent vibrato. This also has to do with the different models preferred by British and American players.
Though the euphonium's fingerings are no different from those of the trumpet or tuba, beginning euphoniumists will likely experience more problems with intonation, response, and range compared to other beginning brass players. In addition, it is very difficult for students, even of high-school age, to develop the rich sound characteristic of the euphonium, due partly to the instrument models used in schools and partly to the lack of awareness of good euphonium sound models.

2007-05-20T08:51:00.000+08:00

[[ InStRuMeNt 0f ThE wEeK - TUBA ]]

The tuba is one of the largest of low-brass instruments and is one of the most recent additions to the modern symphony orchestra, first appearing in the mid-19th century, when it largely replaced the ophicleide.

An orchestra usually has a single tuba, serving as the bass of the brass section, though its versatility means it can double as reinforcement for the strings and woodwinds, or increasingly as a solo instrument.

Tubas are found in various pitches, most commonly in F, E♭, CC, or BB♭ in "brass band" pitching. The main bugle of BB♭ tubas is approximately 18 feet long, while that of CC tubas are 16 feet, E♭ tubas 13 feet, and F tubas 12 feet in tubing length without adding any valve branches. Tubas are considered to be conical in shape as from their tapered bores, they steadily increase in diameter along their lengths.

A tuba with its tubing wrapped for placing the instrument on the player's lap is usually called a tuba or concert tuba. Some have a bell pointing forward as opposed to upward, which are often called recording tubas because of their popularity in the early days of recorded music, as their sound could more easily be directed at the recording instrument. When wrapped to surround the body for marching, it is traditionally known as a hélicon. The modern sousaphone is a hélicon with a bell pointed up, and then curved to point forward.

Bass clef music for tuba is usually in concert pitch, therefore tubists must know the correct fingerings for their specific instrument. However, traditional brass band parts for the tuba are in the treble clef, usually a ninth above[citation needed] the sounded note, to facilitate fingering interchangeability with other brass band instruments. Consequently, the tuba is generally treated as a transposing instrument when it is written for in the treble clef, but not in the bass clef.

The lowest pitched tubas are the contrabass tubas, pitched in C or B-flat; (referred to as CC and BB-flat tubas respectively, based on a traditional distortion of a now-obsolete octave naming convention). The BB-flat is almost exclusively used in brass bands because the other instruments are usually based on B-flat. The CC tuba is used as an orchestral instrument in the U.S. because they are perceived to tune more easily with other orchestral instruments, but BB-flat tubas are the contrabass tuba of choice in German, Austrian, and Russian orchestras. Many younger players start out with an E-flat tuba, and the BB-flat tuba is still the standard adult amateur instrument in the United States. Most professionals (and those trained or training to be professionals) in the U.S. play CC tubas, but most also are trained in proficiency of all four pitches of tubas.

The next smaller tubas are the bass tubas, pitched in F or E-flat (a fourth above the contrabass tubas). The E-flat tuba often plays an octave above the contrabass tubas in brass bands, and the F tuba is commonly used by professional players as a solo instrument and, in America, to play higher parts in the classical repertoire. In most of Europe, the F tuba is the standard orchestral instrument, supplemented by the CC or BB-flat only when the extra weight is desired. In the United Kingdom, the E-flat is the standard orchestral tuba.

Though extremely rare, there have been larger BB-flat subcontrabass tubas created. There were at least four known examples created. The first two were built by the Gustav Besson on the suggestion of American Bandmaster John Philip Sousa. The monster instruments were not completed until just after Sousa's death.

Later, in the 1950s, British musician Gerard Hoffnung commissioned the London firm of Paxman to create a subcontrabass tuba for use in his comedic music festivals.

These three instruments were all pitched in BBB♭, one octave below the standard BB-flat tuba. Also, a tuba pitched in FFF was made in Kraslice by Bohland & Fuchs probably during 1910 or 1911 and was destined for the World Exhibition in New York in 1913. This tuba is "playable", but two persons are needed; one to operate the valves and one to blow into the mouthpiece.

Tubas are generally finished in raw brass, lacquered brass, or silver-plated brass. Some believe that the external finish of the tuba can play an important role in the tone production, though this has never been objectively measured. Performers have individual preferences on the finish that they select, and will sometimes have horns in more than one finish for different musical settings. Although tone quality is subjective and there is no scientific basis for these claims, tuba players generally agree that silver-plated brass affords a brighter tone, while raw brass produces a richer tone for lower notes.

Some tubas are capable of being converted into a marching style, known as "marching tubas". A leadpipe can be manually screwed on next to the valves. The tuba is then usually rested on the left shoulder (although some tubas allow use of the right shoulder), with the bell facing directly in front of the player. Some marching tubas are made only for marching, and cannot be converted into a concert model. Most marching bands opt for the sousaphone, an instrument which is easier to carry and almost always cheaper than a true marching tuba. Drum and bugle corps players, however, always use marching tubas, which in this context are referred to as contras. Standard tubas can also be played whilst standing, with the use of a strap which is joined to the tuba using two rings. The strap is then put over the player's shoulder like a sash, allowing the instrument to be played in the same position as when sitting.

2007-05-15T11:06:00.001+08:00

[[ InStRuMeNt 0f ThE wEeK - SNARE DRUM ]]

The snare drum or side drum is a tubular drum made of wood or metal with skins, or heads, stretched over the top and bottom openings, and with a set of snares (cords) stretched across the bottom head.

A cluster of snares made of curled metal wire, metal cable, plastic cable, or gut cords is stretched across the bottom head. When the top head is struck, causing a sudden increase in pressure within the instrument, the snares vibrate against the bottom head. This produces a short, distinctive, snap-like sound. The snares can be disengaged if this effect is not wanted. Snare drums come in many different sizes as well, which ultimately changes the way the drum will sound. Snare drums that are shallow in size will give a higher "cracking" sound, while the larger ones will give a deeper, heavier, and thicker tone. The same is true of drums with a smaller diameter. Many drummers opt to have more than one on their drumset for better dynamic setup.

The snare drums used in a pipe band are almost unique in having a second set of snares on the bottom (internal) side of the top (batter) head. Some military side drums have this feature as well.
The drum used in pipe and tabor traditionally has a single snare on the outside of the head that is beaten.

The drum can be sounded by hitting it with a drumstick or any other form of beater, including brushes and rutes, which produce a softer-sounding vibration from the wires. When using a stick, the drummer may strike either the head of the drum, the rim, or the shell. When the drummer strikes both the rim and the head at the same time, this is known as a rimshot. Because of the dramatic, sudden vibration inflicted on the shell of the drum, the rimshot is generally louder and more distinct than a regular strike on the drumhead, and is usually used for accented notes. The closer the bead of the stick is to the rim itself when a rimshot is struck, the higher the tone of the rimshot will be.

Originally, snare drums were military instruments originating from Europe in the 15th and 16th centuries. They were commonly called a tabor and were used with the fife in the Swiss military. Today, the snare drum can be found in nearly every form of western music. Snare drums are used by fife and drum corps, marching bands and drum and bugle corps to provide a steady source of rhythm. The sound of a marching snare is a classic military sound. The snare drum was incorporated into classical music to provide color, or timbre, for march-like segments of music. It is used in popular music styles like rock and roll and jazz to provide an accented backbeat. In jazz styles, the snare drum is often used for "comping", or accompanying, supporting, and interacting with another musician's part. The snare drum (specifically, a caixa) is the driving force in samba music: ghost notes are played continuously with accented strokes outlining the rhythm. The snare is also used extensively in extreme metal, to provide a "blast beat": a rapid alternation of snare and bass drum beats.

A drum roll is a method a percussionist employs to produce a sustained sound on a drum. Rolls are used on other percussion instruments as well, such as the marimba and xylophone, to sustain the sound, where it can be likened to tremolo on string instruments.

The most common snare drum roll is the closed (or "buzz") roll. The open roll (or "double-stroke roll") is played with double strokes alternating between the left and right hands; the closed roll or multiple-bounce roll is produced by applying slightly more pressure to the fulcrum upon impact which allows for the stick to bounce many times on the drum head. One stick hits the head slightly before the other bouncing stick is pulled up from the head. This produces a near continual sound when the technique is mastered.

Other than the open, double-stroke roll there are many other rolls and rudiments that sound like rolls when they are played fast enough (like the freehand technique or single paradiddle). In the table below, lower-case letters represent grace notes(drags, flams etc) and hyphens represent rests.

Rudiment	Sticking pattern
Single-stroke roll	RLRLRLRLRL
Double-stroke roll	RRLLRRLL
Triple-stroke roll (or French Roll)	RRRLLLRRRLLL
Single paradiddle	RLRR LRLL
Double paradiddle	RLRLRR LRLRLL
Five-stroke roll	RRLLR-LLRRL
Seven-stroke roll	RRLLRRL- LLRRLLR-

Also, the six-stroke roll, perhaps a misleading name, is often used in snare solo and marching percussion situations. It has four variations; each is a quarter note in length and consists of two double strokes (RRLL) and two singles (R L). Doubles:

rolls

Six-stroke
R L RRLL L R LLRR
R LLRR L L RRLL R
RRLL R L LLRR L R
RR L R LL LL R L RR

2007-04-29T10:45:00.000+08:00

WORDS TO THE BAND

jia you training wings,good luck for mid year,

good luck to the sec 4s for their O levels. [Seng Kiat]

WORK HARD!!! and PLAY HARD!!! must hv fun during band. [Rui Qing]

i love u guys. [Nash]

all the best JIAYOU! for the 2009 SYF. [Olivine]

we r the best! [Zafirah]

wah time has files , and i am already sec 4.. my days in band is really very fun , especially wif u all and we stand together as one band to play music together and go thru alot of excitements and sadness together.. its really hard to leave the band but no choice i hav o lvl.. i will rmb all the times tt we hav together as a band.. hmm i promise i will back after o lvl together wif all the sec 4s to guide u all and hav fun together again .. i really lookin forward to the gentin competition whr we can get back wad we really should get in syf! and hav fun there too of coz.. hope u all will really work hard to achieve wad we targetin for durin 2009 to show it to the whole sch tt we can do it! and rmb to listen to ur majors .. and rmb muz respect one another whether u all r senior or junior , committee members or band members.. most importantly is to xiang qing xiang ai
( dunno how to put in eng..lol).. coz we r evg winds! [Tony]

To EVG WINDS: Everybody muz jia you worx...muz gt at least a GOLD for us in the next SYF 2009...Muz do urself proud,do the band proud , do tutors proud ,do teachers-in-charge proud n of course do the alumnis proud!!! JiaYou JiaYou JiaYou!!!U CAN DO IT DE!!!=) To Juniors (especially Sec1s): Muz remember the RESPECT SENIORS(very important)... [Jia Na]

Band Is Part Of my Life... [Kelly]

wish BAND got gold in 2009 and seniors will always love band. [Donald]

i like band,cuz it taught me lots of thing ,

& i had found lots of good frienz in the band.Band rox! [Xiao Yi]

We Are The BEST!! LOVE YOU GUYS!! [Lindsay]

love music love band and love your loved ones. [Zarifah]

i would alwax miss the band band rox 4ever...u r alwax gold to mi.. flute section rox!! [Hui Shan]

LOVE EVGWINDS SO MUCH!! really miss the time we had together & it will stay with me FOREVER. lastly, jiayou to all of u =) WE RAWKS [Kai Zhi]

2007-04-13T11:56:00.000+08:00

2007-04-02T12:20:00.000+08:00

2007-03-21T20:50:00.000+08:00

BAND CAMP 2007 March is HERE!!!

This is the SENIORS squad.