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ERIC Number: EJ869373
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2009-Nov
Pages: 6
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1069-7446
EISSN: N/A
How to Make Your Small Band Sound Big!
Criswell, Chad
Teaching Music, v17 n3 p32-37 Nov 2009
If one asks many small-town band directors, most will say that working and performing with a small band can be just as satisfying and musically robust as directing a larger one. There are a lot of advantages as well; smaller class sizes, fewer extracurricular activities, and more time to work one on one with students are just a few of the benefits that those with less hefty enrollments will name. At the same time, no one can deny the difficulties involved. Maintaining good balance and blend is always tricky with an ensemble, but it becomes even more so when one is dealing with an overall lack of proper instrumentation. Still, even these problems can be alleviated with careful planning. Many things can help improve a small band's performance, and not all of them have to do with the music. In this article, the author discusses ways on how to make a small band sound big. There is no magic flute for solving the many dilemmas associated with small bands, but it is useful to remember this: Every band has untapped potential. Choosing appropriate literature, working together with peers, and considering all options to improve chances for success can help the group harness that potential. Over the long term, these actions will breed positivity and raise expectations for the organization, encouraging students to work harder, achieve more, and sound better.
MENC: The National Association for Music Education. 1806 Robert Fulton Drive, Reston, VA 20191. Tel: 800-336-3768; Tel: 703-860-4000; Web site: http://www.menc.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A