Ellet Concert Band
The Ellet Concert Band is a performance ensemble with a specific focus on technical and expressive development of the student musician. By preparing and performing music from a variety of styles students learn about the influence of music as well as develop strategies for further study and individual practice.
Steps for Musical Improvement
Step 1 - Learn the customary sound your of your instrument.
a.) Pay attention to the sound of respected players in your section.
b.) Listen to professionals who play your instrument.
The public library is a great resource for recordings of famous musicians. Don't forget internet resources like "You Tube".
Step 2 - Practice regularly.
a.) Make practicing part of your weekly routine. Don't wait to practice the night before a concert or a challenge.
b.) Practice for improvement. Have specific goals every time you practice.
Example: Decide to practice 3 days a week for 30 min/day. Sample practice schedule below.
Day 1:
10 Minutes - Warm-up with slow scales. Monitor posture, breathing, tone, finger position and notes.
10 Minutes - Focus on passages from songs with which you struggle. Practice them slowly and deliberately for accurate notes, rhythms and expression. Gradually work toward the proper tempo.
10 Minutes - Practice music you like/play well.
Day 2:
5 Minutes - Warm-up for tone and articulation. Make your sound as clear and pleasant as possible. Not fuzzy, breathy or buzzy. Make your sound start immediately.
20 Minutes - Target areas of music that cause you problems, then place them in context within the song. Apply the good technique from your warm-up.
5 Minutes - Play music that is easy for you to play.
Day 3:
10 Minutes - Warm-up posture, tone and articulation (listen carefully). Learn a scale you don't know.
15 Minutes - Play through entire pieces of music, listening for those areas of focus from your previous practice sessions.
5 Minutes - Do something fun and maybe a little noisy. Play as fast or a slow as you can. See how long you can play a note on 1 breath. Discover a sound on your instrument that you have never made before. Just have fun experimenting.
Step 3 - Research the history of your instrument.
a.) Learn about the origin and development of the instrument you play.
b.) Use the library or internet to find interesting tidbits about your instrument.
c.) See if your instrument manufacturer has a web site.
Step 3 - Learn about famous musicians who play your instrument.
a.) Learn the names of famous musicians who play your instrument.
b.) Find recordings of them, listen and compare their styles.
c.) Play copy cat. Listen to a famous players recording then try to copy their sound.
Step 4 - Stop playing if you are getting frustrated or angry.
a.) Although playing through fatigue and extending your endurance is important, you may reach a point when you can't control your playing -- that's the time to pause/stop your practice session.
b.) All musicians have bad days. Never try to force it. If you are becoming frustrated and start making unusual mistakes stop playing and go do something else. You don't want to associate practicing with frustration and anger.
Step 5 - Always learn from each other and ask for help.
a.) Music is a group activity and is always more fun when musicians work together.
b.) Use your resources(teachers, better players etc.). Ask questions and seek advice and input.