Okay, since we don't have band today or tomorrow, I thought I'd make a small filler post to hold you guys over.
Trust me, I know your scrambling to read my blog. Just calm down.
Natalie Kerr, the silent flute ninja, has been going crazy because she meet one of her all time favorite flute players at band camp. His name? None other than the beatboxing flute himself, Greg Pattillo.
I've watched his video's on youtube, and I thought it was only right to show it to you all. This is Greg Pattillo playing the Super Mario Bros. Theme while beatboxing. Enjoy:
Greg was able to blend two of his favorite pastimes, beatboxing and flute playing, to make something truly unique. This just goes to show that playing your instrument doesn't have to be boring! Make it your own.
Peace out and have a fun weekend.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
The Nightmare Before Band Class! (now with more pictures)
Just to start off, holy crap. I almost lost my whole Gmail account. I forgot the password AND user name I used.
Luckily, I remembered it, and you can continue to enjoy the Queen Blog (Bl0g.)
Ha, no worries though, because we I have some nice compliments for the band.
What I heard today was the beginning of a great marching band.
The day was broken up into various sectionals, then the whole band would come together to make eerie, ghoulish music. It was magnificent.
The brass gave a great marching sound. The woodwinds added a nice grave undertone to the music. And well, the percussion...what is not cool about the percussion?
It was great. During my sectional, the woodwind sectional, we went over some scrambled parts in the music. And guess what? We fixed those scrambled parts! I don't know about you, but I'm now able to play some part's I wasn't able to before! Everything became much clearer after I had Luke and Mr. Bailey explain some confusing parts.
Don't think that's the only time you can get help from a Band Leader. If you ever have a problem, you can speak to any of the band member's about it. We're not going to shut you out, but instead offer open arms for help.
Now, for the daily critique. I know, you hate it, but it has to be said.
Okay, I've said it once and I'll say it one million more times if need be:
The inappropriate talking has to cease.
When I type cease, I mean stop completely. And by stop completely, I mean don't do it anymore.
And by don't do it anymore I mean, if I see you talking out of turn, I'm going to smack you upside the head.
(neat emote, huh?)
Sorry to have to say that, but I will if I have too.
Also, this goes for texting (a.k.a txting.) While it may not be a form of verbal communication, it is communication none-the-less. So you know what that means? You can't do it while an authoritative figure is speaking.
RANDOM MUSICAL FACT OF THE DAY:
Okay, I know, I did saxophones yesterday, but this is too cool to pass up.
Can anyone tell me what these are:
What? No one?
Well, they happen to be Bamboo Saxophones.
Unlike most instruments, the joints are extremely durable. A quality lacking from most modern instruments. They are also resistant to the humidity that ends up ruining most wooden instruments interiors.
And much like a 'reed' instrument, the Bamboo Sax uses a reed from bamboo! Imagine that!
Luckily, I remembered it, and you can continue to enjoy the Queen Blog (Bl0g.)
Ha, no worries though, because we I have some nice compliments for the band.
What I heard today was the beginning of a great marching band.
The day was broken up into various sectionals, then the whole band would come together to make eerie, ghoulish music. It was magnificent.
The brass gave a great marching sound. The woodwinds added a nice grave undertone to the music. And well, the percussion...what is not cool about the percussion?
It was great. During my sectional, the woodwind sectional, we went over some scrambled parts in the music. And guess what? We fixed those scrambled parts! I don't know about you, but I'm now able to play some part's I wasn't able to before! Everything became much clearer after I had Luke and Mr. Bailey explain some confusing parts.
Don't think that's the only time you can get help from a Band Leader. If you ever have a problem, you can speak to any of the band member's about it. We're not going to shut you out, but instead offer open arms for help.
Now, for the daily critique. I know, you hate it, but it has to be said.
Okay, I've said it once and I'll say it one million more times if need be:
The inappropriate talking has to cease.
When I type cease, I mean stop completely. And by stop completely, I mean don't do it anymore.
And by don't do it anymore I mean, if I see you talking out of turn, I'm going to smack you upside the head.
(neat emote, huh?)
Sorry to have to say that, but I will if I have too.
Also, this goes for texting (a.k.a txting.) While it may not be a form of verbal communication, it is communication none-the-less. So you know what that means? You can't do it while an authoritative figure is speaking.
RANDOM MUSICAL FACT OF THE DAY:
Okay, I know, I did saxophones yesterday, but this is too cool to pass up.
Can anyone tell me what these are:
What? No one?
Well, they happen to be Bamboo Saxophones.
Unlike most instruments, the joints are extremely durable. A quality lacking from most modern instruments. They are also resistant to the humidity that ends up ruining most wooden instruments interiors.
And much like a 'reed' instrument, the Bamboo Sax uses a reed from bamboo! Imagine that!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Beautiful Music is made.
Hey. I know, I know I missed an entry, my fault.
I was unable to get my hands on a computer with Internet for the weekend, so no update was possible.
Now on to the major event from today. We played the first part of our marching music. But I'm not sure if 'play' is the correct phrase. It's more like we 'attempted' the marching music. And I'm going to be as honest as I can, what we did today was no where near where we need to be. Mr. Bailey has said it time and time again. Looking good is only half of what judges look at when we are being scored. The way we sound is the other half of the marching band puzzle.
You have to practice your music. We can march as good as the men and women and the military. We can have precision on the field. The Drum Major can do their job perfectly, but when it comes down to it, we have to sound amazing to back all of those things up.
See the most important part of a band is the music. And without good music, there is no reason for judges to give us a good score.
On too something on the brighter side, I noticed something while we were playing.
That something was the immediate fixing of problems in the music. If Mr. Bailey said that some one was playing to loud. That section got softer.
If Mr. Bailey wanted to fix a pitch problem, it was fixed without hesitation. And that's what we need.
In my mind, hesitation is another form of procrastination. It's just another way of putting off the inevitable.
BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE!
Music pass off's. They are there. You can't escape them. They are coming for you soon.
You can't take cover.
JUST DO IT. The easiest way to pass of your music is to just do it. Go into Mr. Bailey's office and ask to pass it off.
If you do it, great.
If you don't, don't get depressed. Take what Mr. Bailey says and use so that you will pass it off the next time.
The next one is due next Monday.
RANDOM MUSIC FACT OF THE DAY:
Did you know that Saxophone was invented by Adolphe Sax in the 1840's?
It was originally intended to be used in Military Bands.
It became so popular that it is now used in many genres of music.
Anything from Blues to Jazz, the Saxophone has founds is niche in many of today's most popular musical styles.
I was unable to get my hands on a computer with Internet for the weekend, so no update was possible.
Now on to the major event from today. We played the first part of our marching music. But I'm not sure if 'play' is the correct phrase. It's more like we 'attempted' the marching music. And I'm going to be as honest as I can, what we did today was no where near where we need to be. Mr. Bailey has said it time and time again. Looking good is only half of what judges look at when we are being scored. The way we sound is the other half of the marching band puzzle.
You have to practice your music. We can march as good as the men and women and the military. We can have precision on the field. The Drum Major can do their job perfectly, but when it comes down to it, we have to sound amazing to back all of those things up.
See the most important part of a band is the music. And without good music, there is no reason for judges to give us a good score.
On too something on the brighter side, I noticed something while we were playing.
That something was the immediate fixing of problems in the music. If Mr. Bailey said that some one was playing to loud. That section got softer.
If Mr. Bailey wanted to fix a pitch problem, it was fixed without hesitation. And that's what we need.
In my mind, hesitation is another form of procrastination. It's just another way of putting off the inevitable.
BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE!
Music pass off's. They are there. You can't escape them. They are coming for you soon.
You can't take cover.
JUST DO IT. The easiest way to pass of your music is to just do it. Go into Mr. Bailey's office and ask to pass it off.
If you do it, great.
If you don't, don't get depressed. Take what Mr. Bailey says and use so that you will pass it off the next time.
The next one is due next Monday.
RANDOM MUSIC FACT OF THE DAY:
Did you know that Saxophone was invented by Adolphe Sax in the 1840's?
It was originally intended to be used in Military Bands.
It became so popular that it is now used in many genres of music.
Anything from Blues to Jazz, the Saxophone has founds is niche in many of today's most popular musical styles.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Day Two: First Taste of Marching
Hey guys, band was exciting today! And let me tell you, the Freshmen really stepped up to the plate. They did a great job, but we have to do better! Like Luke, or Drum Major said, we can always do better. There is no such thing as perfection in Marching Band.
Today the Freshmen learned to Mark Time and to take their first Flex Steps.
The Freshmen realized that taking that first Flex Step it was like taking your first baby step.
Marching band makes you rethink everything that you know about walking.
You can't expect to know anything coming into a Marching Band, but what you will learn will help you throughout your long musical adventure.
Alright, time to get critical. I know, I know, you don't want to hear it, but it has to be said.
What the Drum Major says, goes. You don't have a choice. If he tells you to stand at attention, you stand like a statue. If a dragonfly lands on your face, don't swat at it. You must be perfectly still.
Onto the biggest problem facing our practices. TALKING!
It has to stop, immediately. Luke is under enough pressure to prove himself as a successful Drum Major. This type of disobedience only makes it harder on him. Please for the sake of the band, and for the sake of Luke's sanity, stay quiet when the time calls for it.
Now, other than that, the Freshmen are doing awesome. And, Samantha got the outstanding Freshmen award for today. Way to go! Remember, everyone has a chance at recieving this honor. So try your hardest, and who knows?
But I will tell you what really touched me. It was seeing a Freshmen come up to a Drill Captain and ask for some help on music. Of course she obliged and set up a time tomorrow to help. It may not seem like much, but it really shows that you can depend on your fellow band mates. You can tell us anything, and ask us just about anything.
If you don't talk to us, we don't know how to help.
Ha! I almost forgot! Drill Downs were introduced today! Some of you got out pretty early, but don't quit now! There is always another chance. It only gets harder, so this means you should try harder. Keep it up.
Random Musical Fact:
Did you know that the Trumpet is considered one of the oldest instruments in existence. It can be traced back to 1500 BC!
And can you believe that silver and bronze trumpets were found in Tutankhamun, or more affectionately known as King Tut, pyramid grave?
Today the Freshmen learned to Mark Time and to take their first Flex Steps.
The Freshmen realized that taking that first Flex Step it was like taking your first baby step.
Marching band makes you rethink everything that you know about walking.
You can't expect to know anything coming into a Marching Band, but what you will learn will help you throughout your long musical adventure.
Alright, time to get critical. I know, I know, you don't want to hear it, but it has to be said.
What the Drum Major says, goes. You don't have a choice. If he tells you to stand at attention, you stand like a statue. If a dragonfly lands on your face, don't swat at it. You must be perfectly still.
Onto the biggest problem facing our practices. TALKING!
It has to stop, immediately. Luke is under enough pressure to prove himself as a successful Drum Major. This type of disobedience only makes it harder on him. Please for the sake of the band, and for the sake of Luke's sanity, stay quiet when the time calls for it.
Now, other than that, the Freshmen are doing awesome. And, Samantha got the outstanding Freshmen award for today. Way to go! Remember, everyone has a chance at recieving this honor. So try your hardest, and who knows?
But I will tell you what really touched me. It was seeing a Freshmen come up to a Drill Captain and ask for some help on music. Of course she obliged and set up a time tomorrow to help. It may not seem like much, but it really shows that you can depend on your fellow band mates. You can tell us anything, and ask us just about anything.
If you don't talk to us, we don't know how to help.
Ha! I almost forgot! Drill Downs were introduced today! Some of you got out pretty early, but don't quit now! There is always another chance. It only gets harder, so this means you should try harder. Keep it up.
Random Musical Fact:
Did you know that the Trumpet is considered one of the oldest instruments in existence. It can be traced back to 1500 BC!
And can you believe that silver and bronze trumpets were found in Tutankhamun, or more affectionately known as King Tut, pyramid grave?
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Day One: Freshmen Arrive
Hello and welcome to the first post in this glorious blog.
My main point is for you, the participants of the Sylvan Hills High School Band, to have a place to check up on our current musical events.
Now, on to the first day. Today is July 23, 2008, and the start of our new marching season. Seeing the Freshmen coming in enthused immediately made the Drill Captains jobs much easier. When you are in a good mood, it spreads like wildfire. This is a key element in our success.
Without a good attitude we are nothing but a bunch moping lazy butts. Yeah, that's right. It's possible to be a moping lazy butt. It's up to you to stop it.
On to today's performance, which was good all things considered. The Freshmen were guided with the help of our Drum Major and various Drill Captains/Officers. We went over Line Dressing, snapping into attention, and snapping back into parade rest. Most of the Freshmen did amazing, but a few lagged behind. But don't get discouraged though! Tomorrow's another chance to improve, and there is always room for improvement.
Don't forget! Tomorrow we will be practicing being called to attention with our INSTRUMENTS. You know what that means? You have to bring your instrument. Yes.
You also need to wear good, durable, athletic shoes. As you were told today, flip-flops and Crocs are no good!
And it's time for the random instrument fact of the day!
This one is for the Clarinet family:
Did you know that there are over 8 types of clarinets?
Not to mention 2 new experimental clarinet's not yet accepted by any orchestra.
So Clarinetists reading this, just remember when you're playing your instrument that it belongs to a large family of similar instruments.
My main point is for you, the participants of the Sylvan Hills High School Band, to have a place to check up on our current musical events.
Now, on to the first day. Today is July 23, 2008, and the start of our new marching season. Seeing the Freshmen coming in enthused immediately made the Drill Captains jobs much easier. When you are in a good mood, it spreads like wildfire. This is a key element in our success.
Without a good attitude we are nothing but a bunch moping lazy butts. Yeah, that's right. It's possible to be a moping lazy butt. It's up to you to stop it.
On to today's performance, which was good all things considered. The Freshmen were guided with the help of our Drum Major and various Drill Captains/Officers. We went over Line Dressing, snapping into attention, and snapping back into parade rest. Most of the Freshmen did amazing, but a few lagged behind. But don't get discouraged though! Tomorrow's another chance to improve, and there is always room for improvement.
Don't forget! Tomorrow we will be practicing being called to attention with our INSTRUMENTS. You know what that means? You have to bring your instrument. Yes.
You also need to wear good, durable, athletic shoes. As you were told today, flip-flops and Crocs are no good!
And it's time for the random instrument fact of the day!
This one is for the Clarinet family:
Did you know that there are over 8 types of clarinets?
Not to mention 2 new experimental clarinet's not yet accepted by any orchestra.
So Clarinetists reading this, just remember when you're playing your instrument that it belongs to a large family of similar instruments.
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