The metronome is your friend

Sometimes we practice and think we have it done, but when we get to ensemble rehearsal we just can't seem to play it. Most of the time this can be remedied by practicing with a metronome. I often tell students that it is like practicing with the band. It does not allow you to take liberties with the tempo. The metronome can make obvious the fact that you  are rushing, dragging, or adding a beat. Practicing with a metronome is easier than ever with the abundance of apps for smart phones, free websites, and cheap metronomes.
Here are a list of my favorites:

Online
1. Metronome Online
2.  BasiTempo for Google Chrome


Android
Mobile Metronome


Hand Held
1. DR Beat
2. Seiko Metronomes

Add your favorites below.

Upgraded Instruments

I have received many questions regarding the benefits of upgrading to a better instrument. It is recommended that students obtain a higher quality instrument before entering high school. There are several reasons for this:

1. Higher quality instruments are more responsive. The valves will be faster, the keys will be quicker, the slide will be faster, they will play more easily. 
2. They are easier to tune. Beginner instruments are made with durability in mind, which is good for someone that runs the risk of dropping it (like beginners often do), but durability doesn't mean that it was built with intonation in mind. 
3. It may have additional keys and valves that will allow the students to extend their range (beginners can't usually play these notes, but HS students need to). Oboes have extra keys, Saxophones may have extra keys, Trombones have a valve attachment, Euphoniums and Tubas have an extra valve.
4. The resale is better. A pro instrument (in excellent condition) can often be sold for only a small loss. 
5. The parts are better. The innards of the instrument are of higher quality and will therefore last longer (less plastic, more metal).
6. They SOUND BETTER. That is why the pro's use them and not the cheaper beginner line of instruments.

There are many options to get a hold of a high quality instrument. Of course you can go to a music store, but you could also call a local university music department and ask if any students are selling instruments. There are also reputable online dealers. I have had some success with both ebay and professional music organization's classifieds sections like the ITA and the ITG. You may have to have have get some minor repairs done, but the savings may be great.  

MS Jazz Band and Music Boosters

There will be no MS Jazz Band this Thursday (4/12) due to a HS Jazz Festival.

There will be a very important music booster meeting on April 17 (the date was changed due to the Talent Show) in the band room at 6:30pm. The boosters will be electing a new president.