03. December 2016 · Comments Off on Just a little thought … or maybe two … · Categories: Teaching, Technique

When you practice are you using the same posture that you use when you are in rehearsals or concerts? Is your head in the same position? How about the angle of the oboe and reed? I’ve noticed that so many of my students have their heads down further than they should be during the start of their lessons, when they are doing long tones and scales. They are looking down much of the time. When I ask if that’s how they sit and hold their heads when they are in rehearsals and concerts they say no. Reeds react differently if we have a different angle. Try to practice with a consistent angle, and use the one you use when at orchestra or band rehearsal.

Oh, and “I always do that!” is not permission to “always do that.” As I tell my students, a conductor would not respond well to me if I made a mistake and said, “I always do that!” as if that somehow makes it acceptable or at least expected. Don’t give yourselves permission to “always do that.” Fix it!

03. December 2016 · Comments Off on New To Me · Categories: English horn, NewToMyEars™

Last night as I was driving home from our final Symphony Silicon Valley rehearsal I heard a piece I’d never heard before for English horn and strings. How did I not know about this sweet piece?

Concertino In a Flat Major, Op. 34
English horn and orchestra
I. Preludio
II. Capriccio (05:49)
III. Adagio (13:19)
IV: Finale (21:28)

Jose Antonio Masmano
Corno Inglés

Peter Csaba, Director
Orquesta Ciudad de Granada
Auditorio Manuel de Falla
Granada, 11 y 12 noviembre de 2011

03. December 2016 · Comments Off on Yet Another Fun One · Categories: ACappellaAnyday™, vocal

… from the very talented singer I’ve posted before:

03. December 2016 · Comments Off on Oh Dear … · Categories: Christmas, Havin' Fun, Huh?

So bad it’s good? Hm. I wonder.

So … um … enjoy. Or not. You choose!

03. December 2016 · Comments Off on Advent: Day Seven · Categories: Advent, vocal

The Angel Gabriel
Good Shepherd Band