 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2005-03-31 13:42
We've mentioned it before--I think--but, The Doc's Power Barrel is a great little invention. I play-tested one from him along with a Forte clarinet and really liked it. So I purchased one for myself and went to community band rehearsal where the whole section wanted to try it. I made the mistake of selling mine and reordering from Doc, thinking he'd have them in stock and I'd get it right away like I usually do from him. No--he had sold out to the Texas Music Teachers people in San Antonio. Great job, Doc! I had to wait a couple of weeks, but he got me one as soon as he could and he now has lots of them (in case you want one), but wanted to recommend the Power Barrel to the board again.
Great intonation, focus and projection. I'm using mine on my Buffet R-13, as are the rest of the clarinets in our band. We have one player who plays an old Noblet and it has totally changed her tone dramatically for the better.
Thanks again, Doc. Keep up the good work!
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Author: john gibson
Date: 2005-04-01 13:57
Hey Brenda
Can you explain just what this power barrel is/does? thanks....
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Author: mystery science dieter
Date: 2005-04-01 16:40
>> It allows the marching band, or jazz band clarinetist to play loud and full.<<<
What exactly was stopping them before?
>>>>The barrel accentuates the even harmonics of notes and adds 12-15 dB to sound power – almost like having a portable amplifier.<<<<
Why would anyone consider this a good thing, even if it were anywhere close to true?
>>>>This is the accessory sorely needed by clarinet sections in marching bands !!<<<<
Then the 2nd most needed accessory must certainly be earplugs. . .and not just for the band members.
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Author: Ed
Date: 2005-04-01 18:05
It means clarinet players can get even with the brass for all those years of abuse! ;-)
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2005-04-01 19:29
John,
For those of us who are getting a bit older it makes it easier to get that big fat tone we used to have as youngsters. I don't think it really makes the instrument as loud as if it were played through an electric amplifier--but it is a lot easier to get a fuller tone and the sound is amplified above a standard barrel--even a Moennig or Chadash.
I'm wondering if mystery science dieter has actually tried one of these, because it's been my experience not to listen those who criticise without actual first-hand knowledge. I have actually done the experiment and say that The Doctor has a legitimate product that helps make the clarinet section sound much better and a bit louder in a good way. Not louder than the brass and in no way able to compete with them--but a much smoother playing field to be sure. I've actually play-tested about 8 of them--not a huge number--but more than just one. They are worth the money.
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Author: GBK
Date: 2005-04-01 21:20
I own a Power Barrel and a Forté clarinet.
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Disclaimer: Dr. Omar Henderson had solicited a few selected professional clarinetists and teachers for their input in the final testing phase of the Forté clarinet and Power Barrel. All our reviews and comments are also on the Forté clarinet site. We were not paid and received no professional remuneration or consideration. It was a pleasure to be a part of the design and testing phase of these new products.
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I was indeed skeptical of the initial claims made about the Power Barrel, but soon noticed that the barrel does add projection and volume to the sound. It is meant specifically to be used in outdoor situations (like marching bands) where clarinets struggle to be heard. It delivers a loud, full sound due to the concave cone shape and a nickel plated brass sleeve with resonance ports. As explained to me by the Dr. Henderson, the reason for the increase in sound is due to the carefully placed resonance ports which allow amplification of the even harmonic series and give a perceived increase in power of 12-15 dB.
In outdoor Big Band gigs, when the weather has been threatening (plastic clarinet time), I have used the Power Barrel with both a Forté clarinet and a Vito V40. In both cases the resulting sound (to my ears and those of the members of my band) has been full, with additional volume and projection.
I know that it sounds like a gimmick, but it isn't....
From what I understand, there are no returns on the Power Barrel, so the best thing to do is borrow one from a friend and see (hear) for yourself, before deciding to purchase...GBK
BTW - I seem to remember Dr. Henderson telling me that one (or more?) Military Band(s) had purchased a number of Power Barrels for their clarinet players.
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Author: leonardA
Date: 2005-04-02 13:47
Since the main use seems to be for outdoor playing, I'm wondering if it's too loud to use for normal indoor playing.
Leonard
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Author: ken
Date: 2005-04-03 20:07
As an advanced player I am leery of any new sonic-altering gadgetry but on this one, and as a teacher of beginner and intermediate students I am especially concerned. I personally don't see the barrel as a positive thing but a crutch that exploits a weakness of an otherwise "manageable condition of situational performance". More, it will be unavoidably used as a shortcut and substitution for practice and earned skill. The inexperienced and uninformed will rush out to buy one and slap it on unaware of possible long-term debilitating affects from prolonged use. For the developing player, it could prove a house of cards inflicting physical damage, promote bad habits and deteriorate established fundamentals. A barrel of this "power" should come packaged with a warning label --- but, having written all that I marvel at the concept and workmanship and compliment the Doctor on his creation.
As for outdoor use, I maintain the clarinet is too delicate and artistic an instrument to be gratuitously subjected to the barbarism, hostility and inflexible environment of the marching band --- in grade and high school, and college stick saxophones in all the clar players' hands (they should all learn a double anyway) and be done with it. Just because Bill Moffitt published a part doesn't mean it has to be covered; it's not a Nielsen Symphony. v/r Ken
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Author: John Stackpole
Date: 2005-04-03 20:17
Gee, Ken, don't hold back...
Tell us how you REALLY feel.
;-)
JDS
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Author: Roger Aldridge
Date: 2005-04-04 13:11
I'm going to experiment with one and see what it does for me. However, I know that I won't be happy if it brightens my sound to a noticable extent. You see, I've worked hard to get a dark, fat sound.
One thing I've discovered is that if one uses a mouthpiece made from an extremely pure hard rubber formula -- such as Morgan or Zinner -- the sound projects far more than what we hear from our chair as players. The set up I use for playing in a big band is a customized mid-60's Noblet, Morgan RM28 mouthpiece, #3 Alexander Classique reeds, and a silver Francois Louis ligature. This set up has a really sweet dark sound. Yet, there's plenty of projection. There have been times when it seemed to me that my clarinet was being swallowed up by the rest of the sax section or ensemble. So, I asked our director to check it out. He walked to the back of the room and listened carefully to the band. He then came back and said that everything was fine....that he could hear my clarinet perfectly well.
With this in mind, I haven't felt a need to use more open clarinet mouthpieces or anything that seems extreme to me. Whenever I've tried them I haven't been happy with my sound. Never the less, I'm curious about The Doctor's power barrel. So, I'll give it a try and let you know how it goes.
Roger
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Author: Roger Aldridge
Date: 2005-04-04 13:34
PS, One more thought about using a clarinet in a big jazz band....
The style of clarinet playing in a big band that most appeals to me is how the clarinet was used in the Claude Thornhill band and Gene Quill's clarinet sound in the Gerry Mulligan Concert Jazz Band. In both of these bands the clarinet sound is dark and fat....not bright and screaming. The clarinet has a naturally beautiful, rich, woody sound. It seems to me that the natural beauty of the clarinet can be spoiled if clarinetists feel that they have to get the same amount of volume as an entire brass section or a cranked-up electric guitar. A common problem in some big bands is that they play too loud and lose sight of dynamics and BALANCE. Rather than feeling that I have to play louder and louder, it makes sense to me for the band to come into better balance with all of its parts -- including the clarinet. The director has a key role in working with the band so that they understand dynamics and balance.
Anyway, that's my soapbox speech for the day! ha ha ha
Roger
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Author: GBK
Date: 2005-04-04 13:51
Roger Aldridge wrote:
> In both of these bands the clarinet sound is dark
> and fat....not bright and screaming. The clarinet has a
> naturally beautiful, rich, woody sound. It seems to me that
> the natural beauty of the clarinet can be spoiled if
> clarinetists feel that they have to get the same amount of
> volume as an entire brass section or a cranked-up electric
> guitar.
From the Artie Shaw interview in The Clarinet magazine:
"...My upper register developed from playing in front of a strong brass section when microphones weren't very good and large speakers didn't exist. I couldn't compete with trumpets playing high D's and Eb's so I had to play high G's, A's and B's and even C's to get above them..."
...GBK
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2005-04-04 13:53
Ken, I tend to agree with you about the "crutch" syndrome for younger and inexperienced players. But, for me it's a useful thing for outdoor gigs. And, for the player in our section who couldn't seem to "match tones" with any of the rest of the first section--it's been a God-send.
It probably is best to use in outdoor marching or concert situations. However, I don't see that it's any worse than buying a Moennig or Chadash barrel to help with intonation and throat tones.
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Author: Roger Aldridge
Date: 2005-04-04 14:22
GBK,
Yes, you are correct with this Artie Shaw quote. However, please keep in mind that the clarinet was approached in different ways by different bands and arrangers. Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn wrote for the clarinet in different ways from Glenn Miller as an example. And, the Claude Thornhill band used the clarinet in a very different way from Artie Shaw. In the Thornhill band dynamics were brought down to a level where the lower range of the clarinet was used to great advantage and sometimes blended with 2 french horns. The clarinet sound of the Thornhill band on those wonderful Gil Evans arrangements was incredibly beautiful. Never the less, it is exciting to cut loose in the high register from time to time.
Roger
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Author: ken
Date: 2005-04-04 23:54
Clarinetgrammy wrote: "It probably is best to use in outdoor marching or concert situations. However, I don't see that it's any worse than buying a Moennig or Chadash barrel to help with intonation and throat tones."
--On the whole I agree, but the jury is out. I didn't mean to so sharply criticize the product and in experienced hands the barrel can be a useful tool. Of course, there's a monumental difference between a seasoned professional [such as yourself] whose fundamentals and embouchure set are etched in granite and a physically developing intermediate or fresh out of the egg beginner.
Like a fine vocalist who knows how to gauge and protect their voice or pro baseball pitcher measuring their arm strength and accuracy throughout a game, an experienced clarinetist knows what and how much to adjust on equipment and have heightened senses --- almost if not always detecting anything out of sync or what doesn't feel right or harmful.
In this instance, nebulous reasoning make for weak arguments, but you just have to be careful what you put up to and in your mouth, or screw on your horn. How many of these "wonder drug" products resolve one issue but ultimately create others? I invest countless hours on my kids (as I know other teachers do on the BBoard) and it grieves me to see fool hearty choices waste time and money. Young, dedicated clarinetists have enough hurdles to clear in crossing their personal finish line; being clarinet players is headache enough without asking for trouble. v/r Ken
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2005-04-05 20:37
Ken, I absolutely agree with your comments. And, I suppose I automatically put the barrel to my best advantage when playing it and didn't think of what a younger or more inexperienced player might do when given such a barrel. I'm glad I did not have one of these when I was learning because I spent years and years working on embouchure and tone quality/volume. Good point.
However, I still think The Doc has a good product here. The jury is out with band directors. One of the local jr. hi. band directors here in town has tried them and says he will not let his kids use them because they produce a sound that is "too bright." I think the sound can be darkened with a great mouthpiece, reed and ligature combo--but kids don't have that. So, there are pros and cons to such a new thing.
Years ago the Deg Accubarrel had some of this same criticism and it is still in use. I even remember a few people arguing about the Click barrel--some said it kept the student from learning to bring his/her pitch up or down with embouchure and breath control.
Good comments.
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Author: john gibson
Date: 2005-04-05 20:57
JURY'S BACK.....play what sounds best....and learn to project....hell....I can play louder than a trumpet if I want.....clarinets ain't sissy as a lot of people think......
THE clarinator
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Author: stevensfo
Date: 2005-04-05 21:13
-- "As for outdoor use, I maintain the clarinet is too delicate and artistic an instrument to be gratuitously subjected to the barbarism, hostility and inflexible environment of the marching band --- in grade and high school," --
Wow! Glad you said it and not me! I love all the clarinet and music forums but as a Brit, I'm always amazed at how many posts deal with 'marching bands'. A quick search on Google is quite educational. What is this thing about marching? Didn't all this stuff die out when the cold war ended?
I love music, and a group of kids in a group playing music is beautiful, but the sight of young kids in bright uniforms, swaying and gyrating as they march is just totally unpleasant to me. It's too unnatural and is just too 'military'.
Music is music is music! If you want to march, then buy a bloody gun and join the army!
Steve
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Author: ken
Date: 2005-04-06 02:30
Clarinetgrammy cites industry-specific and creditable comparisons to the new power barrel. Not being a latest and greatest hound, I vividly recall the afore mentioned products --- the accubore likened to a blackened fish skeleton? Over the years, I too was semi-caught up in the new and improved accessory trap, some of which now grace a Hushpuppies shoe box. But I did manage to settle down with two solid barrels. My current (5 years) has been branded as wizard gadgetry but the Rheuben Allen Exchange-a-Bore heavy wall (65mm), two-piece molded with pop-out sleeve consistently delivers a smooth, stable and in tune scale in all octaves and throughout the harmonic succession.
10 years prior was a Mike Hammer/Gigolotti paduke, (Moennig blank without the Buffet taper), also a superior barrel with the added bonus of feather-light. But, there's no way I'd let any of my 1st year students near them.
The past six months I've come full circle and returned basics by playing on all my stock barrels (same mpc) and common Buffet metal lig. I highly recommend the switch, and after making the adjustment I'm anxious to feel and hear the difference when once again slipping on the custom cheater stuff. v/r Ken
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2005-04-06 14:32
Very enlightening, Ken. At least it's nice to know you've been experimenting with other things over the years. I had not heard of the barrels you mentioned.
Many of us experiment with mouthpieces--the Clarinetist's "Holy Grail," but I wonder how many experiment with barrels. My clarinet teacher (college level) had me change mine the first day. He had me play a scale and then whipped out a huge box of tuning barrels and had me test them until I found one that he thought was great. That was my first clue that a good tuning barrel was as important as a good mouthpiece. Of course, he was also supplimenting his income by selling them.
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Author: george
Date: 2005-04-07 00:02
stevensfo said:
"...as a Brit, I'm always amazed at how many posts deal with 'marching bands'. What is this thing about marching? Didn't all this stuff die out when the cold war ended? ... the sight of young kids in bright uniforms, swaying and gyrating as they march is just totally unpleasant to me. It's too unnatural and is just too 'military'. "
I'm surprised a Brit would be amazed. While in London I did as millions of tourists have done and witnessed the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. I saw a marching band and it had uniforms that make many U. S. college band uniforms look positively dull. It was also rather 'military". I guess it didn't die out when the cold war ended.
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2005-04-07 21:49
I'm from Abilene, Texas where the Abilene High School Band was the first and oldest marching band in the country under the direction of Prof. Raymond Bynum. At least, he is cited as being the father of the marching band. He passed away last year.
By the way, the original marching band was all male. It's a big deal here in Texas with all the football mania (see the movie Friday Night Lights). We also have lots and lots of parades. Sadly, we also have lots and lots of horses that usually march right in front of the band. Don't ask...just don't break rank.
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Author: L. Omar Henderson
Date: 2005-04-07 22:36
The marching band most probably has origins in the military milleu but Americans have taken it to a new, and some say regrettably overblown, level. It is however a good and wholesome avenue for musicians to participate in a group with peers and involves the whole family in an activity based project. Marching band gear also supports major and minor companies that supply all of the clothing, instruments (those that have special outdoor versions), sheet music publishers, and travel and tour agencies. It is rather a large cash cow in the American music industry and an incubator for new musical products and gear. Much of the evolution of modern drum and percussion instruments have their origins in the drive to produce superior products for the marching band.
(Disclaimer - I am the inventor and seller of the Power Barrel)
I would rather characterize the Power Barrel as a different palette of sound potential for the clarinet player - not just for marching band. Sound volume and projection are characteristics of the Power Barrel but it, like any other piece of hardware, is molded by the player for their purposes. Many discussions on the BB deal with the sound characteristics of a particular player or type and setup of clarinet. It would be terrible if we could only produce one quality of sound with our instrument and not the spectrum of colors and textures that we try to describe with flat words rather than three (or four)-dimensional characteristics.
L. Omar Henderson
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2005-04-07 23:03
Well said, Doc! I find that I can change the tone with a different mouthpiece when I use the power barrel. I can still get a nice dark tone with my Greg Smith Kaspar Grenadilla Wood mouthpiece and a brighter sound with my Borbeck.
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Author: Shorthand
Date: 2005-04-08 13:35
Along the lines of the Marching Band discussion - here in Texas, marching bands and their relation to the ever-popular sport of football have made Texas a real center of wind music. The political support of sports departments is vital to the continued generous funding of wind music programs at both the secondary school and college level. I remember being in the UT Symphony Band, and when we needed vans to go to Laredo for a conert, we borrowed from UT Women's Athletics - who were eternally grateful for the Longhorn Band's participation at Women's Basketball events.
I think its safe to say that UNT's conservatory would not be what it is without the political support that marching bands provide - even though UNT dropped their football program.
Also of interest - at the time that Friday Night Lights was written, Odessa Permian was a marching powerhouse as well - I think they won state marching contest the very next year.
As for Dr. Henderson - I understand that your design purpose was somewhat more broad than "just" marching band, but I would encourage you to embrace your market position and run with it. In my very Texan experience, that is the dominant venue for outdoor playing where clarinet projection is a significant issue.
So my question is, why is your average Bass Clarient as loud as 3 or 4 sopranos?
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Author: Roger Aldridge
Date: 2005-04-09 18:23
Friends,
This thread got me interested in trying a Power Barrel so I ordered one. It arrived in today's mail and I've been giving it a workout for the past couple of hours. My first impressions are EXTREMELY POSITIVE. It does, indeed, bring more volume to the clarinet. Besides that, I'm hearing more "life and sparkle" in my sound. I'm also finding an improved response in the high range from what I normally experience with my clarinet's original barrel and intonation sounds okay. I have a big band gig tomorrow and look forward to using the Power Barrel. At this point, I have no reason to think that I won't be all smiles and giggles at the gig.
The one thing that I have to laugh about is it's appearance. It strikes me as looking like a "biker" barrel with the metal and holes! ha ha ha Never the less, I'm very impressed with its sound, projection, and response. I'm happy to give The Doctor my Seal of Approval.
In case anyone's curious, the set up I'm using with the Power Barrel is a customed mid-60's Noblet, Ralph Morgan RM28 mouthpiece, #3 Alexander Classique reeds, and a silver Francois Louis Ligature.
THANK YOU Brenda for starting this thread and bringing the Power Barrel to our attention.
Best regards, Roger
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2005-04-13 14:29
You're welcome, Roger! Glad to hear you like it.
I agree about the appearance. It reminded me a bit of a Buck Rogers comic and something from the 50s. But, everyone thought the Deg barrels were weird looking when they came out. If it works, it works.
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Author: Roger Aldridge
Date: 2005-04-13 16:34
Brenda,
As a final message, I wanted to tell you the Power Barrel worked for beautifully for me at the big band gig I had last weekend. It's been my experience that some pieces of equipment (mouthpieces, reeds, ligs, etc) sound fine at home. But, when I'm performing in a large hall or in an ensemble the particuar thing may not necessarily sound as good. Happily, the Power Barrel sounded absolutely great in the big band. It was a joy to have my clarinet on a level playing field with the rest of the sax section. As a result, one doesn't have to resort to high screeching in order to be heard over the band in a solo. Now, you can screech just when you feel like it. It's such a joy to be able to use the whole range of the clarinet -- in particular, the low range -- in a big band. I wish that I had this barrel YEARS ago!
Roger
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Author: Wendy
Date: 2005-04-13 19:28
Is this barrel tapered like Moennig and Chadash? Does it help intonation in the throat tones and elsewhere or does it just make the clarinet louder?
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Author: L. Omar Henderson
Date: 2005-04-14 01:50
(Disclaimer - I am the inventor and seller of the Power Barrel)
The barrel has a three stage taper which is unique but not dissimilar to the effect of a Moennig taper.
For the less risque' the Power Barrel has appeared at two preeminent U.S. Military Academies in the parade marching bands with a flat black powder coating over the chrome plated brass sleeve (by special order only !)
L. Omar Henderson
Post Edited (2005-04-14 01:51)
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Author: L. Omar Henderson
Date: 2005-04-14 03:07
(Disclaimer - I am the inventor and sell the Power Barrel)
Sorry, I did not answer the second part of your question -
The Power Barrel is an even harmonics enhancer. It will not correct imperfect intonation which is at the source the circumstances surrounding the air escaping from a tone hole and producing a sound frequency. Tone hole placement, configuration, and pad height all play a part in proper tuning. If the note is in tune at the proper frequency it will be perceived as being more clean and clear (evidenced by previous threads on human hearing acuity) because the fundamental frequency will be amplified as well as the even harmonic series of that fundamental. It may, although I have not investigated the circumstance surrounding it, improve perceived "fuzzyness" which is akin to random "white noise" or nonsense harmonic frequencies (those not perceived as being in either the even or odd usual harmonic series of a particular note) by overpowering this noise with the fundamental harmonics series - this is however conjecture and subject to testing.
L. Omar Henderson
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Author: clarisax
Date: 2005-04-14 03:47
ive been reading this thread and i think this barrel might be just what im looking for...
i go to a small high school with a VERY SMALL concert band. infact, i am the only person playing first part and the other 3 clarinets dont really play much at all. i am pretty experienced for a high school player (district, region, state wind ensemble, etc..) but i can never play loud enough to "scream," as my band director says, above the entire brass section on some of the runs; particularly those that are in the mid-range of the instrument. he says that my main problem is that my tone is too dark and covered to float above the rest of the ensemble. i guess dark tone is good, and ive gotten compliments about my tone at festivals and symphonic stuff but i really need some volume.
i play a buffet festival with a moennig barrel and morgan rm06 mouthpiece. i also use vandoren v12 4.5 reeds.
does the power barrel come in 67 mm? my moennig is a 67 and my intonation is pretty darn good with it. thats why i bought the moennig to begin with...the original stock festival barrels made me extremely sharp on some notes.
will the power barrel fit my festival's bore? i know there is a slight difference between the r13 and the festival and i dont know for sure if the power barrel will work. if they are not returnable then this is a pretty big factor.
also, since my tone tends to be dark i dont want a huge change. i just want to have a louder and maybe slightly clearer sound that projects above the rest of the band.
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Author: DTH
Date: 2005-04-14 09:01
I purchased a Power Barrel last year and used it with an Evette E11. When you play it you can hear the difference but when you listen to another person playing with it, the difference is more noticable. I like the sound it gives to my Evette and my R13. Now if the Doctor could make a Power Bell...
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Author: L. Omar Henderson
Date: 2005-04-14 11:17
(Disclaimer- I am the inventor and sell the Power Barrel)
I hesitate to tell anyone that any piece of hardware with make their tone what they invision it will be. Much of "tone" is an individual perception and making "tone" consists of many variables not the least of which is the individual producing the tone. Hardware tools are just that, tools that an individual can use to produce the finished product. Some tools have different functions and greater flexibility in their actions but still must be put into action by the player. The Power Barrel is a tool that emphasizes and enhances the even harmonic frequencies of the tone produced by the other hardware elements employed by the player. It will do this job. Whether the final tone is to the players liking is an individual question. The stated purpose of the barrel is to increase the perceived sound volume and projection.
As indicated before, the socket size of the Power Barrel will fit all current student model clarinets from the Big 4 (Buffet, Selmer, LeBlanc, and Yamaha) and of course the Forte'. It will also fit the top tenon end of many newer professional clarinets but I have no way of testing for fit on every make and model of older clarinet. If a 90's or later Buffet R-13 barrel will fit your horn then the Power Barrel will fit. The Power Barrel can be returned for a full refund if it does not fit the clarinet but the judgement of the sound produced is so individual that this is the reason for non-return. The special acoustic principals of the Power Barrel make it very forgiving and flexible of barrel length considerations (the acoustic principals are complex and proprietary) in the range of 64-67mm.
L. Omar Henderson
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2005-04-14 13:47
I like the idea of the black color like for the military guys. That would be nice. I'm not a big fan of the shiny silver--but like the barrel.
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Author: BobD
Date: 2005-04-14 15:03
"I'm from Abilene, Texas where the Abilene High School Band was the first and oldest marching band in the country "
Brenda....would you mind providing some proof of this statement. I would have queried you directly but you don't provide your email address. Offline to me is fine. bob
Bob Draznik
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Author: Shorthand
Date: 2005-04-14 15:22
Dr. Henderson:
I think that advertised pricing (and additional lead time) for black powder-coat would be a really good idea. I get the feeling that the appearance of the barrel is an issue for many potential customers.
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2005-04-14 16:18
Bob, when I was a sponsor on the bboard (The Clarinet Grammy) I got tons and tons of spam emails. It got so bad that I had to change my email address. That's why I don't give it out here.
I'll get back with you on that information about the formation of the Abilene High School Marching Band. I'll have to get into some archives to find the specifics. But, as a former member of that band, we were always told it was the oldest marching band. Anyway, I'll try to back up the claim if possible.
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2005-04-14 16:25
Concerning the oldest marching band in Texas, I did a search for Prof. Bynum and found a resolution (House Resolution # 145) submitted by the Texas House of Representatives after his passing in Aug. of 2003. It reads:
"WHEREAS, Dr. Bynum began his teaching career after college
when he was hired by the Abilene school system to teach Spanish; he
soon volunteered to start the Abilene High School band that same
year--the first high school marching band in Texas; and
WHEREAS, He grew and expanded a 16-member boys band to a large
marching band that won several accolades at University
Interscholastic League competitions; during the same period he
organized and implemented an all-city Honor Band composed of
Abilene elementary school students; also in 1938–1939 he directed
the first All-Girls High School Band in Texas;"
it goes on and on...
So, I stand corrected as to the oldest marching band in the USA. Let's just say in Texas. It seems it was somewhere around 1925. The resolution doesn't have the exact date the marching band was organized.
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2005-04-14 18:59
For L O H and others interested in cl barrel structure/modifications. Leafing thru some older patents, I re-found US 3,844,193 [1974] to Marchi [France] which I'm trying to analyze. Since it is back in the USPTO's "old file" [pre 1976] if those interested in it need help in copying it, I'll tell you how I do it. Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: L. Omar Henderson
Date: 2005-04-14 21:48
(Disclaimer - I am the inventor and seller of the Power Barrel)
I mentioned the black powder coating proccess as something that I have done - once - as a special order, at additional cost. I will have to get feedback (please email me off line) to see if it is a product worthwhile to make on a regular basis - I have none in stock. Small runs of powder coating end up costing little less than large runs and the logo has to be redone in a contrasting color. I kind of like the attention it brings in shiny chrome and the thought that it may strike fear in the hearts of my brass brethren!
L. Omar Henderson
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Author: george
Date: 2005-04-14 22:07
I have a shiny chrome Power Barrel. I not only like the way it plays, but I like the looks--it's a very nice conversation piece.
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The Clarinet Pages
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