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Re: Upper Woodwinds

Author: Musikat
Date: 2023-07-14 17:34

Paul,

I have been thinking about your comment: "I've been in some ensembles over the years that where not so great; balances were off, intonation was ragged, tempo was sub par. In situations where things are not as satisfying as one would like, you have to find your own joy. Whether it is matching a pitch at a key point or with a key player, or just knowing you did a great job with a certain passage you must find the joy in whatever it is you are playing."

This perfectly explains the joy I often find in my ensembles. Obviously the better the ensemble the more "joy" I get out of it. But even in average community groups I have always tried to challenge myself to play a passage as perfectly and musically as possible, or, as you explain, match pitch with someone, particularly a key part, or someone I know is a really good musician. There is always a small thrill when you know you are solidly in tune and together with another musician (preferably more than one!)

My son in is high school and a good, but quite lazy clarinet player. He never practices but was first chair in his very mediocre small band program in our town. He isn't taking band in the fall due to scheduling but will be participating in the concert band and back in the Spring. I was talking to him about yesterday about this concept, and he suddenly piped up, "Oh, yeah. That happened a few times with the flute when we had the same part and we were in tune together."

Small spark, but hopefully the "joy" will catch on and take hold.