HomePage

From the judges sheets:

Tone – Wow! Developing very nicely. Always room for more air under the tone but certainly on your way to a very fine, characteristic – dare I say rich – wind band tone.// Generally nicely controlled, almost too controlled at times//Quite nice and mature – even more open throat and control especially in upper register and at louder volumes.

Intonation – Mostly just fine. I think I noted a 3rd valve combination on tuba and a little sag here and there at the end of an occasional phrase but really coming along nicely.//trombones – a bit shaky in T.O., some flute & oboe issues – 154//Always listen down and adjust. Oboes – match and blend. A few issues mentioned on tape

Technique – Very nicely and carefully worked out mixed/changing meter in the Sparke. Good for you! Now that careful work has been done, now maybe allow some passion/energy/”spontaneous” to come forth.//Put some more space between repeated notes for clarity, work for more ‘crisp’ness in articulations – they seem a bit lazy or at least too relaxed.//(rhythm w/2 16ths & an 8th needs to speak. Subdivision and cleaner articulation in Sparke. Nice job in Passages.

Balance- Developing well. Always possible to listen more and more carefully. Always deciding/discerning “where do I fit in”. Only half your responsibility as a bandsman is playing – the other half (maybe more than half) is listening. Which I can hear you are doing. Still, more.: )

// Don’t always hear moving lines. Use a bit more energy on melodies and moving lines to get them to speak.//Quite fine – love the lows – could use more clarinet sound at times. Play with more open and fuller sound.

Interpretation-Nice, relaxed style-now be sure it isn’t too subdued & the articulations, as they relate to style, are not too flaccid, need more energy & drive in active melodies//Great dynamic contrast and shape of phrasing – the group is very capable. Nice concept of style.

Musical Effect-Very musically convincing. Especially the Sweeney – you had something to say! Not just a ‘note exercise’. Music! Shaped phrases. Sensitive balance. Careful blend. Well done!//Nice flow, think of using negative space more efficiently in syncopated passages.//Give even more energy to notes esp. in fast sections. [Four 8th notes] repeated notes need more direction.

Other Factors-A very poised & confident appearance on stage. Sharp group! Thanks for your fine performance this afternoon.//Nice program.//Nice large group with wonderful director and great students – ENJOYABLE! Keep up the great work.

Sight reading- (all ‘A’s)

Technique-Careful upper ww @ m.27 – rhythm). Watch out for Db, Flutes. Wonderful overall job of articulation, rhythmic accuracy and key awareness.

Flexibility -Very impressive flexibility throughout, especially percussion. Make sure you listen for trombones that have the melody at m.66.

Interpretation - Bring it down to mp at 41 – especially accomp. Parts. Fantastic Allegro tempo – very ambitious, but very well done.

Musical Effect - Marvelous intonation throughout. Ensemble plays with great expression and excitement.

General Comments -Your performance sounded like a well-rehearsed concert. This is a testament to your advanced level of musicality and exceptional instruction . Truly enjoyed hearing you this evening. Keep up the fabulous work.

From the judges sheets: (all ‘A’s)

Tone- Great Control.//Band plays with great qualities. Always strive for warmth and maturity of tone color in all ranges.// Mature, strongly developing characteristic wind band tone! Lots of control. Well-crafted sound.//

Intonation – Great tutti.//A few minor issues but you always listen and adjust.//Mostly just fine. A few spots as noted on tape.

Technique – Super!!//Good – a few alignment problems but for the most part good. Keep rhythmic drive throughout Awayday.//Strong. Controlled. Clean! Just a couple of wicked passages crammed with notes to be cleaned up. On the whole, outstanding.

Balance – Super!//Good – keep the air going and strive for the great balance both within your section and ensemble.//Good. Played with much purpose & sense of proportion and clarity.

Interpretation – Awayday (tempo-percussion #29)//Work for even softer dynamics on p and pp. Great concepts of style.//Very mature sense of phrasing, musical line & control of tempo gradations.

Musical Effect – It must be nice to have a professional sound!! Good musical effect.//Thanks for a diverse wonderful presentation.//Fabulous! Technique in the service of saying something/expressing something through music! Very special. Terrific! Loved it all. (A+)

Other Factors – Great choice [of music] and performance of good literature.//Great group with a fine conductor. You are a credit to yourselves, your school, and community.//Fine, fine presentation! I appreciate the pairing of these two overtures – similar function yet with strong & contrasting musical qualities. Thanks for a fine performance this evening.

Sight Reading:

Techniqie- Excellent attention to articulation from all sections throughout. Very nice job of sight-reading the 6/8 meter. Especially trumpets who introduced the melody.

Flexibility – Wonderful balance as students adjusted to various sections trading the melody. Make sure to yield to clarinets at m. 45. More bass cl. At 89, also Bsn.

Interpretation –Very fine sfz at 23. All phrases were very well shaped and completed. Very exciting tempi both at 33 and 71. Students demonstrated an appropriate understanding of styles of these 3 sketches.

Musical Effect – Excellent intonation. A very satisfying performance. Careful of pitch at the very end as you taper the decresc.

General Comments – It was a pleasure observing all of the assorted parts being layed so effectively. You have a very fine ensemble and I hope I get to hear you in the future.