Favorite blog posts Archives | Page 12 of 12

Favorite blog posts, December 2013

January 1, 2018December 31, 2013 by Bret Pimentel

Here are the woodwind-related blog posts that made my “nice” list for December. (One from late November seems to have slipped in here, too.)

On his new blog, Timothy Owen explains how he tunes his saxophone like an M-16 assault rifle.
Bassoonist Betsy Sturdevant (of the Columbus Symphony) reveals her basic reedmaking method.
Cooper Wright doesn’t just play the oboe, he plays the concert hall.
Theresa Koenig domesticates a wild recorder.
David Freeman experiences a gig frustration common to woodwind doublers.
Jennet Ingle plays the oboe while sick, and learns some things about her playing.
Trent Jacobs shares a good contrabassoon fingering chart.
Saxophonist Bill Plake discusses advanced metronome usage.
Steve Moffett uses a vibrato exercise to develop his flute tone.
Jeff Cunningham has a literary adventure in the saxophone’s upper register.
Matt London asks some important questions about the “classical” tenor saxophone.
Bassoonist Christin Schillinger clears up some misconceptions about practicing.

Enjoy!

Favorite blog posts, November 2013

July 21, 2022November 30, 2013 by Bret Pimentel

Some good stuff from the woodwind blogs in November:

I’m totally stoked that oboist Cooper Wright is blogging again, from a new location. Add this one to your RSS reader to follow his transition into a new job as co-principal oboist of the Thailand Philharmonic, and, of course, his endless reedmaking.
Saxophonist Steve Neff reviews the new John Coltrane Omnibook.
Helen Bledsoe searches for the elusive tin oboe. Spoiler alert: she doesn’t find one, but she tries some interesting things along the way.
Saxophonist Bill Plake warms up body and mind.
Bassoonist Betsy Sturdevant thoroughly prepares the Beethoven 4 solo.
Matt Otto takes a closer look at the 8th-note “swing” feel of three of the great jazz saxophonists. (Please don’t make the “oh, it’s just triplets” mistake.)
Jennet Ingle reminds us that effective doubling requires more than just being able to play the solos.
Adam at A Classical Journey is studying musical instrument repair and documenting the experience very thoroughly. The class has started its woodwind unit [update: link dead], so if you’re fascinated by this stuff like I am, then now is the time to tune in.

Favorite blog posts, October 2013

July 21, 2022October 31, 2013 by Bret Pimentel

Here are my picks from October. I strongly suggest that you read all of these, share them on your favorite social media outlets, leave thoughtful comments to the authors, and subscribe with your favorite blog-reading apparatus.

A whole lot of clarinet bloggers have posted in the last couple of days about the Robert Marcellus masterclasses now available through Northwestern University’s website. I believe Chastine Hofmeister’s post was the first one to come to my attention.
Saxophonist and Alexander Technique guru Bill Plake debunks woodwind players’ favorite finger-technique myth.
David Wells blows the bassoon world’s minds with a video of eminent bassoonist Klaus Thunemann playing jazz(?!). And this isn’t a cute little novelty swing tune, either—it’s full-fledged, Mahavishnu-esque 1970’s fusion.
Eric Seddon offers advice and encouragement to aspiring jazz clarinetists in school band programs. I’m already on record as not entirely agreeing with all the points Eric makes, but his side is definitely worth reading and considering.
Flute professor Tammy Evans Yonce muses on the purposes of a woodwind pedagogy course. (You don’t have to compliment me by name to get picked as a “favorite blog post,” but let’s say it doesn’t hurt your chances. Worth a read in any case.)
Reed player and composer Demetrius Spaneas explores themes of struggle, stress, and balancing artistic pursuit with the practicalities of life.
Saxophonist Peter Spitzer encourages you to freshen up your set list with some freely-available lead sheets to some lovely and little-known Bossa Nova tunes by Roberto Menescal.
Oboist Jennet Ingle had a tough month. She shares a frustrating rehearsal experience (no, Jennet, it’s not just you!) and characterizes her relationship with the instrument as, well, adversarial. (She does also offer some constructive tips for dealing with oboe-related struggles.)
In a similar vein, bassoonist Cayla Bellamy offers three “ups” to help through practice-room plateaus.
Saxopedia announces an influx of new (old) transcriptions by Danish saxophonist Thomas Høeg-Jensen, to add to an already-impressive listing [update: links dead].
On the Powell Flutes Teach Flute blog, distinguished flute pedagogue Leone Buyse shares some thoughts about her own teacher David Berman, and makes a strong case for taking notes in your lessons.
Dan Forshaw throws down the gauntlet to fellow saxophone enthusiasts: can you put the Mark VI tenors in chronological order based on video clips? (I can’t.) Nice playing, Dan!
“Practicing Flutist” Deanna Mathews Kilbourne uses difference tones to tune her flute choir.

Great stuff, everybody, and I look forward to reading more in November.

Favorite blog posts, September 2013

January 1, 2018September 29, 2013 by Bret Pimentel

Here’s what I liked on the woodwind-related blogs this month:

From Casa Valdez, some utterly fascinating recordings (with scores!) of Joe Viola playing overdubbed woodwinds. A must-see for doublers.
I have been seeing this incredible video of Samuel Barber with the classic Philadelphia Orchestra Wind Quintet all over blogs and social media lately, but Donax Music was the first to bring it to my attention. Worth the half-hour.
Saxophonist Jody Espina shares the concept he calls “Coltrones”—a sort of combination of long tones and transcription that can help you sound like Coltrane (and others).
Oboist Jennet Ingle explains how your brain may be sabotaging your playing in a confused attempt to keep you alive, and offers tips for solving this problem.
David Wells makes freely available his edition of Vivaldi G-minor bassoon concerto RV 495—solo part, score, and orchestral parts.
Saxophonist Jeff Cunningham shares some tips on maintaining motivation to practice. Geared toward beginners, but solid concepts for experienced musicians as well.
Trent Jacobs of Midwest Musical Imports does a brief video interview with bassoon maker Peter Wolf. It’s a little bit of an ad for Wolf/Midwest, but I’m a sucker for new technologies/materials in instrument manufacture, and Wolf is full of interesting ideas.
Soprano saxophone specialist Sam Newsome walks us through a solo by Wayne Shorter (with video).
Oboist Christa Garvey connects articulation to breathing.
Saxophonist Bill Plake shares some ideas about attitude and progress toward musical goals.
Maarten Vonk of Bassoon.com starts a kind of census of the world’s bassoonists.
Clarinet Cache points out some resources for finding and reading clarinet dissertations.
Bassoonist Jolene Mason wrestles with the competitive aspects of music and academia.

Enjoy, and keep writing good stuff!

Favorite blog posts, August 2013

January 1, 2018August 31, 2013 by Bret Pimentel

Read these excellent mostly-woodwind-related blog posts from the past month, and thank me later:

Bassoonist David Wells shares and comments on early 20th-century recordings of the Weber Andante e Rondo Ongarese by William Gruner and Fernand Oubradous.
Multi-instrumentalist Mark Catoe shares some clear thinking about teaching the concept of time signature. This will benefit even some of my college students, who are still trying to shed the “quarter-note-is-always-one-beat-no-matter-what” misinformation they were fed years ago.
Viviana Guzman at The Flute View declares the first Canadian Flute Convention a success.
Sherman Friedland offers some comments about purchasing clarinets. He mentions a couple of specific makes and pulls no punches about his opinions, but regardless of your personal taste in instruments there are some general points worth drawing out: just because “everybody” uses one model doesn’t mean it’s the “best;” a good teacher is crucial to the process of obtaining a fine instrument and making it sing; and it doesn’t hurt anybody to at least consider the advantages of instruments made from non-traditional materials.
Matt Stohrer explains why getting your saxophone overhauled is good for your playing and for your bottom line. Good advice for any woodwind player, really, though of course some of the instrument-specific details will differ.
Oboist Christa Garvey gives college music majors some sage advice for the new academic year.
Saxophonist Craig Buhler suggests that a joyful performance requires joyful practice.
Clarinetist Meri Dolevski-Lewis gives some tips on reading (and, by extension, on writing) advertisements for private teaching. Also: tips on diversifying your musical income streams (including a strong case for woodwind doubling).
Patty Mitchell shares a compelling argument, in video form, for learning the play the oboe the right way rather than looking for shortcuts. (Spoiler alert: It’s a demonstration of a single-reed mouthpiece for the oboe.)

Favorite blog posts, July 2013

July 21, 2022July 31, 2013 by Bret Pimentel

Required reading:

Christa Garvey reports on this year’s John Mack Oboe camp, and shares some masterclass notes. Her post about the fallacy of “doing more with dynamics” is really excellent, too. Christa wrote several other top-quality posts this month, but I’m going to just mention those two to avoid embarrassing everybody with my gushing.
In other conference reports, David Davani covers ClarinetFest in a five-part series, and Robin Tropper tries out oboes at the IDRS conference in a series of extremely detailed posts.
Saxophone repair genius Matt Stohrer takes a refreshingly rational look at the effect that a saxophone’s finish does or doesn’t have on its tone. (Obligatory: my own post on this topic.)
In a perhaps-related vein, The Life of the Flute Player reviews a flute and a piccolo constructed of non-traditional materials. I’m including this post not because I have opinions on these specific products, but because more and more plastic woodwinds are popping up, and I think it’s a trend worth watching.
The always-insightful Bill Plake, saxophonist and certified Alexander Technique teacher, looks at practicing in terms of adding new ideas and subtracting old habits.
Saxophonist Sam Newsome recommends a thoughtful approach to using or not using a metronome when practicing.
Saxophonist Bob Hartig conquers less-familiar keys so that they become natural and intuitive.
Bassoonist Barry Stees recommends continuing your musical education after graduation.
Jennet Ingle doesn’t mind playing second oboe.
Doubler Steve Moffett has an epiphany about flute articulation and the “ta” syllable.
Adam at A Classical Journey explores career options for musicians, and discovers that sometimes plan “A” isn’t the one you wanted after all [update: link dead].
Clarinetist Sherman Friedland wrote an incisive post on the basics of crossing the break, which has since disappeared from his site. So instead of linking, I’ll just recommend that you subscribe to his RSS feed so you can read his posts before he deletes them.

Favorite blog posts, June 2013

January 1, 2018June 30, 2013 by Bret Pimentel

Some of the best woodwind-related stuff I’ve read this month:

Clarinet professor Adam Ballif shares some thoughts on going paperless as a musician, and takes an easily-digestible look at voicing and the clarinet.
Flutist Catherine LeGrand gets super-methodical about interval practice and note shapes.
Oboist Patty Mitchell attends the IDRS conference and provides a sneak peek into pedagogical sessions with Peter Cooper, Carolyn Hove, and David Weiss (and friends). Jealous.
Bassoonist Cayla Bellamy tries playing like a superhero.
Rigid saxophone harnesses seem to be popping up from several makers lately. Barry Caudill tries one on for size. (Inclusion here isn’t an endorsement of this particular model; I’m just glad to see a nice thoughtful review of this type of product. I would like to see Vandoren sending some of theirs out for review—hint, hint?)
Woodwind doubler Steve Moffett passes along a good clear approach to determining how far in or out to roll the flute.
Saxophonist Ben Britton clarifies a few things about reed strength.

Enjoy! If you or one of your favorite woodwind bloggers writes something especially awesome in July, drop me a note and I’ll give it a look for next month’s list.

Favorite blog posts, May 2013

January 1, 2018May 31, 2013 by Bret Pimentel

Here are some high-quality woodwind-related blog posts from May, in no particular order.

Mark Catoe and Tim Gordon discuss music education, careers, and, of course, woodwind doubling: Interview with Tim Gordon
Flutist Meerenai Shim opens up about success, failure, pursuing your dream, and dealing with the practicalities: To Each Her Own
Jennet Ingle is always one of my favorites. I already responded to her post on sound quality and individuality, but I also liked this one about the realities of freelancing: A Freelance Week
David Erato learns a difficult lesson about swabs, and offers to let others learn from his experience: Don’t do this. Ever.
Helen Kahlke patrols the internet for weird saxophone stuff, and discovers this interesting approach to the octave vent problem: Frankensax’s Offspring Gets Its Patent
Saxophonist Shannon Kennedy deals with a hazard of being a musician in the internet age: There’s Honest and Then There’s Hurtful
Christa Garvey suggests listening to more music, and provides a nice jumping-off point for developing your oboe ears: Living a life WITH music—a guide to listening for the aspiring oboist
Flutist Jolene Harju has an epiphany about making her best sound in a natural, easy way: Open Sound: Why I Love Middle C!
John Bogenschutz of Tone Deaf Comics apparently buys his bassoons from Ikea: “Bundlövstx”

Enjoy! If you have some favorites that I missed, please share them in the comments section below.

Favorite blog posts, April 2013

January 1, 2018April 30, 2013 by Bret Pimentel

I currently have over 400 woodwind-related blogs in my feed reader, and try my best at least to skim the new posts. In the past I’ve occasionally passed along recommendations about some of the blogs that I think are especially good. I’m considering moving toward something like a monthly list of some of my favorite individual posts instead.

Here are some from April (a few from late March sneaked in, too).

The eminent Sam Newsome shares sheet music, a recording, and some commentary on a fun tune for solo soprano saxophone using some multiphonics: “Blue Swagger” – The Art of Solo Soprano Saxophone
Stephanie Mortimore (of the Metropolitan Opera orchestra) offers a difference-tone-based approach to improving intonation over at one of the Powell Flutes blogs: Taming the Beast—Revolutionize Your Piccolo Intonation! (Part II). No reason this method couldn’t be used for flute or any other instrument. Part I is the usual boilerplate explanation of equal vs. just temperament.
Ben Britton suggests saxophone subtone as a way of improving breath support (Benefits of Subtone and Diaphragmatic Breathing to Tone) and, speaking of multiphonics, explores a methodical way of discovering and using multiphonic fingerings (Multiphonics Dissected).
Alexander Technique teacher Bill Plake gives advice: A Simple Tip To Help You Play Better At Fast Tempos
From the Arts and Crafts department, David Wells shares his secret for cheap, customizable bassoon reed storage: The $3 Bassoon Reed Case
Jennifer Cluff dives deep into the IMSLP and discovers some flute chamber music gems, free to download: Kummer Trios for free

Enjoy!