A few years back I commissioned a piece, Divertissement by Sy Brandon for multiple woodwinds soloist with piano, with the help of a Co-op Press Commission Assistance Grant. Brian Levels, who was until recently a doctoral student at the University of North Texas, has written a dissertation on the piece, which is now available through the UNT Digital Library. Be sure to check out the dissertation, and, of course, the piece.
Favorite blog posts, September 2015
Hand-picked high-quality woodwind-related blog posts from around the web, September 2015 edition.
Woodwind dynamics and the embouchure
There’s a lot of confusion about how different dynamic levels are produced on woodwind instruments. How do you think it’s done? If you said something like “blow harder or softer,” you are asking for trouble.
FAQ: Practicing schedule
Some of the questions I am asked most frequently about woodwind doubling are about how I practice. Specifically, how often do I get to each instrument, and how do I divide up my time? The truth is that there isn’t an ideal solution, and maybe not even a good one. There are only so many … Read more
Recital videos, August 2015
I put on a faculty recital in August with a colleague. Here is the program and some videos: Program
Favorite blog posts, August 2015
Hand-picked high-quality woodwind-related blog posts from around the web, August 2015 edition.
Finding information for the Woodwind Doubling in Musicals list
I continue to be amazed by all the interest in and support for my Woodwind Doubling in Musicals list. I hear frequently from musicians who have information to contribute or who just want to say hello or thanks. It’s pretty great. Over ten years ago(!) when I started putting the list together, I spent a … Read more
Reasons to choose an instrument
School is starting soon, and some kids will be picking out the instrument that they will play in the school band. If you know someone in this situation and they are interested in a woodwind instrument—flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, or saxophone—here are some factors that might come under consideration. Bad reasons to choose an instrument … Read more
Review: Duos for Doublers by Gene Kaplan
I was pleased to hear from woodwind player and composer Gene Kaplan, who sent me a copy of his new duets books, Duos for Doublers. These, as far as I know, are a one-of-a-kind set of duets for two woodwind doublers.
Favorite blog posts, July 2015
Hand-picked high-quality woodwind-related blog posts from around the web, July 2015 edition.