Texas Bandmasters Association
Bandmasters Review • September 2014
21
• Important to monitor these closely as vibrating the
incorrect pitch will fight the instrument
• Ensure that band members are always vibrating
the correct pitches
• Vibrate an exercise, then transfer it to playing,
always make the connection
u
Long Tones - Do Daily
1. Normal Johnson Routine and “The Cadets” will
include 3-4 long tone exercises at tempos 68-96
2. “Remington” Interval Exercises:
Remington Down,
Remington Ascending, Rotating Remington
• Learn to play intervals in tune, and not allow
sound to shift
• Ask kids to be aware of what intervals they are
playing
• Can do from different notes: Normal Concert F,
Low Bb, High Bb
3. Goals…
• Long tones should be full, resonant, and steady;
brass players keep lips flexible
• Default dynamic at Johnson isMF (MF different
strength depending upon indoor or outdoor)
• Long tones bring together all elements of the
brass triangle, and go slow enough to allow
band members to assess how they feel and
how they sound
• Focus on the front/start of thenote, thebodyof the
sound, and the quality/approach to the release
• Work follow through and consistent air
• Above all, work to sustain and establish both
the sound of the individual and the sound
of the section
• Can work ensemble during this time, but
more focus on
awareness of
self and
neighbors
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Long Tones/Smooth Sounds/Range Extension -
Do Daily
• Normal Johnson Routine will include F Descending
and F Ascending Exercises.
(See Joe Dixon’s brass
web site for procedures and structures of these exercises.)
• Two-note drill, half notes connected, quarter notes,
8
th
notes
• Subdivisions of the exercises welcome
• Brass will work chromatics in the lower register of
the horn
• Sustained long tones in the upper register
• With range, be cautious not to move too quickly;
need to play on notes that don’t sound “good” and
work to gain control, especially of all the notes you
will play in your marching show or concert music
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Lip Flexibility/Technique
• Basic Lip Flexibilities (1-5-1) (5-1-5) are important
• Normal Johnson Routine includes exercises that
combine flexibility and technique
• “The Cadets” Drum Corps utilizes many exercises
developed each year by Brass Caption Head Gino
Cipriani to combine multiple elements that will build
a stronger player and be efficient with time during
fundamentals. Work to develop something in your
program that addresses the needs of your ensemble.
• Activate all three parts of the tone triangle, air
embouchure and aperture/tongue placement
• Woodwinds learn to control tone and volume of
notes in different registers
• Pitch Bends for the brass are a great way to build
control. Work to bend single down half a step,
then up half a step to gain greater control of the
center of the note.
What We Like and What Works For Us. . .
CT Johnson band students
served as a demonstration
group for convention clinics