Category Archives: Guides

1915 Catalogue Band Instruments

Posted on August 24, 2018 by Gandalfe

What a lovely discovery from the Woodwind Forum. The actual PDF is located at https://memory.loc.gov/service/gdc/scd0001/2012/20121120001ca/20121120001ca.pdf

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The Music World: Should I, Could I Be a Part of It?

Posted on December 11, 2017 by Gandalfe

“I was obliged to be industrious. Whoever is equally industrious will succeed equally well.” ~ J.S. Bach Friend: Hey Jim.  Based in large part on your enthusiasm, I plan to drive over to Spokane on Thursday to horse trade for … Continue reading →

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10 Essential Qualities of Great Band Leadership

Posted on December 7, 2017 by Gandalfe

As the founder of a number of music ensembles I have always meant to write an article like this. Christiana does it better. Pictures from my collection by various photographers, some of which I know. 10 Essential Qualities of Great … Continue reading →

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Makin’ Music: This year’s MJJO Recordings

Posted on October 19, 2017 by Gandalfe

“Making music together is the best way for two people to become friends.” ~ Hermann Hesse This year I decided to take my band to a recording studio, TopOfTheHill Music Studio. This is the second time I’ve done this. The … Continue reading →

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Protect Yourself From Equifax ~ take two

Posted on September 14, 2017 by Gandalfe

From my friend and retail partner Steve Green… Quick Background: Between mid-May and July of 2017 cybercriminals stole the personal data of 143 million U.S. consumers by hacking into Equifax, one of the three major U.S. credit bureaus. Equifax discovered … Continue reading →

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Don’t Coddle Our Children

Posted on June 15, 2017 by Gandalfe

Taken from an Internet post that has been making the rounds. I would love to attribute this composition if possible. Putting it here so that I can find it again. A young man went to seek an important position at … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, Guides, teachers | Tagged | 2 Comments

The Booking the Band Scam! Be Aware!

Posted on April 15, 2017 by Gandalfe

An Attempt At An Old-school Scam From my good friend Helen’s blog dated  April 15, 2017: In this day of phishing; spoofing; identity theft; salami slicing, spam; trojan horses; and a seemingly endless supply of Nigerians who claim that they … Continue reading →

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Circle of Fifths Revisited

Posted on April 9, 2017 by Gandalfe

Overheard: Music has always been a bit of a mystery to me because I didn’t understand it. As a specific example, I didn’t understand why a major chord sounds nice. Why does (0,4,7) harmonize? I’ve finally read enough to figure … Continue reading →

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Funding a Nonprofit Music Organization

Posted on March 16, 2017 by Gandalfe

Future public education will require involvement and collaboration among various local, civic, private and nonprofit entities, a concept I like to refer to as ‘community entrepreneurship.’ ~ Donald Bren Running a nonprofit, such as a community band, can be a … Continue reading →

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Best Big Band Bari Sax Sound Tip (du Jour)

Posted on March 12, 2017 by Gandalfe

“If you’re going to make a mistake, make it loud so everybody else sounds wrong” ~ Joe Venuti I often play bari sax in big bands, including my own band. I find that I usually end up blowing my brains … Continue reading →

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