Category: Brass

You pick up your horn during a hot July rehearsal. The show has a big hit coming in the closer, and you need to nail that high fortissimo note while marching backward at 160 beats per minute. You take…

Have you ever watched a top DCI brass line rip through a demanding passage and wondered how they make every note sound intentional? One second they are floating above the crowd with a delicate pianiss…

Nothing spoils a drum corps show faster than a brass section that can’t stay together. You know the feeling: the battery is locked in, the pit is grooving, but the horn line rushes the release or drag…

Brass playing requires more than just good intent and technique. It demands a steady, controlled airflow that supports your sound and allows you to sustain notes during demanding performances. Whether…

Musicians often focus heavily on warming up before a performance or rehearsal. But equally important is cooling down afterward. A proper warm-down routine can help protect your chops, prevent fatigue,…

Struggling with tuning issues or neck discomfort during rehearsals and performances? You might be surprised to find that your breathing pattern plays a significant role. Many musicians and drum corps …

When it comes to excelling in the marching arts, physical practice is just one part of the equation. Many top drum corps brass sections understand that mental training is equally vital for reaching pe…

Struggling to push your brass playing speed without sacrificing tone or control? Increasing tempo during practice is a common challenge for many musicians. Whether you want to master faster passages o…

You’ve practiced your parts until you can play them in your sleep. Your tone sounds great in the practice room. But the moment you step onto the field with full gear and start marching, your sound dis…

You’re two minutes into the opener, your lips are still fresh, and your tone is solid. Then the drill hits that backward diagonal section with the sustained fortissimo chord. Suddenly, you’re gasping….