Category: Brass

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….

You’ve heard it from every brass instructor. Long tones are the foundation. They build your sound. They fix your intonation. But when you’re juggling school, rehearsals, and a packed practice schedule…

Your lips are burning. Your sound is cracking. And there’s still two hours left in the block. Lip fatigue hits every brass player eventually, but it doesn’t have to end your rehearsal early or wreck y…

You’re crushing the ballad at mezzo forte, your sound full and resonant. Then the big company front hits. You push harder, but instead of projecting power, your tone goes brittle and small. The harder…

Marching band brass players hear it all the time. Buzz on your mouthpiece before rehearsal. Buzz without your mouthpiece to build embouchure strength. Buzz every day to improve your tone. But does it…