Term 3 newsletter

Dear Academy Member,
Welcome back!

First of all congratulations to the Nelson Vivace Youth Brass Band for a very successful tour of the South Island culminating in a win at the National Brass Band Competition in Dunedin. They were a credit to Nelson in the way that they performed and behaved throughout the week.

This term we have band camp (Sep 10th-12th – is your form in yet?!) and the Youth band will be performing at the Nelson Performing Arts Competitions at 10.45 on Sunday 15th August at the School of Music (please be there half an hour before in uniforms Youth band)

The Nelson Brass Academy blog is now up and running at http://nelsonbrassacademy.blogspot.com .
All notices will now appear on the blog as well as in paper and email form, and also the odd article from band members!

Next term will be busy with appearances at Red Square, Hope Hall, the Junior Band tour, and the end of year concert.

Also, early next term Nelson is very lucky to have the National Secondary Schools Brass Band in town for a residential course and some concerts – watch this space!

Notes from the Brian Chin masterclass

Here are my notes from the Trumpet master class session

How to play efficiently:

dont push too hard, if you are finding it too difficult to play back off

try to get a clean sound (- sort of ringing )

on each note go sharp and flat and then try to go in the middle to see which sounds best

tongue placement - try to get a small space in your mouth, make an eww sound

if you are playing fast keep your fingertips on top of the keys

make it as easy as possible for yourself

learn to love your instruments, enjoy practicing!

Sophie Price