The Villages Concert Band

is active in the area, supporting groups and organizations with the funds from all concerts.

Jean Butler, the conductor of The Villages Concert Band has built a great musical organization here in The Villages

that approaches every playing opportunity with tremendous professionalism.  Interested in becoming a part of The Villages Concert Band?

Contact,

Jean Butler at butlerjean@comcast.net

or 352-751-3401

Alto Sax For Sale

I have a 1946-1947 King Zephyr alto sax to sell. It was made by The H.N.White Co. in Cleveland, Ohio. The serial number is 281_ _ _. They can call me at 315-956-2600 for more info. Thank you. Carole Kline. (clarinet 3) Hometown Band

Three ways to improve and shorten practice time

1. Isolate the problem area and break it down to smaller sections

Find the passage which is giving you difficulty. If there is a way to break it down, do so.

For example: four 16th notes can be broken down to one count at a time. Go slow, 1-e-&-a-. Repeat it several times and perfect this one count.

Next, go to 2-e-&-a-. Repeat it several times and perfect this one count.

Next, review both counts. 1-e-&-a-2-e-&-a-. Repeat this several times to perfect this part.

Next go to 3-e-&-a-. Repeat this several times to perfect this one count.

Next,review these 3 counts. 1-e-&-a-2-e-&-a-3-e-&-a-. Repeat this several times to perfect this part.

Next go to 4-e-&-a-. Repeat this several times to perfect this one count.

Next put all four counts together and repeat this several times to perfect the entire passage.

By isolating this particular section and breaking it down to one count at a time, then reviewing, will enhance your ablility to perform this section with relative ease.

2. Long – short – long, Short – long - short

Find the section that is giving you problems and break it down one count at a time and use the rhythm listed above. Repeat each count a few times and then go back and play it in rhythm. Keep on going one count at a time, repeat in rhythm, then try the entire problem section slowly at first and work up to the correct tempo.

3. The five times rule

Playing music is about beauty, expression, communication, and exhilaration. But before we get to this high level of music making, we must attain techincal perfection. There should be no such thing as ‘sort of good enough.’

All too often we play a passage, make a mistake, back up and try it again. We make the same mistake, and after several more tries, we finally get it right. Then we move on.

Lets look at what we’ve just done. We’ve practiced playing it wrong! We’ve played something wrong several times, but only played it right once.

Practice really works! We tend to play a passage in performance just the way we most often play it in practice. If we’ve played something wrong 30 times and only played it right 5 times, it will probably come out wrong. Therefore, make sure you play it right enough to make the right notes become habit.

Here is a practice habit to develop. Set the metronome to a speed where you can reliably play a ‘hard part.’ play it perfectly 5 times in a row. Use really high standards. Make sure everynote is in tune, has good tone, and is articulated properly. If you make any mistake, even on the last note of the 5th time, you must start over from the beginning.

Then set the metronome to beat 6 to 10 beats per minute faster and start the 5 times rule again. Keep setting the metronome faster until it’s too fast to play cleanly. If you do this every time, over a week’s time you will see great improvement.

Travel Tips with Music Instruments

Insure your instrument.

Measure the size and weight, including the case.

Study airline carry-on and checked baggage musical instrument policies before selecting an airline.

While booking your reservation, tell the agent you will be traveling with a musical instrument. Ask to speak to customer service to address questions.

Request/purchase priority boarding in advance, and keep copies of receipts.

Carry a copy of the DOT rule as outlined in the Federal Register or the DOT website, as well as a copy of the airline’s policies.

Limit carry-on items to one musical instrument, plus a personal item.

There’s a possibility that your instrument will not be allowed in the cabin with you, be sure to have a proper travel case to avoid damage if the instrument must be stowed.

Remove all extraneous items from your instrument’s case and carefully secure the instrument inside the case. Place identification on inside and outside the case.

Have an alternative, back-up transportation plan in mind.

Do not argue with ight crews! Calmly ask to speak with a customer service supervisor.

Examine your instrument for possible damage before you leave the airport.

Report any violation of airline policy or damage to the airline customer service before you leave the airport.

If you believe the airline has violated its written policies, file a complaint with the airline. Also file a direct complaint with the Department of Transportation.