I play euphonium in the Coe College Concert Band. That means I get to sit in the back row of the band near the tubas and timpani. This gives me a unique perspective on the inner workings of the school band. Here are a few thoughts and observations:

Directors, SPEAK UP! The stage on which we rehearse was designed to project sound out to the audience, not in from the podium. Those of us in the back row have a hard time hearing instructions, rehearsal numbers, etc. (The fact that I’ve spent so many years next to the timpani and the tubas has probably affected my hearing to a certain extent!)

This problem is exacerbated by band members who insist on talking whenever the band is not playing. Players, BE QUIET! When the conductor stops the band it is usually to fix problems, adjust tuning, give instruction, etc. If you insist on visiting with your neighbor during breaks you, your neighbor and every one else around you will not hear what the conductor is saying. The same applies to noodling around on your horn or practicing a difficult passage during those breaks. Be attentive. Rehearsals will accomplish much more when everyone is paying attention.

Everyone, TUNE UP! I heard a clinician once say that most bands spend the first few minutes of a concert tuning and the rest of the concert playing out of tune. It is not enough to match the concert A or Bb or F that the oboe or clarinet is playing at the beginning of a rehearsal or concert. Tuning never stops. As your horn warms up it will change as will all the horns around you. Unfortunately they don’t all change in the same way. Listen across the band and adjust your horn accordingly.

Always count all of the rests. Don’t rely on your neighbor to come in at the right time. He or she might be relying on you! When counting rests, do so silently. Remember that those around you may not have the same rest count as you. Counting aloud can be very distracting and confusing to those around you.

Keep a pencil in your folder and USE IT! Circle key changes, dynamic markings, tempo changes and other places that tend to take you by surprise. Don’t trust your memory. It is easy to erase and change your markings if necessary.

Come to rehearsal prepared. If the music calls for mutes, special mallets or anything else out of the ordinary, have them with you at the beginning of rehearsal. Don’t waste everyone’s time waiting while you run to your case or locker. Practice your part on your own time. The rehearsal time should be spent working on playing together as an ensemble, not “wood-shedding” your part.

Relax and enjoy yourself! Going to band rehearsal is one of the high points of my week. If everyone was to follow these simple rules we would all have a much more rewarding and enjoyable experience.