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Pete · 07-05-2008, 10:07 AM

oldlips48 wrote:
"I think it has to do with the fact that trumpet players are simply better looking than sax players!!!"
This is true!

The problem isn't saxophone players, it is the issue of not understanding how to play in an ensemble. The biggest difference is that there is no understanding of the limitations of dynamics when the softest volume starts at forte. Saxophone is so much easier to sustain loud playing although the trumpet sections are usually blamed for the increased volume. This is usually as a result of poorly approached dynamics within an entire ensemble and spirals into volume chaos. This results in less accurate trumpet and trombone playing because you are now out of the comfort zone for playing within your own dynamic range.

Herb Pomeroy said in an article I read just before he left us: "Exagerate the soft dynamics!"
What a concept. Being aware of bringing the dynamics down to pp instead of using the 'f' dymamic as your softest starting point.This concept has escaped many players because of the perception that volume means "good sound" rather than proper dynamics meaning "musical sound".

How many times have we done gigs where the "sound engineer" puts 6 microphones on the drum set, a mic on each sax, a mic on guitar, bass, and piano, and hang two mics over the brass section. This has happened in venues that people should know better.

The perception is that the brass are too loud already, so they don't need any help! Brass players are responding to the grossly different dynamic levels and the percetion for us is that we aren't playing loud enough, because we can't hear ourselves. This makes us "shoot in the dark".You miss your target that way more times than not.

This can all be remedied by playing musically, rather than playing loudly as a group. Unfortunately, this concept is harder than ever to convey because a lot of the less experienced players don't get to hear great ensembles play live, and rarely study the great groups to understand the concepts of playing in an ensemble. Just listening to the Count Basie Orchestra would improve this issue. Not many do anymore though. It's all about being heard and being a soloist. The team player approach is dwindling, unfortunately. Playing up to the section leaders rather than over them is becoming a lost art.

I've heard Gordon Goodwin's band play live as well as John Fedchock's. The dynamics were wonderful! Both Wayne B and Tony K. would have some struggles I'm sure if the softest volume started at forte and never went below that for the entire gig, while playing most of the music at doulble, and triple forte!

Pete

07-05-2008, 10:07 AM	#9 (permalink)
Pete New Friend Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 45	Re: sax players oldlips48 wrote: "I think it has to do with the fact that trumpet players are simply better looking than sax players!!!" This is true! The problem isn't saxophone players, it is the issue of not understanding how to play in an ensemble. The biggest difference is that there is no understanding of the limitations of dynamics when the softest volume starts at forte. Saxophone is so much easier to sustain loud playing although the trumpet sections are usually blamed for the increased volume. This is usually as a result of poorly approached dynamics within an entire ensemble and spirals into volume chaos. This results in less accurate trumpet and trombone playing because you are now out of the comfort zone for playing within your own dynamic range. Herb Pomeroy said in an article I read just before he left us: "Exagerate the soft dynamics!" What a concept. Being aware of bringing the dynamics down to pp instead of using the 'f' dymamic as your softest starting point.This concept has escaped many players because of the perception that volume means "good sound" rather than proper dynamics meaning "musical sound". How many times have we done gigs where the "sound engineer" puts 6 microphones on the drum set, a mic on each sax, a mic on guitar, bass, and piano, and hang two mics over the brass section. This has happened in venues that people should know better. The perception is that the brass are too loud already, so they don't need any help! Brass players are responding to the grossly different dynamic levels and the percetion for us is that we aren't playing loud enough, because we can't hear ourselves. This makes us "shoot in the dark".You miss your target that way more times than not. This can all be remedied by playing musically, rather than playing loudly as a group. Unfortunately, this concept is harder than ever to convey because a lot of the less experienced players don't get to hear great ensembles play live, and rarely study the great groups to understand the concepts of playing in an ensemble. Just listening to the Count Basie Orchestra would improve this issue. Not many do anymore though. It's all about being heard and being a soloist. The team player approach is dwindling, unfortunately. Playing up to the section leaders rather than over them is becoming a lost art. I've heard Gordon Goodwin's band play live as well as John Fedchock's. The dynamics were wonderful! Both Wayne B and Tony K. would have some struggles I'm sure if the softest volume started at forte and never went below that for the entire gig, while playing most of the music at doulble, and triple forte! Pete __________________ Pete Grimaldi Last edited by Pete; 07-05-2008 at 12:51 PM.