Recent comments on the topic “Why Do Bands Still Tune To The Tuba”?

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More on our continuing discussion on “Why do the bands still tune to the tuba”? My friend has returned to voice his/her opinion on this topic and I applaud him/her. Seldom have I seen so much passion for a cause as this person exhibits. It is refreshing to exchange ideas in a civil manner and I do hope others will join in on this topic as my new friend has. And now to the continuance of our discussion on our topic- “Why do the bands still tune to the tuba”? Our visitor’s comments are in normal type and my response…

Continued Discussion on ““Tuning A Band To A Tuba”

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Thank you for responding to our post and I will try to answer each of your concerns. Your comments are in “”. My comments are in bold type. “Firstly, your point 2&3 is pretty much the same” Due to the fact you have not specified which two comments were “pretty much the same”, I will have to respond with an explanation for both comments marked 2 & 3. 2. The clarinet note lies more in the middle range of the human ear which makes it more recognizable by the majority of the players. The main focus of this statement is…

Why Are We Still Tuning Our Bands To A TUBA?

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Many years ago, someone came up with the stupid idea that bands should stop tuning to a clarinet and start tuning to a TUBA. How ridicules! I thought it to be a fad started by some band hating string player as a joke but soon it caught on and it now seems that the majority of band directors are still continuing this unproductive and silly practice. As I listen to more and more bands continuing the time wasting exercise of tuning to the tuba, I shake my head in wonder. I have been shaking my head now for a long…

Adolph Sylvester (Bud) Herseth- A Legend In His Own Time

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When speaking of greatness, merely the first name or nick name is sufficient. The name Pops, Diz, Bird, Duke, Count, Wynton instantly brings to mind these gifted musicians and when the name “Bub” is offered, only one person comes to mind; Bud Herseth. To the less aware, Mr. Herseth has been the shining star in the Chicago Symphony Orchestra sence he was first hired in 1948. His astonishing record of accomplishments in this ensemble is legendary and to the younger players, he should be their inspiration for perfect consistency, dependability and overall musical example. This radio interview is again one…

Santa Fe and The Fat City Horns

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Sometimes you can be blown away with a great soprano aria. Sometimes you are brought to tears by the singing a beautiful choir. Even a sunset can make one stop and contemplate the universe, but when you hear the power, precision and drive of a band like this, all you can do is put down your horn and take a lesson. Please enjoy an ensemble which can only be described as a combination of North Texas State (University of North Texas, now) precision, the funk feel of George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic , the down home swagger of Sly & the…

Mr. Paul VonAdam

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I have know Paul for more than 10 years and have had contact with him in many areas which includes being a close friend, a fellow musician. Paul and his wife Carol are two of the nicest individuals my wife and I have know since moving to the Branson area. As a performer, there are few equals in the trumpet field. Paul has performed with the finest musicians who include members of the most well known big bands as well as theater performances throughout the United States as well as Canada. I have had the pleasure of performing with him…

Update on Branson

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Many have been very kind in asking how we are doing in Branson after a very busy night with tornadoes. I thank you all for your support and wanted to share some photos of our less fortunate neighbors on our street. Our house sustained minor damage and we should have all of the repairs completed in the next month. Many of our close friends will be faced with much more serious problems for as you can see from the photos, much has been lost by many. Fortunately no one was injured even though there were very close calls. As soon…

American Pride Part 3

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This is part of my continuing series of posts related to what I have called “American Pride”. Each post reflects something in music which denotes the pride we feel for our country. This is a very good example of two characteristics Americans are known for- ingenuity and creativity. Where else in the world can someone combine in a creative manner an accordion player, a sniper crew and kids with an environmental setting? Let’s hear it for the Red, White and Blue for we are now on our way back to what we are supposed to be.

Another interesting Video-

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Our good friend John Hess is back and the amount of work put into this video is only matched by his ability to play his horns. I wonder if this gentleman ever sleeps. Thanks again John and may you live forever!

American Pride Part 2

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Many commented on my first American Pride post and I thank you all for your support. There was one reader who missed my true intent for he interpreted my comments as being anti-America in nature. I can assure you that I have as much pride in our country as the next person and that was the reason that I wrote my article. I am proud of the USA and wish it to regain its place in the world market. My use of the video in the first post was to draw attention to the efforts in music of other nations…