Questions tagged [band]

For questions relating to forming, working with and performing as an ensemble of musicians. Depending on the size and nature of the ensemble, more appropriate tags may exist. For larger groups, especially in classical and jazz music, see also the [orchestra] tag. For bigger wind ensembles, including concert bands, see also the [wind-band] tag, and mostly in the classical music area, quite independent of the mumber of players, also see the [ensemble] tag.

Filter by
Sorted by
Tagged with
4 votes
3 answers
334 views

Does playing with a mouthpiece patch affect your embouchure?

I have been playing clarinet since 6th grade, and now I am a sophomore in high school. My band director is doing an instrument check that is for a grade. One of the things that we are required to have ...
9 votes
7 answers
352 views

How do I learn to sight read?

I started my school’s jazz band recently and I really struggle playing with them. It’s just really different to playing by myself alone, where if I make a mistake I can just go back and keep repeating ...
  • 91
2 votes
2 answers
140 views

No Saxophone part in band sheet music

I am attempting to have my band/orchestra students learn a song for our holiday concert, but the song doesn't have a saxophone part. Which other instrument part could I have my saxophone players join ...
2 votes
2 answers
119 views

What technique was most likely used when demonstrating how a mariachi group played rapidly?

Sometime when I was around nine years old, my music teacher brought in an audio-visual aid into our classroom and showed us a half-hour film documentary about what made up a mariachi band. I=The ...
13 votes
6 answers
2k views

Why do musicians play too loud on social gatherings? [closed]

For example on a wedding, restaurant,etc. so that guests can't talk to each other because it's too loud. Even when people ask them to turn the volume a bit down, they turn it down for a couple of ...
6 votes
1 answer
270 views

Have I been teaching rolls wrong?

I teach beginning band to first-year players aged 10-12. I have always taught 5-stroke and 9-stroke rolls this way: Assuming that we are in a simple meter like 2/4, 3/4, or 4/4, I first divide the ...
  • 3,040
5 votes
2 answers
372 views

Can the Eb alto clarinet and the Eb soprano clarinet be substituted?

I am putting together a band to play the piece Variations on a Korean Folk Song by John Barnes Chance. I Was wondering if I could substitute both clarinets parts with a Alto sax seeing as they are ...
0 votes
2 answers
106 views

What are scale degrees?

I heard my band teacher talking about "scale degrees" and do not understand what he means.
1 vote
0 answers
45 views

Female background? vocalists singing 'take a chance take a chance' NOT ABBA [closed]

It could be from the seventies or eighties. Sounds like R&B, also background voices similar to Love and Kisses 'Thank God It's Friday'
4 votes
8 answers
1k views

Any tips on writing the structure of a song for a band which does not read music?

I am starting to play some pre-written songs with a band. These are written by the vocalist and we are trying to make a demo out of them. We (as a band) are having a hard time trying to remember he ...
1 vote
3 answers
96 views

With which instrument will I find it easier to join a band? Keyboard or guitar? [closed]

I like indie music, pop rock, and j-rock. Would I find it easier to join a band of these genres playing the keyboard or guitar?
5 votes
2 answers
105 views

Military band music

Which instruments typically double up (play unison) in military bands? I have googled this question in different ways, but without an answer.
4 votes
5 answers
604 views

Guitarist and Bassist as only Bandmembers - Rhythmsection?

We are two individuals, one is playing guitar and sings and the other plays bass. We would like to just cover some rock songs we like and love. However, we do not really want to add another person for ...
  • 185
5 votes
3 answers
1k views

Transposing bass clef instruments for Tuba, Bombardon, and Contrabass

I got myself an old full score of an arrangement for Dutch-styled brass band (fanfareorkest) to copy which the instrumentation is unconventional to me (I believe it's written in continental tradition?)...
5 votes
6 answers
2k views

Agreeing on the key of a (cover) song as a band

When it comes to a band, all musicians should be aligned and agree on the most parts (if not all) of the musical adventure they're about to embark upon. This question aims to evaluate how, as a band,...
  • 213
1 vote
1 answer
126 views

How to quit band [duplicate]

So, I have been in this band for 2 years, we have done many rehearsals no live gigs, not a single one, only live Facebook shows, I don’t do music full time, but I like it. However, things have changed ...
2 votes
3 answers
124 views

What are the steps involved in organizing a new band?

I would like to create a band. This seems to me a non-trivial question to implement, as it involves a lot of management, which is not particularly tied to music theory. But it has musical specifics, ...
  • 129
1 vote
2 answers
130 views

How to hold a gig?

I know this is not a question about theory or practice but I've looked around Internet and find nothing information about this, so I ask this question here with a hope that you guys can give me some ...
  • 21
4 votes
4 answers
2k views

Band rehearsal over the internet

I am playing in a jazz band. We usually have band rehearsals every week. Due to coronavirus regulations, we are not allowed to meet for rehearsals for at least 6 weeks. We would like to switch to ...
  • 925
3 votes
5 answers
3k views

Should I use PA speakers for a full band all the time?

I've been playing guitar, drums, and singing for about 6 years but I have no experience outside of playing by myself with an amp and speaker. I want to get serious about starting a band and playing ...
  • 57
4 votes
2 answers
316 views

Timpani alternative in the band room

I’m looking for a cheaper alternative to the timpani, that may be used in a middle school band. Any Ideas? Thanks in advance.
1 vote
1 answer
196 views

Why do my cheekbones hurt when I play?

I play the flute and I don’t know if it’s just me but my cheekbones hurt when I play for more the 30 minutes. I don’t know what it could be, I usually have good posture and practice everyday. I have a ...
5 votes
4 answers
5k views

What’s a Soli and do I have to play it

I’m working on music for a band that has multiple parts and I will be playing the third part for my section, but I’m first for that part. There’s a section marked “soli”. Am I correct in assuming that ...
  • 51
1 vote
4 answers
523 views

How to do tempo change in a song with a band

I am rhythm guitarist in a 5-piece band. We play mostly rock/folk and are currently writing our own songs. One song is supposed to have a significant tempo change for the last verse where it gets ...
  • 117
10 votes
5 answers
3k views

What's the best way for guitar and piano to play together in a jazz quartet?

Guitar and piano are both used for chordal accompaniment in a jazz band. So I wanted to find out what's the "best" approach to have this two instruments playing together in a jazz ensemble (quartet) ...
0 votes
5 answers
298 views

What a bandleader should do? [ROCK BAND] [closed]

I am wondering what is the role of a rock band leader ? What are limits ? Is it his role to bring rules ? Make the objectif and say : if you're not happy, leave the band ?
10 votes
1 answer
244 views

What can I add to a pop group as one of two guitar players?

I'm new to playing in a band and have mostly played by myself or with one other jam mate. Now I've found myself in a little amateur band with drums, bass, singer, another guitar player an myself. ...
  • 1,787
7 votes
2 answers
1k views

Is it common practice to audition new musicians one-on-one before rehearsing with the entire band?

I used to audition new musicians one-on-one, for a soul music band. After that, if I really liked them, I invited the new musician to rehearse with the rest of the band. Is that a common practice? ...
2 votes
2 answers
203 views

What decisions should be taken by the bandleader and what decisions should be taken by the band?

As a bandleader, this is a dilemma! if I take all the decisions myself as a leader, I might look a little bit bossy and some musicians might not like that, as they are not employees. On the other ...
6 votes
3 answers
221 views

Playing with other musicians

This is a soft question. I've been learning the bass for about 6 months now and I can play some odd time signatures with ease when I'm practicing alone. Recently, I've been playing with a couple of ...
3 votes
2 answers
149 views

Are repeats, segnos, and coda markings "bad style" in marching band music?

Nearly all marching band music (not classic marches, mind) that I've seen in my five years of performing experience has been written without any kind of repeat signs. However, I've recently seen some ...
  • 531
36 votes
5 answers
7k views

How to play songs that contain one guitar when we have two or more guitarists?

I am playing drums in an alternative punk band we just started. I am wondering how to play songs that basically are from bands that contain one guitarist, as we have two guitarists. What can be the ...
38 votes
9 answers
10k views

Why can't I play with a backing track or other musicians

I am a 63 year old man who has never played an instrument before but I have recently started learning to play the harmonica. I’m half way through my second 12 week term of harmonica and I am not only ...
  • 481
5 votes
1 answer
383 views

How to properly practice music in rock band?

We play rock/grunge/punk, our band is composed of drummer (me), 2 guitarists, bass player. We're not pro, we play for fun but we want to play good and correct. I play drums for about 10 years now, ...
2 votes
1 answer
2k views

What is the range for the flute for a high school band?

I'm writing a song for a high school band, but I'm unsure of the range for flute players. I know flute players play really high, but I'm not sure where the limit is (both high and low). What range ...
  • 123
0 votes
2 answers
324 views

Does the baritone/euphonium often double a trombone in band music?

I've always doubled them, but the latest synth set that I've started using has caused me to reconsider. Is it really a common practice in band arranging?
  • 531
1 vote
1 answer
382 views

Marching band chair challenges against another player

Was wondering how other Marching Band directors handle chair challenges between 2 players. As I've always been taught that the challenger chooses a familiar song piece, they're given a week of self ...
1 vote
1 answer
5k views

How to compose a successful and popular a military march? [closed]

I came across this question What components make military music especially rousing? and thought I'd examine the question - what makes a military march successful?
  • 177
1 vote
2 answers
222 views

Question about tribute band 'etiquette'

I've been practicing the vocal part to a particular rock band that I really like, with the aim of either joining or starting a tribute band. However, there is already a tribute band for that group ...
  • 918
0 votes
3 answers
735 views

What's the best technique to sight read fast big band scores?

I've recently joined a big band. I play second alto saxophone. I do well enough when playing the slower pieces. But I struggle to read the quicker swing pieces. What's the best technique to play ...
4 votes
2 answers
1k views

Timpani Choke Notation

I'm writing a timpani part for a concert band score. I've seen timpanist "choke" the note with their hand (on the head) after striking it to stop it from sustaining. How can I notate this?
user avatar
1 vote
3 answers
238 views

How musicians are chosen to accompany on stage? [closed]

I had a question about music concerts. When solo artists do concerts, in the backstage different unknown musicians are accompanying them. So how are these musicians chosen to accompany?
  • 11
3 votes
5 answers
4k views

How to efficiently jam as a guitarist with a drummer

So I am currently in somewhat of a ¨band¨ with my long time friend. He has recently learned how to drum, although he is almost prodigious for the amount of time he has put into it. My question is, how ...
2 votes
1 answer
1k views

How do I keep low notes clear (on flute) when I am playing piccolo a lot in band?

How do I keep low notes clear (on flute) when I am playing piccolo a lot in band? There is a song in band where I go from playing high notes on the piccolo to playing in the lower register on the ...
1 vote
1 answer
1k views

When 2 parts are on the same line, how do I know who plays which part?

I have some flute sheet music that has 2 flutes on the same staff. How to I know which flute plays which part, and furthermore, there are 1s and 2s placed above certain notes in strange places. Do ...
24 votes
6 answers
9k views

Why can't we leave all mics on during a gig?

We have a six person blues band. Our bass player is also our sound person. During a gig, he periodically forgets to turn on mics for soloists or turn on instruments from the board. My husband has ...
0 votes
2 answers
137 views

Flamenco - How to find band mates that appreciate it and in a new town?

I moved into a regional town in Australia, that is mostly surrounded by Blues, Rock, Pop or Top-40 musicians. The closest answer I found here is this one, which has some good suggestions that apply ...
2 votes
1 answer
855 views

I'm starting to feel depressed playing by myself [duplicate]

I've recently graduated from college and started playing guitar again with my spare time with the full intention of playing with others. It's fun, I'm progressing decently, and I'd like nothing better ...
  • 1,132
1 vote
1 answer
678 views

Reading trombone notes

I'm reading notes for my trombone for band, and there's these quarter notes, sometimes half notes, on top of another quarter note or half note. I have no idea what this means please help me!!! Band is ...
27 votes
11 answers
7k views

I play oboe and I'm in the top band, but I feel like a failure whenever my band director yells at me

I have been playing oboe for 1 year now and I am in the top band at my school. How come I can't do anything right. I feel like a total failure and not confident in myself. I feel as though I can't ...