The Band Geek Blog

Cool Video

2008-07-10T17:39:00.002-04:00

Ok,
More youtube videos this week. This one is by a YOUTH jazz orchestra. The video is their variation of a song i played this year in jazz band. in the song there was an alto sax solo. This group takes that idea to a whole new level as they put forward not one saxophonist, but FOUR! The four musicians wrk off of each other to create rips that flow as if it were just one soloist. kudos to you WYJO.
Here's the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O40ZGeAEG7s
For this week,
Joe

Finally

2008-06-20T21:37:00.002-04:00

Check it out!
I finally got some time to take another look at my blog and edit it. On the side is a new feature I've added. It's a video bar! Every week you can go there to go directly to videos of a different topic.
This weeks video bar topic is a group called Celtic Thunder. They are a group of male singers from Scotland and Ireland. If you get a chance to checkout some of the videos, i just wantto to know something: The short boy with black hair is only 15! Yes, that is a 15 YEAR OLD!!!!!!! I wish i could sing like that. Next week I'll put up some more videos and give some information ontheplans for CYCLE FOR HAYLEE! YAY!
Have a GREAT WEEK,
JOE

REEDS!!!!

2008-04-27T18:56:00.003-04:00

Sup Dudes,
Okay, I know i said that i would put "Night Journey" on here, but i hit a bit of a speed bump. I lost my copy. SOOOOO.... until i finds one...... let's talk about..... um....er.....ummm... okay I know! I'm going to talk about the most important part of the saxophone. THE REED!
When you begin playing the saxophone, most teachers will require the use of a size 2 or 2.5 reed. the size of the reed is a determination ofthe thickness of the reed. As you gain ability many teachers will suggest a change in reed. for instance: a bari player wants to start to hit high notes. Normally, at the high school level (when this skill is used) a bari player will use a size 3-3.5 reed, although my teacher wanted me to try a 4.5. I still havn't tried this. His description," it's like playing on a two-by-four" kinda turned me off.
The next thing to decide is tyhe brand. I have tried a few over my 5 yrs on the sax and these are my findings: -Rico- inexpensive, good for beginners, not as good for older players
-LaVoz- not much more expensive than a standard Rico reed. offer excellent marching sound
-Rico Royal- about as expensive as the Standard Rico, much better for a concert player. My choice for bari sa.
-Vandoren- expensive!, these reeds do not follow the standard rating system. however, they offer a very precise sound.
- Rico Jazz - inexpensive, great reed for jazz players. mychoice for tenor sax.
- Rico Helmke- EXPENSIVE!!!!!!! offer exceptional sound but are very expensive. my choice for alto (to bad i'm on my last one and can't afford a second box!)
These are based on my expierience with reeds. Let me know what you think by leaving comment.
NEXT TOPIC: mouthpieces, and hopefully that night journey video

Have a great week,
Joe

Guitar

2008-04-12T20:13:00.002-04:00

Ok,
This is going to sound strange. I was talking to a friend the other day and the subject of which guitar riff ever played. He had said that a poll in a magazine said the intro to Deep Purple's "Smoke on the Water" was voted the greatest riff. He also said that Hendrix was the greatest guitarist to ever play. I'm not sure that these polls had a very good answer.
It is for this reason that i ask everyone to send me their favorite guitar riff and guitarist.
All entries can be sent to me at saxplayer39@comcast.net . The winner will be posted on the next post of this blog.
Also, the next blog will feature the music video to the BHS Band and Chorus song "Night Journey"

Coffe House!!!!!!!

2008-03-09T20:41:00.000-04:00

Come One Come All!
See Musicians and eat good food

Saturday March 15th, 6:30 pm
Medway Village Church

Hey All!

2008-03-08T21:43:00.000-05:00

Hey Everyone,
Just writing to let you know what this is all about. I'm a musician and i like to share my infrmation about music with others. This blog will have everything from perormaces i'm in to tips a tricks to playing. I play saxophone, guitar, and bass. The infromation on these instruments is limitless, from getting a distortion sound on a sax to playing "Dueling Banjos" and "Dee" on a guitar. hope this is helpful.
Your Musician,
Music Man