As band members, we fall under the umbrella of "performing arts." This refers to anything associated with live performance/performers. Performing arts groups come in all types; from bands and orchestras, to choirs and musicals. So in band, not only are we learning the nuts & bolts of music, but also how to use those tools. We want to be proficient (or better) at our respective instruments, then use those skills to put on an exciting, entertaining performance. 

I recently took a quick trip to Disney World and found myself in awe (as I always am) of the performances that take place within the park. The production value of everything is so high! The glamorous costumes, the sets, everything. Obviously, Disney spares no expense on the customer experience, but the colors and costumes weren't what I found myself focusing on..

I was enamored with the performers. The performers were convincing in all aspects. When watching the various shows, all I could think about was how much I wish all my students were there to see them! 

Watch a little bit of the video below, specifically the dancers that are not in costume. They're all in. People are excited because they're excited (and exciting). We need to remember how important it is to be convincing with our performance-being all in.

I also recently stumbled upon Disney's All-American College Marching Band. From what I understand, this is a summer job for all these musicians. Since this DIRECTLY applies to what we do as band performers, watch this and take notes. Just like before, these performers are all in. They're incredible musicians, and they give the movements/visuals just as much enthusiasm. The crowd goes wild because the entertainment value is so high.. and let's be honest, people are not excited about these performers because of the colorful uniforms!! Enjoy, but realize that this is exactly WHAT WE DO. 

We live in a day and age that computers and machines can do a lot. Especially in the music world. However, stadiums, theme parks, and other venues can pump music in over the loud speakers as much as they want, but it'll never be like live performers giving it their best. Watching these videos excites me for the possibilities of what we can achieve here with the Viking Band.

Summer has arrived! What a great year it has been! Now it's time to refresh and recharge. This is also a great time to get some things done before we start next year. Here goes..

Firstly, it's best to play your instrument some over the summer. I'm not going to pretend that everyone will be practicing for several hours a day (if you do, awesome!), but it would be great to pick your instrument up and play every so often. 

Just like we do Spring Cleaning on our homes and the band room and such, we need to do some on our instruments as well. Read the following for some things to consider:

Brass have the most maintenance to do. This is a great time to give your instrument a bath!
Here's what to do:

1. Pull out all slides and valves (carefully!)
   1. Make sure you remember which piece goes where
2. Fill bathtub with room-temperature water
   1. NO SOAP or CHEMICALS of any kind
   2. Just Water
3. Place instrument carefully in water and let it sit for about 30 minutes
4. Pull instrument out and let it dry thoroughly

After the bath is a great time to run your snake through the instrument to clean out any left-over residue.

Here are some things to do on woodwinds:​

• Make sure you have a cleaning cloth to run through your instrument
  • You really should do this every day.. so if you don't, gross.
• Check all your screws and make sure they're in place!
• Check for old and worn pads
  • If you need to replace pads, summer time is a great time to send your instrument off to the shop

Summer is also a great time to work on some things you don't have as much time for during the school year. Here are some suggestions to explore:

• Improvising, making up melodies
• Cool Scales
  • Here's a starting point CLICK HERE
• Music from Movies - just use Google to find tons of fun tunes
• You can also get ahead on your Region Band requirements for next year

Where this has less to do with playing, it has more to do with the marching band folks and just being active and healthy! We certainly want to be used to the sun come July. 

Every Tuesday we will have a planned activity from 9am to 12pm. This is about community and exercise. Come join us and have a good time! The goal is simple - fun.

Spartanburg has a lot of places to get out and walk/run/play/etc. Here's some suggestions:

• Rail Trail (you'll find McAllister here a lot)
• Downtown
• Barnet Park
• Cleveland Park
• Hatcher Gardens
• Cottonwood Trail (especially if you want some shade)
• Climb Upstate