Some rules of behaviour and practice hints for the Brass Band musician
At home, always store your instrument in the most inconspicuous place
possible, so as to not be constantly reminded of the fact that you have to practice.
Always be late on rehearsals, so that your presence be especially noticed.
It is not important how you attach pencils, mutes, etc. to your music-desk,
as long as they can fall off easily.
To be able to check your own tone well, always continue playing
briefly after the conductor has stopped.
Staying away from rehearsals is an excellent way to give proof of
your importance.
Help your fellow musicians by playing yourself so loudly, that
another man's mistakes attract less attention.
In order to obtain yourself extra certainty, it is best to ask
questions about issues that have been discussed on previous rehearsals.
In order to be sure that all water is thoroughly removed from all
valves and slides, you should blow it out in a way that it can be well heard.
It is best to do this during delicate passages.
Bottles of valve oil can be lost easily. It is therefore advisable to
leave them at home.
During rehearsal, wear shoes with hard soles, to be able to tap
audibly on the floor and thus help the conductor keep in time with you.
In order to be sure that your instrument is put away correctly in its
case, it is best to start packing well before the end of the rehearsal.
It is not really necessary to celebrate family feasts on the day
itself. You may very well move these to the evening of rehearsal.
Consistently refuse to play other than 1st parts. You wouldn't admit
that the 2nd and 3rd parts are sometimes more difficult for you, would you?
Always shake your head conspicuously when other musicians make mistakes.
Scores can be best put away in your instrument case in a rolled up
or folded manner.
To avoid wear and tear to the inside of your instrument, never clean it.
Make sure that the main tuning slide is thoroughly stuck, so that
other players always have to tune up to you.
Never read the publications of your band. Suppose they contain
senseless tips like these.
We are a friendly Brass Band with an active concert and contesting schedule.
We rehearse in Hitchin on Monday and Thursday evenings.
