mindfulmusician

Hey, does anyone know why BOA moved GN from the hallowed RCA Dome to Detroit for those few years in the 80's? Was the RCA Dome undergoing a massive renovation, or what? Also, will the RCA Dome be demolished only after the new stadium is constructed, or will there be a gap of a few months where there will be no domed stadium at all in Indy? If this happens, it would be possible that BOA would have to move GN again, though it would be only temporary. - mm

As fun as it is, I'm sure that its quite expensive. I mean, band (or music, for that matter) isn't restricted to the wealthy...its a very democratic activity, ya know. - mm

Anyone know of any good cadences (I am referring to chord progressions, not percussion - though those are good, too). So, far, I know the simple ones, like the perfect (V-I), plagal (IV-I), etc, etc. I've also "discovered" a few by just experimenting. However, I would like to learn more; a good cadence might just be the spice I need for my "musical dish." - mm

Umm...I saw Reagan's GN perfomance at the BOA website, and I swear I didn't see or hear the crazy trombone solo. And, I didn't see any crazy stuff like cattle or penguins on the field. You know, I think if you had "released the penguins", perhaps you could have had a higher GE score, and that might have secured 1st place for Reagan in GN Finals. Oh well...poor penguins...lol.

lol...I'm glad that someone got that reference. But, yeah, it is a pretty sweet piece of music. I would have to say that Jupiter is my favorite movement, followed VERY closely by Mars. - mm

Dude, you are the first Texan I know who has even HEARD of Death Cab for Cutie....they're really big up here in the Northwest. In fact, they put on a FREE concert at my college (the college paid for tickets for the ENTIRE student body). Actually, I had never heard of them until that point, but they were actually pretty good. Well, in order to keep in step with this topic, I guess I have to name a song that's been in my head...I think I would have to name 2 - "Binary Systems" from LD Bell's 2002 show and "Country Band March" by Charles Ives. I anticipate that in the upcoming holiday season, I will get "Christmas Eve / Sarajevo 12/24" by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra stuck in my head....although, I don't think I would mind that at all...I think its an awesome song. - mm

I don't know what season or episode, but I can give you the general synopsis if you want. Well, it just came on LAST SUNDAY (Nov. 20th); as usual, Stewie was trying to kill Lois, and at the same time, Peter was wondering how to bond with Stewie. Thus, Peter figures out that whenever they (they being Stewie and Peter) play practical jokes or otherwise inflict physical harm on Lois, they begin to bond. Of course, mayhem ensues, and Lois almost gets killed in the process. Somewhere in the middle of the show, Peter begins to feel bad for all of the things that he's done to Lois; however, Lois is still a bit mad at him, and when he shifts his support back to Lois, the bond between him and Stewie starts to break. This is when Peter starts to feel horrible; Brian, in a humorous and valiant effort to cheer up Peter, tries to dress up like a banana (like the banana in thesnareguy's avatar) and do the "Peanut Butter Jelly Time" song and dance. Yeah, I thought it was quite a good episode overall. - mm

This is a bit off-topic (well, I guess that's what this forum is about), but this question is directed towards the Snare Guy (and anyone else, I guess). Did you see Family Guy this past Sunday? Brian and the Peanut Butter Jelly thing? That was hilarious! Oh man...I love Family Guy... - mm

BOA stands for Bands of America, and BOA is the premier marching circuit for corps-style bands. In my opinion, it is the BEST marching circuit, and only features the best of the best (perhaps I am biased, since I've never been associated with USSBA, or any other marching circuit besides UIL and BOA, but I still think BOA is the best). Of course, BOA is not just about marching contests; it tends to have more compeitions for marching bands, but they also have concert band programs as well. There are about 12 regional competitions for marching(about 30 bands compete in these), and 3 super-regional competitions (about 60 bands compete in these), in addition to a Grand Nationals competition (90 bands from all across the nation participate). BOA also has a Concert Band Festival, a Summer Symposium (for orchestra, concert band, jazz band, marching band, color guard, percussion, and special drum major training). BOA also has an honor band (and orchestra), and last year the BOA Honor Band marched in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California. BOA started out as MBA, Marching Bands of America, in 1975, and was initially spawned by a marching band supply company. Later in the 1980's, BOA split off to devote itself ENTIRELY to competition, and officially became a not-for-profit corporation later that decade. BOA commits itself to promoting "positively life-changing experiences" for students participating in their events. This is BOA in a nutshell, and if you want to learn more, you can go to their official website, www.bands.org. Hope this helped! - mm

Omg...LD Bell? Its a bit odd that they're not running around...lol. The odd thing is that I say Binary Systems RIGHT before I say the 1964 show...yeah...BIG difference. It's so weird how marching has evolved a LOT over the past few years...I have to agree with the person who said almost as much as computers. Also, I've seen the Spring show before, but it never ceases to amaze me...wow. I mean, that was a ground-breaking show. Anyway, thanks for all of the old media links, everyone. - mm

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to unify a piece of music? I usually have very good melodic ideas, but they sometimes seem hard to connect into a flowing piece of music. I know people go about composing differently, so does anyone here start by writing a motif, or do you sketch out your general chord progression, or what? I just want to hear some other opinions on how people start writing, because I figure that we could all learn a lot from each other. - mm

To our Lufkin friend, It seems that no one has told you, but this site has an amazing media section. I think the best way to learn about corps-style bands (or to learn about ANY style of band for that matter) is to watch them in action. Therefore, I recommend that you go to the media section and check out some audio, and if possible, some video. Among the best are Ronald Reagan, Winston Churchill, Westfield, James Bowie, Union, LD Bell, Richland, Marcus, Langham Creek (yes, Brian, I HAVE heard of Langham Creek), Cedar Park, and many others (please don't get mad at me if I didn't mention your band, I'm just thinking off of the top of my head). Please, go check them out - there are PLENTY of good band recordings and videos on this site...for FREE! And, they truly are amazing. - mm

Thanks. That helps out a lot. And remember, nearly every great musician was unconventional in some way, so don't feel ashamed. And, with a title like Blood, Hail and Fire, I think that some "breaking of the rules" is needed. - mm

A WEEK?! Man, I would bow down before you if I could. I mean, its taken me months just to write a 4-instrument piece the way I wanted it. Anyway, I wish the best of luck to you. Thanks to Thanksgiving Break, I will most likely be working on music 24-7, or close to it, at least. - mm

Ah...the ending did seem somewhat abrupt, but I was unsure of whether this was the composer or the program that did this. How long have you been working on this? What program are you using? - mm

I see...any other techniques that are common? Is there anything else that you can share? Not just Fortissimo, but ANYONE. I want this topic to be a market of musical ideas. A bit idealistic, I admit, but I think that everyone here would like to learn a bit more about music and composing itself. - mindfulmusician

I did...you see, while I was writing my post, you must have posted the link, so, I wasn't able to see the link until after I had written my post...I'm listening to it right now...very nice...

No problem, but I'd like it if you'd post a link once you get things settled out...the show sounds really interesting... - mindfulmusician

Ok, I have a question that I've been trying to figure out. When I tried this out on the piano, it sounded like I got the effect down right, but I'm not really sure. In a hit (a long note chord that's played REALLY loud, usually at a hold), usually the chord changes slightly at the end. It sounds like a common change is adding a major third somehow. Now, is this change made by inverting the chord, by adding a third at the top (it seems like you can usually hear the mellophones and trumpets clearly play a third higher), by doing both, or is it something different? I was just wondering. Any other commentary would be appreciated. - mindfulmusician

Umm...sorry, but I wasn't able to access anything. I was redirected to some other site... - mindfulmusician

Ok, maybe I missed this, but WHERE exactly can I get all of this marching stuff? After seeing the list of all of the shows that are offered, I would DESPERATELY like to see/download a lot of these. So, yeah, a link would be nice. Thanks! - mindfulmusician

I have to admit, I obviously had a misconception when I thought that bands that marched in the military style were primitive and backwards. At first, it seemed like it was just a block moving around on the field, but then things started getting a bit more "spicy", and I liked it. So, thanks for the video and educating all of us. Well done! - mindfulmusician

Personally, I like concert season just fine. True, I think that marching season trips, practices, and generally goofing around creates LOTS more memories, but I think that concert season is where one hones their skills and challenges themselves with music that tends to be more demanding. For example, I read above some about some school that is doing Hindemith's Symphony in Bb, Jupiter, Ella's Procession to the Cathedral, and lots of other stuff. I mean, that's crazy! I would LOVE to go to THAT concert. Anyway, I don't know exactly what my point is in this post, but I guess its that concert band season is good. By the way, is anyone familiar with Chorale and Allelulia by Howard Hanson? Just curious. - mindfulmusician

By Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity, I swear it was them! Were you with the middle school "slave labor" crew that carted off the pit stuff? Cuz I KNOW that 2002 was a tad before your time. - mindfulmusician

Do I smell loophole? I think I do. - mindfulmusician