Posted by Chuck Jackson on May 03, 2001 at 20:26:21:
In Reply to: Contra-Octave in band playing posted by Austin H. on May 03, 2001 at 17:31:29:
I have to go with Joe on this. I conduct frequently and am the MD of the Las Vegas Brass Band. THE most annoying thing in the world is a tuba player who drops an octave and plays out of tune. Judicious use of octaving at a F or louder on chorale like sections makes an impact. TOO MUCH gets in the way of inner lines and can muddy the ensemble. I used to take huge liberties in the military with octaves when I was playing with Lee Stofer or Mark Stauffer, but it was agreed upon in advance and never more than one person in the section got to be the "low-boy" on any given tune. Lee generally used a 5/4 Rudy and I used a 3/4 Rudy, so most of the "low-boy" work was done, quite nicely, by him. If Lee reads this, I still have the 1990 Omni Christmas Concert with Greensleeves (Reed). That was a goody.