TromboneStuff

I'm done

2008-02-18T19:40:00.000-08:00

This blog has been fun, but I'm done.
Check here for the stats:
http://www.sitemeter.com/?a=stats&s=s28trombonist

Sorry 'bout this...

2008-02-14T16:38:00.001-08:00

HowManyOfMe.com

There are
0
people with my name
in the U.S.A.

How many have your name?

"...the lad with the broken Strad."

2008-02-14T14:22:00.000-08:00

This is what materialism will get you.

Sorry bout the ad

2008-02-08T12:51:00.000-08:00

Finally a good use for a Ford.

"...Dionysian pianists care about Dionysian pianists, whereas Apollonian pianists care about music."

2008-02-06T08:54:00.000-08:00

Another great article by Bernard Holland of the NYTimes.

"Technique is not about muscle building but about optimal allocation of resources. More happens faster and more clearly with the minimum of gesture. Weight and relaxation, not force, make big sound. So much energy is squandered on these melodramas for the eye — and so much attention diverted — that it is a wonder our pianistic thespians can hear themselves at all."

Fire One Up for Obama

2008-02-01T23:50:00.000-08:00

Seriously. "Bob Weir, Mickey Hart, Phil Lesh & Friends!" Concert on Monday to build momentum into Super Tuesday. I'll be working the polls all day. It's my first time. I'm pretty excited. I mean, I don't think the work will be all that exciting, but I'm just happy to be participating on a level higher than just voting. It's fun.

The Freeway Philharmonic

2008-01-26T07:13:00.000-08:00

Joshua Kosman has a great write-up on the unbelievable freelancing scene in the Bay Area for the SF Chronicle. 40 orchestras within a couple hundred miles! The money quote:

"It's a tough business to go into, and I wouldn't encourage anyone to do it unless they're crazy abut music and love to practice."

Obama, Trombones and Sports Illustrated

2008-01-26T07:03:00.000-08:00

From SI On Campus (right below a nice pic of Obama showing his abilities):

And if you think I'm only mentioning this so I can use the word "tromboner," you're wrong...

UConn Trombone Day

Broken Promises

2008-01-24T18:42:00.001-08:00

I Wouldn't Steal

2008-01-22T15:46:00.000-08:00

The amazing thing about the internet is that we all have a voice. The voice expressed in this video (which I support, and can share with you) is battling against a landslide of "facts" and "truth" coming from the RIAA and MPAA. You can have a voice too. Pass this video along to your friends and family. Expose them to a voice contrary to what the mass media entertainment industry is pouring down their throats everyday. Thank you.

Music for Math Nerds

2008-01-20T13:43:00.001-08:00

I'll put this in my toread list.

Music: a Mathematical Offering

This book on the mathematics of music by David J. Benson has been made available as a FREE pdf file. And according to the website it is continuously being updated with the most recent update coming August 23, 2007.

To get an idea of what is covered in the book, check this from the website:

Current Chapter Headings (online version):

1. Waves and harmonics

1.1 What is sound?
1.2 The human ear
1.3 Limitations of the ear
1.4 Why sine waves?
1.5 Harmonic motion
1.6 Vibrating strings
1.7 Sine waves and frequency spectrum
1.8 Trigonometric identities and beats
1.9 Superposition
1.10 Damped harmonic motion
1.11 Resonance

2. Fourier theory

2.1 Introduction
2.2 Fourier coefficients
2.3 Even and odd functions
2.4 Conditions for convergence
2.5 The Gibbs phenomenon
2.6 Complex coefficients
2.7 Proof of Fejér's theorem
2.8 Bessel functions
2.9 Properties of Bessel functions
2.10 Bessel's equation and power series
2.11 Fourier series for FM synthesis and planetary motion
2.12 Pulse streams
2.13 The Fourier transform
2.14 Proof of the inversion formula
2.15 Spectrum
2.16 The Poisson summation formula
2.17 The Dirac delta function
2.18 Convolution
2.19 Cepstrum
2.20 The Hilbert transform and instantaneous frequency
2.21 Wavelets

3. A mathematician's guide to the orchestra

3.1 Introduction
3.2 The wave equation for strings
3.3 Initial conditions
3.4 The bowed string
3.5 Wind instruments
3.6 The drum
3.7 Eigenvalues of the Laplace operator
3.8 The horn
3.9 Xylophones and tubular bells
3.10 The mbira
3.11 The gong
3.12 The bell
3.13 Acoustics

4. Consonance and dissonance

4.1 Harmonics
4.2 Simple integer ratios
4.3 Historical explanations of consonance
4.4 Critical bandwidth
4.5 Complex tones
4.6 Artificial spectra
4.7 Combination tones
4.8 Musical paradoxes

5. Scales and temperaments: the fivefold way

5.1 Introduction
5.2 Pythagorean scale
5.3 The cycle of fifths
5.4 Cents
5.5 Just intonation
5.6 Major and minor
5.7 The dominant seventh
5.8 Commas and schismas
5.9 Eitz's notation
5.10 Examples of just scales
5.11 Classical harmony
5.12 Meantone scale
5.13 Irregular temparaments
5.14 Equal temperament
5.15 Historical remarks

6. More scales and temperaments

6.1 Harry Partch's 43 tone and other super just scales
6.2 Continued fractions
6.3 Fifty-three tone scale
6.4 Other equal tempered scales
6.5 Thirty-one tone scale
6.6 The scales of Wendy Carlos
6.7 The Bohlen-Pierce scale
6.8 Unison vectors and periodicity blocks
6.9 Septimal harmony

7. Digital music

7.1 Digital signals
7.2 Dithering
7.3 WAV and MP3 files
7.4 MIDI
7.5 Delta functions and sampling
7.6 Nyquist's theorem
7.7 The z-transform
7.8 Digital filters
7.9 The discrete Fourier transform
7.10 The fast Fourier transform

8. Synthesis

8.1 Introduction
8.2 Envelopes and LFOs
8.3 Additive synthesis
8.4 Physical modeling
8.5 The Karplus-Strong algorithm
8.6 Filter analysis for the Karplus-Strong algorithm
8.7 Amplitude and frequency modulation
8.8 The Yamaha DX7 and FM synthesis
8.9 Feedback, or self-modulation
8.10 CSound
8.11 FM synthesis using CSound
8.12 Simple FM instruments
8.13 Further techniques in CSound
8.14 Other methods of synthesis
8.15 The phase vocoder
8.16 Chebychev polynomials

9. Symmetry in music

9.1 Symmetries
9.2 The harp of the Nzakara
9.3 Sets and groups
9.4 Change ringing
9.5 Cayley's theorem
9.6 Clock arithmetic and octave equivalence
9.7 Generators
9.8 Tone rows
9.9 Cartesian products
9.10 Dihedral groups
9.11 Normal subgroups and quotients
9.12 Orbits and cosets
9.13 Burnside's lemma
9.14 Pitch class sets
9.15 Pólya's enumeration theorem
9.16 The Mathieu group M12

Appendices

Appendix A: Answers to Almost All Exercices

Appendix B: Bessel functions

Appendix C: Complex numbers

Appendix D: Dictionary

Appendix E: Equal tempered scales

Appendix F: Frequency and MIDI chart

Appendix G: Getting stuff from the internet

Appendix I: Intervals

Appendix J: Just, equal and meantone scales compared

Appendix L: Logarithms

Appendix M: Music theory

Appendix O: Online papers

Appendix P: Partial derivatives

Appendix R: Recordings

Appendix W: The wave equation
Green's identities
Gauss' formula
Green's functions
Hilbert space
The Fredholm alternative
Solving Laplace's equation
Conservation of energy
Uniqueness of solutions
Eigenvalues are nonnegative and real
Orthogonality
Inverting the Laplace operator
Compact operators
The inverse of the Laplace operator is compact
Eigenvalue stripping
Solving the wave equation
Polyhedra and finite groups
An example

Bibliography

Index

Overcoming Anxiety

2008-01-20T12:18:00.001-08:00

How to Attain Serenity Before Giving a Speech

I believe the ideas in this article apply directly to anyone preparing for a musical performance. I can remember standing in the hallway outside of the performance hall before many solo performances. I tried stretching, breathing exercises and various yoga poses, all in an effort to relax and get into "the zone".

From the article:

"When I was in elementary school my teacher told me when I was preparing go on stage to deliver a speech during our third-grade play to 'wiggle your toes and it will make your nervousness go away.' Alas, I tried Mrs. Gorman's suggestion and it worked like a charm!"

Some extremely useful links from the article on breathing:

Vacuuming the Lungs (some great illustrations)
Deep Breathing (LifeHack.org)

More Politics

2008-01-17T18:52:00.000-08:00

Sorry for more non-TromboneStuff, but I'm supporting John Edwards and the MSM (Mainstream Media) are ignoring him. I read today that CNN decided to drop him from their latest poll. What's up with them thinking they can decide who can be a candidate and who can't?! That's not to mention their treatment of Kucinich, and don't even get me started on what they did to Ralph Nader.

The Political Discussion

2008-01-17T18:01:00.000-08:00

We're heading into a huge election year. By some of my past posts you might have guessed at where my political beliefs stand. I think that Paul Krugman really sums it all up with this:

"I know we’re supposed to pretend that we’re having a serious discussion in this country; but the truth is that we aren’t."

I'm reading his latest book right now and I've been a fan of his blog since it began. He's gotta be the most progressive voice in the blogosphere right now, and he backs it all up with the real numbers. I usually have at least a few issues with most of the liberal blog personalities out there, but I can't remember a single word of Krugman that I've disagreed with. Definitely check out his stuff.

OrganStuff?

2008-01-12T22:07:00.001-08:00

This is just too good not to pass along.

Ethel Smith.

AltoTromboneStuff

2008-01-10T07:15:00.000-08:00

So, one of the things the other trombone players at the BCMW have been doing in recent years is learning to play the alto trombone. I've never had the need, or access to an instrument, so I've never tried. I'm playing concerts with the Eureka Symphony in February, and on the program, among other things, is The Barber of Seville Overture by Rossini. The original part is for alto trombone, and the second bone player has lent me his alto trombone, so I'm going to take the plunge. I was messing around yesterday for a little while, and I really like the instrument. Nice open sound. I did play some alto sackbut (in F) in the early music ensemble in college, but that was more than a few years ago now. I'm really looking forward to this challenge.

Anyway, one of the first things that I needed to find was a slide position chart for the Eb alto trombone. Done. Check out Robert Kehle's Alto Trombone Page. There are pages on discography, equipment, slide position charts, literature, and research abstracts. This is an invaluable resource for any alto trombonist.

Let me hear you SCREAM!!!!!!!!!

2008-01-08T09:12:00.000-08:00

Bernard Holland examines the silence of modern vs. historic concert audiences. Why is it so quiet these days?

Elias Canetti’s 1960 book “Crowds and Power” offers the best metaphor for modern concerts: the Roman Catholic Mass. Worshipers accept instructions from an executive operating from a raised platform at the front. They speak when spoken to and otherwise shut up. Mr. Hamilton attributes a lot of this recently acquired holiness to the recording age, but I think it has more to do with Germanic art’s taking itself deadly seriously. Every Mozart sonata is like Wagner’s “Parsifal,” and listeners should get down on their knees.

I say make as much noise as you possibly can. And don't be ashamed. It's the only thing that could possibly save classical music's relevance to modern western society/culture.

PoliticalTrombone

2008-01-05T23:44:00.000-08:00

Apparently an interesting thing happened at the Republican debate tonight (1/5/08). Mentioned here.

But perhaps the most memorable was the fellow tooting a trombone and holding a sign asking people to honk for inclusive debates. (Fox has caught fire from some candidates, from editorial boards and from the state Republican Party for cutting Ron Paul and Duncan Hunter tomorrow night.) He put down the trombone to quote Dylan Thomas to traffic: "Rage, rage against the dying of the light!" he advised.

Of course the trombone player was the most memorable. I have had the opportunity to use my trombone in marches and protests. It is a powerful weapon. Just you wait. When the revolution comes, it will be the trombones who will be marching in front.

Also mentioned here:

A group of Ron Paul supporters is out front of the college, greeting people at the entrance and simultaneously supporting Paul and protesting the need for a "free speech zone." They've got a huge banner: "Don't Tax Me, Bro" and a Wookie and a trombone player.

How It All Ends

2008-01-04T14:37:00.000-08:00

Global Climate Destabilization

All it's really about is Risk Management. It's very simple.

Pass it forward.

Because you won't care about the trombone when your house is under water and you have no clean water and edible food.

How a (S.E. Shires) Trombone is Made

2007-12-29T23:24:00.000-08:00

Shires website

TSA Stole My Toothpaste

2007-12-29T23:11:00.000-08:00

I traveled over the holidays. In my toiletries bag in my suitcase I had a bottle of aftershave, a bottle of shaving cream, and a brand new tube of toothpaste. All three were confiscated because they exceeded the 3 oz. limit on liquids allowed on board an airplane. What a ridiculous rule! It's only in place to remind every person traveling by air to BE AFRAID. And of course, you have to throw away your bottle of water before passing through the security gates, but you can purchase a new bottle of water for the equivalent of $12/gallon on the other side. How ridiculous! How wrong! Why are we allowing this to happen? Every time I fly now, I only think about one thing... how nice it's going to be in 13 months with a new president and hopefully new, rational policies regarding air travel security.

Patrick Smith of the NYTimes has my back:

“The notion that deadly explosives can be cooked up in an airplane lavatory is pure fiction,” Greene told me during an interview. “A handy gimmick for action movies and shows like ‘24.’ The reality proves disappointing: it’s rather awkward to do chemistry in an airplane toilet. Nevertheless, our official protectors and deciders respond to such notions instinctively, because they’re familiar to us: we’ve all seen scenarios on television and in the cinema. This, incredibly, is why you can no longer carry a bottle of water onto a plane.”
....
“I would not hesitate to allow that liquid explosives can pose a danger,” Greene added, recalling Ramzi Yousef’s 1994 detonation of a small nitroglycerine bomb aboard Philippine Airlines Flight 434. The explosion was a test run for the so-called “Project Bojinka,” an Al Qaeda scheme to simultaneously destroy a dozen widebody airliners over the Pacific Ocean. “But the idea that confiscating someone’s toothpaste is going to keep us safe is too ridiculous to entertain.”

SuperTromboneStuff

2007-12-27T08:16:00.001-08:00

(It's Only a) Paper Moon and Georgia on My Mind
Performed by Manhattan Jazz Orchestra's bone section SuperTrombone
Jim Pugh, Conrad Herwig, Larry Farrell and David Taylor

Paper Moon

Georgia on My Mind

Good Tones

2007-12-24T14:52:00.000-08:00

In Memoriam

Oscar Emmanuel Peterson (15 August 1925 – 23 December 2007)

12 Days of Christmas

2007-12-21T12:41:00.000-08:00

Though, I believe they begin on Christmas and extend to 12 days after, not 12 days before as is commonly believed.

The hot new item the trombonist in your family will love this holiday season

2007-12-12T21:57:00.000-08:00

Introducing...

iBone