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Your go-to resource for all things band and orchestra

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Ludwig-Musser Brand Founders

Ludwig-Musser Education Percussion: Meet the Makers

William Ludwig and his son William Jr., both musicians as well as businessmen, represent the Ludwig brand, which bought Musser Mallet Percussion in 1966. Image courtesy of Conn Selmer. The history of Ludwig-Musser Percussion weaves together the stories of two pioneering companies and their visionary namesakes. From the beginning, music education has informed the mission […]

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Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy: Big Bad Master Class

As Yamaha clinicians, the swing-revival aces take their fun-loving approach to schools across the country. Glen “The Kid” Marhevka, featured trumpet soloist and lead clinician, reflects on music education and how the retro-swing movement changed the perception of band kids.   When trumpeter and educator Glen “The Kid” Marhevka looks back on all the shows […]

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Meet the Makers - Yamaha

Meet the Makers: Yamaha Band & Orchestra

The global giant in instrument-making, Yamaha has produced progressive, meticulously crafted products for well over a century. In this guide, we cover the brand’s storied history and survey some of its groundbreaking gear.   Yamaha is the world’s largest manufacturer of musical instruments, with a legacy spanning more than 130 years. The company’s unwavering quality […]

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Inspiring Artist Interviews

Quincy Jones and Christian McBride

Quincy Jones in Memoriam: Christian McBride Pays Tribute

Jones (left) and McBride backstage at the 2016 Monterey Jazz Festival, where the bassist served as musical director for an all-star tribute to the legendary producer. Credit: ©2016 Monterey Jazz Festival/R. Cole Thompson. McBride, one of jazz’s most important musicians and personalities, reflects on the musical and social genius of the late American icon. “The […]

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Igmar_Kasia Idzkowska

Igmar Thomas & the Art of Big-Band Beats

Thomas, whose Revive Big Band has a new album titled Like a Tree It Grows. Credit: Kasia Idzkowska. Leader of the Revive Big Band and collaborator to rap royalty, the trumpeter and composer-arranger offers expert guidance on making hip-hop work for a large ensemble. Back in 2010, Igmar Thomas found himself leading a jam session […]

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Alexa Tarantino Saxophonist

Alexa Tarantino: ‘Family & Community & Good Vibes’

Credit: Anna Yatskevich. In a new in-depth Music & Artists video interview, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra saxophonist talks about the importance of old-school ear training, the joyful camaraderie of big bands, and why making mistakes is a great way to learn. In many ways, the extraordinary career of saxophonist, woodwind doubler, composer and […]

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Tony Levin Bassist

Tony Levin: Profiles in Education

The legendary bassist on his school-band experiences, his greatest teachers and how his mustache led to the end of his tuba career. Plus: Inside Levin’s BEAT touring rig Around 2019, Tony Levin was deep into another tour with King Crimson, playing some of the most complex and intimidating prog-rock ever recorded. Warming up backstage after […]

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Terence Blanchard

Jazz Brain / Classical Brain: A Survey

Terence Blanchard. Credit: Cedric Angeles. Terence Blanchard, Ethan Iverson, Aaron Diehl, Helen Sung, Natalie Tenenbaum and other luminaries talk about the issues surrounding the jazz/classical divide—from technique and theory to conservatory culture and diversity.   “I didn’t know you were allowed to play the piano like that.” So recalls the acclaimed jazz pianist and composer […]

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Student Pianist Performance

Fight Stage Fright! Essential Tips for Harnessing Performance Anxiety

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Tony Levin Bassist

Tony Levin: Profiles in Education

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Sherrie Maricle Drummer

Sherrie Maricle: Secrets of Big-Band Drumming

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Terence Blanchard

Jazz Brain / Classical Brain: A Survey

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