Powered by Music & Arts, the Woodwind & Brasswind Journal celebrates the legacy of Woodwind & Brasswind — the legendary musical-instrument retailer founded in South Bend, Indiana, in 1978. For nearly half a century, Woodwind & Brasswind served dedicated musicians of all ages and genres with expert customer support and an industry-defining selection. More than a store, Woodwind & Brasswind nurtured a vibrant community through its warmly remembered catalog, pioneering website and destination storefront. Today, the Journal continues that mission, offering artist interviews, lessons, gear guides and other features for discerning players who live and breathe music.

Theo Wanne in Thailand

Theo Wanne: Meet the Makers

Theo Wanne demonstrates the art of mouthpiece refacing at a clinic in Thailand, 2016. All images courtesy of Theo Wanne. The legendary saxophone mouthpiece designer tells the story of his hard-won success, and reflects on a lifetime of striving for peace and beauty through music.   If it seems like there’s something extraordinary, even otherworldly, […]

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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.

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Igmar_Kasia Idzkowska

Igmar Thomas & the Art of Big-Band Beats

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.

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Alexa Tarantino Saxophonist

Alexa Tarantino: ‘Family & Community & Good Vibes’

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.

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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

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Terence Blanchard

Jazz Brain / Classical Brain: A Survey

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.

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PRISM Quartet’s Matthew Levy

PRISM Quartet’s Matthew Levy: Profiles in Education

The director of the groundbreaking saxophone ensemble reflects on the teachers who changed his life, his own career as an educator, his Selmer horns and more.

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Bobby Sanabria

Bobby Sanabria’s Secrets of the Clave

One of Latin jazz’s greatest bandleaders offers tips for unlocking the foundation of Afro-Caribbean music.

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Doug Woolverton Trumpet Player

Doug Woolverton’s Modern Blues Mastery

One of contemporary blues’ premier horn players on transcribing guitarists, controlling his sound with effects pedals, and using open space like B.B. King.

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Donnie Marple Advice to Aspiring Musicians

10 Things We Learned About Donnie Marple

Lee Brice’s go-to drummer on Nashville, Neil Peart, Dave Weckl and the record-setting Stagecoach crowd that nearly made him cry.

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