Okay, so I wanted to talk about my experience with improving my horn score, specifically focusing on the low range. It’s something I’ve been messing around with for a while now, and I think I’ve finally cracked the code, or at least made some serious progress.
When I was younger, I really struggled with the low range. I mean, I could hit the notes, but they sounded weak and kinda airy. Not the sound you want, you know? It was frustrating because I felt like it was holding me back. I watched a lot of horn players developing low range for about thirty years, it’s a long time!
So, I started experimenting with different techniques. One thing I tried was playing these descending 5-note scales. Nothing fancy, just going down five notes, then taking the horn off my face for a quick break, and resetting. I did this over and over, focusing on keeping the sound consistent and full, even on the lowest notes.
- Play 5-note descending scales.
- Take the horn off your face for a second.
- Reset and repeat.
Another thing that made a huge difference was realizing that working on just one part of your range is a bad idea. Like, if you only focus on high notes, your low notes will suffer, and vice versa. I started incorporating exercises that targeted my entire range, and that’s when I really started to see improvements across the board.
I also discovered some cool musical expressions and mash-ups. It’s like finding hidden treasures in the music. And I used them in my practice. Made things way more fun.
I found some materials that were super helpful, especially for brass players who want to improve their low register. There’s this one method with studies on high and low horn excerpts that are pretty challenging, but in a good way. It’s by some guy named Randy Gardner, I think. Anyway, it’s worth checking out.
Keep Range in Mind
Oh, and one more thing: when you’re writing for stopped horns, it’s better to keep the notes within the treble staff. The higher you go above top G, the trickier it gets, or so I’ve heard. I’m no expert on that, though. I mostly just play what’s in front of me.
It took some time and a lot of practice, but I can finally say that my low range is solid. It’s not perfect, but it’s way better than it used to be. And the best part is that my overall playing has improved because of it. It’s like everything is connected, you know?
So, if you’re struggling with your low range, don’t give up! Just keep experimenting, be patient, and you’ll get there. Trust me, if I can do it, anyone can.
