The term 'wind band' covers a very wide spectrum of ensembles – from school and community bands to university and professional level groups. In the UK amateur music scene it is quite common for the different types of wind bands to perform each others' repertoire, and many people don't even realise there are differences between them. However, as a medium the wind band has its own unique characteristics which need to be taken into account when preparing and performing music.
One of the big problems is that a wind band can sound very top-heavy compared to an orchestra or brass ensemble. It's important that this imbalance is addressed in rehearsal and performance.
This can be done by ensuring that there are enough players per part in the lowest sections and making sure the strongest musicians are on the front line of each section. Also, it's worth making a note of the fact that a wind band will typically include more oboes than clarinets and more flutes than bassoons. It is therefore very easy for the higher parts to'swallow up' the lower voices and if this is not addressed the balance will be off.
Another issue is that wind instruments tend to lack the rich harmonic colours available in the string section of an orchestra. This is a problem when playing complex music. The solution to this is for the conductor to 'think musically' and use dynamics effectively, and also for the upper parts to make sure they are blending in with the lower voices. Timothy Reynish, who developed a very successful wind band programme at the RNCM in Manchester, uses the phrase "forte is a light dynamic". This means that musicians should play with lightness rather than power.
In the past, concert bands played a vital role in patriotic festivals and celebrations by pumping out popular tunes that really resonated with the public. This created a huge demand for quality wind band compositions. However, the quality of concert band instruments at that time made it difficult for composers to write pieces with the correct number and type of parts for the appropriate instrumentalists. It was also a major challenge to ensure that the correct parts were in tune and matched the required rhythms.
Wind bands continue to Windband be a very important form of musical expression. They provide an opportunity for students to develop their musical skills in a group context and to learn a vast amount of repertoire, from the classics through to new pieces by living composers. They also serve as an important educational instrument for all ages, including young children.
The Herberger Institute Wind Bands perform a wide range of wind band music at concerts in the University community and throughout the Valley. They have also performed at the College Band Directors National Association, American Bandmasters Association and the Music Educators' National Conference Conventions. The bands strive to encourage personal musical growth through the development of a positive and productive rehearsal environment.
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