Composer / Arranger / Trombonist - Stan Bann - The Writing Desk http://stanbann.com/blog.html Stan Bann: The Writing Desk Jannis' PHPRss class - http://www.jannis.to/ Wed, 20 Oct 2010 08:54:04 -0700 Why Do We Write? http://stanbann.com/blog.html/why_do_we_write For whatever reason the creative urge (arts, music, prose, poetry) is incredibly powerful and compelling. From talking to many people there are a few universals (self expression being one of the more common, for example) but the specific, addictive reward that keeps one following a singular artistic course varies for each of us. What is your specific reward and why is it so powerful in your life?

]]> http://stanbann.com/blog.html/why_do_we_write Wed, 01 Sep 2010 14:32:03 -0700 Composer / Arranger / Trombonist - Stan Bann - The Writing Desk The Big Bone Band SOUND! http://stanbann.com/blog.html/the_big_bone_band_sound As the final chord of the Como Park concert wafted out across the lake Stan Bann's Big Bone Band wrapped our second full summer season of outdoor concerts in the Twin Cities. As always I headed for the front of the bandstand to thank our audiences personally and to get their feedback on what they liked, didn't like, or just to add to my collection of bad jokes. (I always get some groaning fodder after the concerts!!)


The most consistent comment over SB4's two year stint has been that people love the sound of the low brass choir. It's a sound I've loved for years. I'm delighted to share in their discovery of it as well!!


People are surprised that a front line of six trombones, euphonium (which many people still comment on looks like a tuba that was left in the dryer too long), and tuba has the wide emotional and sonic range it does. The variations and shadings possible with this group are phenomenal. From velvet, mellow pads to roaring, raging excitement and swing ... it's all there!


While the majority of my own playing has been on the trombone in recent years I started off as a euphonium player through high school. I kept it going during my Berklee days and have always loved the beauty of the instrument. Over the years hearing players like Rich Matteson, Ashley Alexander, and James Morrison bring the horn into the jazz realm has always been a treat. Henry Mancini's scoring for euphonium is another nod to the inherent quintessential feel of "cool" it possesses.


I've been blessed to have euphonium players in the band who add a lot to the proceedings. Ken Vork, Lauren Vork, Jim tenBensel, Brad Bellows, Jenn Shodis, and others have added much to the depth of the Big Bone Band sound. A personal thanks to all!


"Prelude and Jazz" is a work of mine in process that features three euphs and tuba at the top with the rest of the Big Bone Band bones chiming in and prodding things along. We've performed the "Prelude" in public already. Listen for the full embodiment in our fall concerts!!


In hindsight the sound shouldn't be a surprise. A four trombone background was the quintessential cool sound behind many vocalists in the 1950's and 1960's. Let's not forget the great trombone playing big band leaders like Dorsey, Miller, Will Bradley, Sy Zentner, Warren Covington, Russ Morgan, and others.


So perhaps this is more like getting together with an old flame, remembering how good it felt to be together, and rekindling old romantic embers.  After all ... what's not to love about trombones?


What are your thoughts on our "High Octane Low Brass" sound??

]]> http://stanbann.com/blog.html/the_big_bone_band_sound Composer / Arranger / Trombonist - Stan Bann - The Writing Desk