Employee Spotlight | The Man, The Myth, The Mather

Wednesday, January 31, 2024 No Comments

We are so excited to be bringing back a series that has remained dormant since 2019, and that would be our Employee Spotlights! We have some truly wonderful people working here at Paige’s Music, and I’m looking forward to sitting down with each and every one of them (whether they like it or not) to highlight what makes them such an integral part of Paige’s Music.

Up first is the “vibe master” himself, Trevor Mather! Trevor was a fresh graduate of Ball State University when he started working at Paige’s Music in 2021. Since then, he has quickly established himself as a go to resource for students and pros alike looking to upgrade their gear. On top of his responsibilities here at the store, Trevor puts his Jazz Performance degree to work with the Hickey-Schanafelt 9ollective, as well as various other groups in the Indy jazz scene. One thing that always amazes me about Trevor is his ability to balance his work, with the things he enjoys for fun, which includes but is not limited to: Bowling, Running, Videogames, Fishing, Grilling, and being a good father to his cat, Poko. We’re truly fortunate to have someone like Trevor add to the coolness factor around here, because when he is around you know that you’re in for a good time, and that everything is going to be alright!

Euphonium Endurance: Essential Tips for Improving Lip Stamina

Euphonium Endurance: Essential Tips for Improving Lip Stamina

Monday, January 29, 2024 No Comments

Are you a euphonium player struggling with lip fatigue during long rehearsals or performances? You’re not alone! Many brass musicians face this challenge, especially when tackling demanding pieces like Philip Sparke’s “Harlequin”. As a seasoned euphonium player and a fan of this particular composition, I’m excited to share my insights and tips to help improve your endurance and performance.

1. Focus on Embouchure-Building Exercises 

Don’t neglect your long tones, lip slurs, and other fundamentals just because you’re trying to get all the notes in a tough piece. I like to dedicate one practice session, preferably in the morning, to these fundamental “workout” routines, so I can focus my later session on the repertoire. There are tons of resources available for these types of exercises, but I like Total Range a lot.

2. Enhance Breath Support

Developing proper breath support will make your chops work more efficiently, and won’t get tired as quickly. Breathing exercises that help with lung strength/capacity are a great starting point, but you also want to work on supporting your air with your “core” while you play. I recently watched a clinic from a trumpet player who talked about practicing while wearing a weightlifting belt in order to zone in on the specific muscles that support your diaphragm, and it’s a really eye-opening experience! I may expand on this in the future when I’ve had more time to really test it out.

3. Utilize Strategic Resting Points

Find spots in the music itself where you can get the mouthpiece off your face, even for a split second. As long as you have time to reset your embouchure, try to take breaths with your lips completely off your mouthpiece. It takes a little practice to get right, but it’s really crazy what that tiny little fraction of a second can do to get blood flowing back into your lips.

4. Practice Relaxation Techniques

Relax! And I mean this in an overall sense. The more relaxed your mind is, the more relaxed your body will be, and the more relaxed your body is, the less tense your chops will be. Less tense means you’re not working as hard to produce each note, which will make your playing much more efficient. There are a lot of relaxation techniques you can try, but my personal favorite way to be relaxed in a performance setting is to simply be as prepared as possible. That means not only learning the piece inside and out, but also doing “dry runs” of the performance in front of people, as many times as I can, in order to get used to the feeling of performing, which can’t be replicated in a practice room.

Improving endurance for euphonium players is a multifaceted approach involving embouchure exercises, breath support, strategic resting, and mental relaxation. Even if you’re short on time, focusing on just one of these aspects can lead to noticeable improvements, not just in playing Harlequin but in all your performances.

What are your experiences with improving endurance on brass instruments? Share your stories and tips in the comments below!

Winter Care for String Instruments: Tips to Prevent Damage

Tuesday, January 23, 2024 No Comments

These unpredictable cold winter months can pose challenges for string instruments, often leading to issues like slipping pegs, open seams, cracks, and a diminished overall playing experience. However, there are simple steps that string players can take to mitigate these problems, primarily related to temperature and humidity.

A combo Thermometer/Hygrometer can run you less than $20

Optimal Humidity Levels for String Instruments

During the winter months, the air becomes dryer due to lower temperatures and heating units in buildings. The optimal humidity range for string instruments is between 40% and 60%. In winter, humidity levels can plummet to as low as 10%, causing the contraction of wood fibers, leading to cracks, open seams, and peg slippage. To combat this, consider these solutions:

  • Room Humidification: Keep the room where your instrument is stored humidified. There are many cost-effective humidifier options available. Maintaining a humidity level of 40-60% can help preserve your instrument’s health.
  • Humidity Control Device: An alternative is to keep your instrument in its case and use a humidity control device. Boveda offers an excellent product called a humidity pack, which can maintain humidity at 50% within the case.

A small humidifier like this can save you a lot of trouble down the road.

Preventing Cold Weather Damage

Cold temperatures can also contribute to instrument issues. It’s essential to remember that cold weather can cause similar problems, as molecules cannot retain enough moisture. Here are some precautions to take:

  • Avoid Leaving Instruments in Cold Vehicles: Never leave your instrument in a cold car while you go shopping or run errands. Cold temperatures can lead to cracks and open seams. Treat your instrument as you would a pet; if you’re uncomfortable, your instrument likely is too.

Meet Katie McDonald – Our New Flute Specialist!

Friday, January 19, 2024 No Comments

It only took a few months of being on the job, but I think it’s finally time for an introduction! My name is Katie McDonald, and I’m the new Flute Specialist here at Paige’s Music. I started here back in July 2023, and I am so excited to be here and to get to work with some incredible flutists in Indiana!

In 2020, I graduated with my Master in Music Performance degree at the University of Louisville, where I studied with Kathy Karr. Since graduating, I’ve been building a flute studio in the Southern Indiana area where I still teach today, and I’ve been playing first flute with the Indiana University Southeast Concert Band. As a flute teacher myself, I think it is so fun to get to work with students and professionals and be a part of their musical journeys in helping them find their next flute!

I am a dog mom to two giant Great Pyrenees named Polar and Bear (yes they really do look like polar bears!). Bear especially likes to lay at my feet while I play the flute. When I’m not working here or teaching, you can find me kayaking, hiking, knitting, or reading a good book!

If you want to get in touch or learn more, feel free to follow the Indy Flute Shop Instagram Page, as well as my own Social Media Channels. We already have some great things in the works for 2024, so make sure you’re following to keep up with all the latest happenings in the Flute world!

Upgrade Your Sax Game for the New Year

Thursday, January 11, 2024 No Comments

Greetings to all the dedicated saxophonists out there, especially our aspiring high school players and their supportive parents. As we usher in a new year, it’s time to set fresh goals and aspirations, and for many of you, that may include an essential step in your musical journey – upgrading your saxophone.

We understand the unique path that saxophonists tread, and we’re here to provide you with valuable insights into the world of saxophone upgrades.

1. Elevate Your Sound Quality: Right off the bat we’ll get some terminology out of the way. A “Step Up” tends to be an umbrella term that consists of both intermediate and professional offering for an instrument. The transition to a step up saxophone brings forth a remarkable improvement in sound quality. Your notes will resonate with greater richness and clarity, allowing you to express your musicality to the fullest. This enhancement is especially important for saxophonists looking to shine in high school performances, solo endeavors, and ensemble settings.

2. Enhanced Playability: Step up saxophones, especially pro level saxes, are meticulously designed to ensure smooth and effortless playability. The keys respond with precision, granting you superior control over your instrument. This level of responsiveness is a game-changer when you’re tackling intricate melodies and techniques, instilling confidence in your performance.

3. Diversify Your Repertoire: Upgrading your saxophone opens up new horizons when it comes to exploring different musical genres. Whether you’re working on making the changes on your favorite jazz standard, transcribing Bach Cello suites, or drawn to contemporary music (Donny McCaslin and Snarky Puppy’s Bob Reynolds come to mind), a step up saxophone equips you with the versatility to expand your repertoire and master diverse musical styles.

4. Ignite Musical Inspiration: Think of your new saxophone as not just an instrument but as a wellspring of inspiration. The thrill of playing on a superior instrument can reignite your passion for music. It can motivate you to practice diligently and explore uncharted territories in your saxophone journey.

If your goal for this year is to elevate your musicianship or support your budding saxophonist in reaching their full potential, give us a call and set up an appointment today. Here, you’ll find a diverse selection of intermediate and professional saxophones, guided by yours truly. You’ll have the opportunity to test and compare instruments to discover the perfect fit for your musical style and aspirations.

In conclusion, as you embark on a promising new year filled with musical possibilities, consider investing in your saxophone journey by exploring advanced instruments. Make 2024 the year you elevate your saxophone playing to new heights. Join us at our store, and let the journey begin!

 

Dr. Josh’s 5 Tips for ISSMA Prep

Friday, January 5, 2024 No Comments

ISSMA Solo and Ensemble is only a few weeks away! All of us at Paige’s Music are wishing you the best as you prepare for the competition. Here are a few tips to consider!

  1. Run the Full Piece – It’s really easy to just practice the easy parts and/or the hard parts of your piece and then we forget to run through the whole thing! You want to make sure to play through the piece multiple times without stopping before you go to competition. Unfortunately, I have seen students play through entire piece for the first time at competition and it usually does not go as well as they’d hoped.
  2. Practice for an audience – It is very common to be nervous playing in front of your friends, family, and the judges at contest. Make sure that you are practicing in front of others (maybe even a few people that make you nervous) so you feel a little more comfortable heading into your solo or ensemble performance!
  3. Simulate Getting Nervous – If you do get nervous, practice getting nervous so you know how to react! This can be done in a few different ways. You could play in front of someone that would cause you to get nervous like your teacher or a friend. Some people will run around or do something active to get their heart racing similar to when they are nervous. Then, you will hopefully be more comfortable when your heart starts to race during your performance!
  4. Practice Getting Distracted – There are a lot of things that can happen during your performance that you can’t control! Sometimes, these things can be distracted and if you aren’t prepared it can effect the way that you play! So, I highly recommend practicing in front of others and asking them to distract you. Then, when you walk into the performance, you are ready to stay locked in and focused throughout the duration of your piece!
  5. Everyone Wants YOU to Succeed! – Always remember that everyone in the room wants you to succeed! They are there to support you and want to see you perform a great solo! Even the judge wants to give you a good score!

If you are looking for ways to practice these things, sign up for our Test Drive Your Solo event! We all wish you the best at ISSMA Solo and Ensemble!

Instrument Maintenance Tips – Winter Break Edition

Wednesday, January 3, 2024 No Comments

Instrument Maintenance Tips – Winter Break Edition

Whether you are intentionally taking some time away from your instrument over the holidays or have been playing every single day for the past week and a half, now is a great time to give your instrument some much-needed TLC. We recommend having your instrument checked by a professional every six months. If it hasn’t been that long yet, follow these tips to maintain your instrument until your next tune-up!

  1. If your instrument is broken, have a professional inspect it. Anything from loose bracings, broken keys, to a warped bridge—we will take care of it for you! Even though winter break is almost over, it isn’t too late to bring your instrument in for repair. We will get you checked into our system and can even provide you with a loaner to take back to school while we work on the repairs. Once your instrument is playing as good as new, our district managers will work with your music teacher to get the loaner swapped out and reunite you with your instrument.
  2. Don’t leave your instrument in the cold car! To and from school, maybe a quick stop to run an errand or two isn’t the end of the world, but prolonged exposure to cold is not good for any instrument, especially dangerous for string instruments. Brass instruments can be fine if left in the car on occasion, but it is never recommended to move a slide or valve while the instrument is too cold or even frozen. If this happens, always wait for the instrument to slowly come back up to temperature before you start playing. If a string instrument is exposed to cold temperatures, have your instrument inspected to make sure no seams were opened, and the tuning pegs and bridge are still intact.
  3. Give your instrument a bath – If you play a brass instrument (Trumpet, Trombone, French Horn, Tuba, Euphonium), now is a great time to give your instrument a “bath”! Start by filling up a bathtub or utility sink just enough to submerge your instrument in water. Ensure the water is lukewarm; if it’s too hot, it might damage or strip off the protective clear lacquer on your instrument. Before submerging your instrument, remove all tuning slides, valves, and valve caps. Add a few drops of a mild detergent like Dawn dish soap, which will help break down any grease or grime build-up. Keep in mind that felts and corks should stay dry during this process, so do NOT submerge them but keep them off to the side. Once your instrument has soaked for about 10 minutes or so, rinse off any excess soap and brush out your slides and valves (being careful not to get the felts wet), and then let the instrument air dry. Once dry, lubricate your slides and valves, and you should be ready to put the instrument back together!
  4. For woodwinds, on your key rods, make sure that all your screws are securely placed but not too tight. Having a small screwdriver set in your case might not be a bad idea if you feel any loose screws on the go. If your pads are looking dirty or sticky, consider stopping in and picking up some Pad Paper. But if you’re in a pinch, a clean piece of paper or a crisp dollar bill will do the job. Simply take the paper and place it between the tone hole and the pad, press down evenly, and then slide the paper out while the pad is down. Repeat the process on any other noisy pads.

Hopefully, these tips will have you ready to go for the new school year! A little time away from practicing never hurt anyone… at least we think so? But if you do need to take a break from playing, make sure you take the time to give your instrument the TLC it needs to keep you sounding as great as possible!

3rd Annual Test Drive Your Solo Is ON!

Wednesday, December 27, 2023 No Comments

Are you someone who suffers from stage fright or performance anxiety? Are you someone that absolutely loves to play your instrument, but the idea of playing in front of a group of people seems unthinkable? Sometimes all you need to do to shake off the performance jitters is to get some sort of run through or performance under your belt. If you’re looking for a low stakes opportunity to run through your solo AND get some valuable feedback on your feedback, then “Test Drive Your Solo” (TDYS for short) is the event for you!

Register for “Test Drive Your Solo” here!

Test running your solo isn’t the only benefit of TDYS! Think of it as a full simulation of what your ISSMA Solo and Ensemble day will look like, from preparing a healthy breakfast in the morning to fuel your performance, staying hydrated and focused, arriving to your appointment early and utilizing that time efficiently for a good warm up, honestly this list could go on and on.

The final benefit is the feedback you will get from our incredible judges! While the average ISSMA time slot is 7 minutes, our time slots are 10 minutes, which gives you plenty of time to play through your solo and to get some feedback from judges who have years of experience preparing students for ISSMA, or have been ISSMA judges in the past.

One final opportunity, and we can’t stress this enough…ASK ALL THE QUESTIONS! The clinicians will be a great resource for you that day, so ask them any and all questions you have if you have the opportunity. Did you run out of time with your judge but still have questions? Our very own instrument specialists will also be available to answer any questions you might have too.

We’re so excited to be putting this event back on in our brand new space, so be sure to join us and Test Drive Your Solo! We’ll have more content coming out soon with tips and tricks to get the most out of your ISSMA prep, so keep an eye out for that as well!

Register for “Test Drive Your Solo” here!