Basic Music Theory

by Ron Goldenberg

For those of you interested in music theory I would recommend that you try the website

www.Musictheory.net

It’s not only written in an easy-to-follow format, but it is also extremely well done with examples and pictures. Topics range from notes, rests, time signatures and key signatures to intervals, chords/triads all the way to chord progressions and more complex topics. There is something for everyone at any level of experience.

And best of all …….. it is FREE!!

Spread the Word!

by Ron Goldenberg

The West Island New Horizons Band is gearing up for its fall session, which will start on September 22nd. So, dust off your instruments and register now! Invite all your friends to register too!

In addition to welcoming back current members, the band hopes to attract as many new members as possible for the new session in order to reverse the decline in membership caused in recent years by this pesky pandemic. To that end, we will be advertising in the Suburban newspaper for three consecutive weeks starting on August 24th. We have also produced a small flyer and business card that will be left in strategic locations on the West Island. These will be placed in libraries, music stores and other locations where we hope to spark the interest of new musicians. A sample of the flyer is shown below. If you would like to distribute some flyers, please let us know.

The best advertising, as always, is word of mouth. We are counting on you to spread the word! Tell your friends, family, neighbours and colleagues to join in the fun of making music together. If you can, please upload the flyer on your social media accounts to help with this effort.

The search continues for a new Music Director, but we are happy to confirm that Christian has agreed to continue as Music Director until we find a suitable replacement.

We look forward to making music together soon. Please register at www.westislandnh.com

The Goldenblog - 2021, July 24th

Standard of Excellence Book 1 and 2
Get the backing accompaniment

by Ron Goldenberg

We use the Standard of Excellence books as part of our rehearsal repertoire from time to time.

The books come with CDs that play the band part for each practice piece as a background for your instrument’s part. When you are practicing on your own it is much more beneficial and enjoyable to play along with the accompaniment.
This music is available for free online.

For Standard of Excellence Book 1 go to:
https://kjos.com/standard-of-excellence-book-1-cd-part-1-2.html

For Standard of Excellence Book 2 go to:
https://kjos.com/standard-of-excellence-book-2-cd-part-1-2.html

You must click on the AUDIO tab to access the music.

Happy practising!!!
Ron

The Goldenblog - December12th

Playing Along with a Backing Track

by Ron Goldenberg

The most pleasurable moments that I have when playing alone in the depths of my basement are when I play along with a backing track. There are several kinds of backing tracks available but the ones that I purchase usually have several instruments playing a song in which the melody is left out. I fill it in with my saxophone. For instance, I purchased the backing track for the jazz standard Misty from jazzbacks.com (approx. C$11). The download came with PDF sheet music for the lead/melody instrument for three types of instruments: a C instrument (like a flute) a Bb instrument (like a Clarinet, Tenor sax, Trumpet …) and an Eb instrument (like an Alto or Bari sax…). It also came with a backing track with piano, drums and a bass.

You get your sheet music ready put on the track and away you go. You are the lead in a quartet! Sounds awesome and is a real rush.

I would like to share this great experience with you so I have put sheet music and a backing track on a Google drive which you can access at the link below. I have included the songs Misty and the Shadow of Your Smile for your playing enjoyment.

The sheet music for Misty is missing the first 4 bars and the 4/4 time signature. The first 4 bars are a rest and you come in on beat 4 of bar 5. I included a little audio segment for those of you who need assistance with the count in. The Shadow of Your Smile also has sheet music for bass instruments in C.

Please enjoy yourself thoroughly. I would love to hear from you to know what you think and how you are enjoying it. Please email me, rongold@videotron.ca.

Here is the link.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/13dZMeU2r8eS6IvrvhPMTRXmo-POKNv7p?usp=sharing

Happy holidays to you and your families!

The Goldenblog - October 24th

PPE for All WINHB Band Members

by Ron Goldenberg

The Board of Directors of the West Island New Horizons Band insisted that all members of the band be protected to the fullest extent possible when we return to rehearsals. All distancing protocols will be strictly followed to ensure a safe experience. In addition, the Board authorized the purchase of PPE for every individual.

This PPE consists of a mouthpiece mask for all musicians that allows for the instrument to be played when the mask is worn. When the mouthpiece is removed the opening closes itself. Each instrument will have its own protection as well. For the brass instruments, where all the aerosols are emitted from the bell, we have purchased bell covers. For the woodwind instruments, where the aerosols escape all along the instrument, we have purchased “bags” to put over the instrument to capture the aerosols. These “bags” have holes for the hands and for a neck strap if applicable.

It is a little odd and uncomfortable to be playing this way but it in no way effects the sound of the instrument. The added protection is well worth the discomfort. The PPE is all machine washable.

The PPE will be supplied at no cost to the members and will be distributed in the next month or so as soon as we receive all of the product. This way we can all practice with the PPE to feel more comfortable when we meet as a group. We were given an opportunity by the Government to request additional funding to top up the Seniors Grant that we received in March of this year for any COVID-19 related additional expenses. The top up is not guaranteed, however, it does seem likely to happen.

As previously mentioned, we will do everything possible to allow us to play together as soon as it is wise. We believe that the PPE, though not foolproof, goes a long way to increase the safety of our wonderful group. Please see the picture below of our model playing the alto sax with the PPE.

Hope to be playing with you all soon!!!

Hope to be playing with you all soon!!!

The Goldenblog - June 30th

by Ron Goldenberg

Good day everyone!

This is my first blog posting and I am excited to be reaching out to you. We are all anxiously awaiting the return to music making and the day seems to be getting closer and closer.

In the meantime, we will be holding our AGM (annual general meeting) on July 23, 2020 so please ensure that you attend. Invitations to the ZOOM meeting have been sent out to all band members.

For all of you saxophone players out there I would like to share a personal experience on my playing journey. I joined the McGill Music Sax School (not related to the university) and have found it to be incredible value for the money. Nigel McGill often promotes the school and gives free unlimited access for a short period of time. The website has hundreds of lessons delivered by video that range from beginner to pro. The site contains many popular song lessons that take you through the basics. The sheet music and a backing track are almost always included too. Give it a whirl. You will probably enjoy it.

Stay safe out there.

Hope to see you soon.

Ron

Visit us on Mondays, from 6:30pm, and on Thursdays, from 6 pm, at:
Christ the Redeemer Lutheran Church - 57 Westpark, Dollard des Ormeaux, H9A 2J8, Montreal West Island

Go to REGISTRATION CONTACT US!