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| Missouri State University Trombone Ensemble | Greg Black Mouthpieces Booth | JMC and Jim Nova's Exhibit |
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| ITF All Stars Ensemble (Jim Nova on far left) | The Boston Brass with a solo from Christian Lindberg | Late Night Jazz Jam at the Bear's Den Pizzeria (Dr. Emmett Goods in orange, Delfeayo Marsalis in green) |
Generally speaking, entry-level woodwind and brasswind instruments are outfitted with entry-level mouthpieces suited for creating beginning tones.
While diligent practice and sound technique are most important, because the mouthpiece, after the embouchure, is literally where the sound begins, a better mouthpiece will improve the player's sound and response immediately.
Each instrument type has it own set of mouthpiece specifications and like instruments themselves, there are performance and pro-level options to choose from and a wide range of prices. If you or your young musician would like to learn more, contact your school band director, or speak with your private instructor or a JMC representative.
Amanda Sage is an accomplished flutist, having served as principal flute with the Pittsburgh Philharmonic, principal flute, and second flute/piccolo with Undercroft Opera, and has performed with the Edgewood, Westmoreland, and Johnstown Symphonies. Amanda also has 12 years of experience in private instruction and many years of experience teaching both instrumental and general music (K-12). Amanda is also an adjunct flute instructor at Mercyhurst University, as well as adjunct faculty lecturer in music at West Virginia Northern Community College. Amanda's students have experienced success in passing auditions for various middle and high school honor level ensembles, as well as colleges and universities. JMC asked Amanda what her advice is for auditioning; here is what she had to say:
It is important to remember that audition preparation is more than just practicing the technical aspects of your music. Make a playlist containing only your audition piece(s) and listen to it as often as you can. Get your hands on the score of the piece you are working on, and study what the other parts are doing, so you can be aware of how your part fits into the larger whole. Get to know the composer of your piece, and see if there are any interesting facts or history behind the music.
When you are practicing with your instrument, turn off your phone, and limit all distractions. It is also important to PLAN your practice (when you will practice, for how long, your goal for that session, etc.). Also, make the sessions interesting. Don't do the same thing, the same way, each time. Start in the middle of the piece some days. Change up some of the rhythms to help you learn challenging sections. Can you play some/all of your piece memorized?! Find ways to challenge both your fingers and your brain during each practice session.
Lastly, on audition day, aim to have fun, and play your heart out. I assume you've put in a lot of work up until this point, so there's nothing left to do but to get up there and do your very best.
The NAfME All-National Honor Ensembles (ANHE) represent the top-performing high school musicians in the United States. Students audition from all over the country for an opportunity to play in the All-National Ensembles. Joshua Mauer of Trinity Christian School was accepted into the All National Concert Band for French Horn. Mauer is a student of JMC Educational Sales Representative, Dennis Emert, who has been Joshua's private instructor since grade school.
Joshua will rehearse with Rodney Dorsey, the Chair of the Department of Bands and Professor of Music (Bands) at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University. He will also rehearse with the top high school musicians in the country. JMC is very proud of Joshua for his accomplishment and is honored to have Dennis working for JMC to provide support for music educators in western PA.
JMC North - Allison Park
JMC East - Golden Mile
