Welcome to Gaia! ::

For introductions, I present myself, Javinus. As I type this up and prepare it for its debut here at the Band Geek Guild on GaiaOnline.com, I am twenty-two years of age and happily married. I am a music enthusiast, playing various instruments for at least twelve years through middle, high school, and college. Now, I am a music teacher and professional musician. I specialize in stringed instruments, but am equipped and prepared to direct also band and chorus. My primary instrument is violin, but I also play piano, the rest of the orchestral string family, sing, and have mild experience with woodwinds, brass, and percussion. I enjoy interacting with students of all ages, and all my students say they enjoy interacting with me.

My only real shortcoming in terms of the musical culture would be in depth knowledge and experience of Marching Band, but before anyone goes to make assumptions about me, I am doing my research and learning more everyday. I may know more than you think for an orch-dork.


I am creating this thread for a one-stop place for Gaians with questions about general music. Leave an inquiry about music theory, music history, general practices and 'Why do I have to do this in class?' type questions, and I, as a music teacher who was once a student taking music classes like most of you, will answer them. I will answer them clearly, concisely, and accuratley. If a question presented it outside of my knowledge, I will do my best to find the answer for you. If that cannot be done, I will honestly let you know that I do not know, but here is a good direction to head to find out for yourself. I will also be checking this thread daily (or near daily) to avoid unanswered questions. In other words, you can count on me!

I have started a similar thread in the Orchestra/Concert Band Discussion subforum. For those seeking assistance with string-related questions, please head there. I will not, due to lack of expertise, create similar threads pertaining to the other families of instruments. I humbly ask for forgiveness for this neglect.

I ask that we avoid asking skill-based questions, such as how to finger this note, or where to find some breathing exercises in this thread. I would also like to avoid social-based questions ("Do you really think a chorus person can join marching band?") and repertoire-based questions ("What are some good pieces for us to play?")


Please leave questions about the following:
- Music theory
For example, "Is there such thing as a C-double sharp?"


- Music history
Such as, "What was the name of that composer who died of 'a directing accident'?"


- Classroom/teacher practices
Like, "Why does my BD force us to do practice charts?"


I look forward to sharing knowledge with everyone.

Pertaining to the French Horn: Are there any extremely difficult/rhythmic solos for the Horn? I'm debating on solo's to learn.. and now, I'm leaning toward a Mozart Concerto. What would you suggest?

Okay! I am also going to put in random facts and vocabulary (music based, of course) to help stimulate our minds and hopefully prepare us for the inevitable learning of the Italian, French, and German languages that pertain to our craft. I will update this on a weekly basis alongside welcoming any questions.

***

First, we have the difference between ritardando (commonly notated as "rit."), rallentando (rall.), and ritenuto.

The one thing they all have in common is that their origins are Italian.

Get this. Ritardando and rallentando mean very much the same thing. They are defined to gradually slow down. The two are like the similarities between the English "run" and "sprint." They are used interchangeably, so it's good to be familiar with both.

Ritenuto is the black sheep of the three. Yes, it does indicate to slow down just like the other two. However, it tells us that we need to slow down immediately instead. For those who drive, it's like the difference between softly pressing the brake to ease into a stoplight, and slamming on the pedal to avoid a deer in the road.



That is our musical fact for the week!

I have a fairly subjective question, and if you don't feel like answering that's fine.

When writting lyrical music, do you, personally prefer writting the music to accompany first or do you look to write the lyrics first?
I've got almost no lyricist experience, so I'd like some pointers, if you could.