EST. 1998: SBO+ IS THE NATION'S LEADING MUSIC ED PUBLICATION FOR PRINT/DIGITAL/WEB FOR OVER 25 YEARS!
EDUCATORS SUBSCRIBE FOR AS LOW AS $0.00! CLICK HERE!
EDUCATORS SUBSCRIBE FOR AS LOW AS $0.00! CLICK HERE!
-
Drillmasters Rolled-Heel Marching Shoe
Mike Lawson | July 21, 2014The Rolled-Heel’s technology, recently awarded patent protection, is designed to help student marching foot technique become automatic. The Rolled-Heel’s design is built to “groove” students’ step into proper technique. That benefit is indispensable to the consistent success of a marching program, while also offering flexibility and light weight for unrestricted movement and foot articulation. […] Read More... -
Kaces Cello & Upright Bass Bag
Mike Lawson | July 21, 2014Kaces’ newly redesigned University Series bags for Cello and Upright Bass feature 12mm high density foam padding, a bow pocket, accessory compartments, and multiple double-stitched handles. All University Cello bags additionally include padded backpack straps. Symphony Series Cello and Bass bags are constructed using extra-thick 20mm high density foam, a velour lining, and a rigid […] Read More... -
On-Stage U-Mount with Snap-On Cover
Mike Lawson | July 21, 2014The u-mount line is designed to mount tablet computers onto stands. The full-size Snap-On™ back covers are a tough combination of high-strength velvet-textured plastic and aluminum, available in purple, black, gunmetal, or mauve. The mini models feature the same textured high-strength plastic throughout. Precision cutouts provide access to all the tablet’s buttons and data/charging ports. […] Read More... -
D’Addario Reserve Cut Clarinet Reeds
Mike Lawson | July 21, 2014The Reserve cut for clarinet is built on a standard thickness blank and features a shorter vamp, rounded tip corners, and a traditional tip thickness. Reserve Bb Clarinet reeds are offered in boxes of 10 and packs of two reeds in strengths from 2.0 to 4.5 with a special 3.0+ strength. The Reserve Classic cut […] Read More... -
Jupiter 1100 Series Saxophones
Mike Lawson | July 18, 2014The 1100 Series saxophones combine classic hand-crafted design and modern technology. Featured is the new Sona-Pure™ neck, which undergoes a special annealing process, giving the instrument a full, rich sound with a solid attack. In addition, a G key adjusting screw and adjustable rocker key octave mechanism facilitate quick adjustments by the performer/educator. jupiterinstruments.com Read More... -
Vandoren Extended ‘Masters’ Clarinet Mouthpieces
Mike Lawson | July 17, 2014Vandoren’s Masters clarinet mouthpiece line has been expanded with the addition of the ‘13’ series which is pitched at A=440. Previously available in two distinct models, Vandoren has also added the CL6 model to the ‘13’ series as well as the standard A=442 series. The Masters line features a unique exterior shape and chamber design, […] Read More... -
JodyJazz 9* Model Tenor Mouthpiece
Mike Lawson | October 15, 2013
Read More...
The new DV CHI Tenor 9* provides a larger facing and now offers the widest tip opening (.125) in the range. The DV CHI series is designed to produce a darker, less bright tone than the contemporary sound of the JodyJazz DV, but a considerably brighter more modern tone than the JodyJazz DV NY. The baffle/chamber design of the DV CHI allows the player to push more air through the mouthpiece without experiencing any harshness. The DV CHI range is silver-plated. -
Cremona SV-130 Student Violin
Mike Lawson | October 14, 2013
Cremona now offers their SV-130 Premier Student Violin Outfit in a choice of six colored finishes, in addition to the standard warm brown finish that is familiar to all. Students can now choose from the available five sparkling colored finishes: Black, Blue, Green, Purple and Rose. The violins utilize material fit for not only beginning students, but more advanced players as well. As with every Cremona instrument, each SV-130 is hand-crafted from fine tonewoods with both the tops and backs hand-carved and graduated.
Read More... -
Yamaha VC3 Cello
Mike Lawson | October 11, 2013
Read More...
Yamaha’s new V Series Violin and Cello outfits are designed for beginning student string players and feature three violins and three cellos in one-half, three-quarter and full sizes, respectively. Components featured in the V Series outfits include ebony pegs, D’Addario Prelude strings, a composite tailpiece with four fine tuners, wood bow with ebony frog, and sturdy shaped ABS plastic case. -
Cervini Student Violin Outfit
Mike Lawson | October 10, 2013
Read More...
With its traditional red finish and select spruce top, maple back, sides, and neck, the HV-100 has the beauty to match a quality tone. The fingerboard and fittings are of dyed hardwood and the Cremona VP-201 bridge is of select, aged maple. A lightweight, composite tailpiece with four built-in fine tuners makes tuning easy for the novice. -
Repair: Servicing Brass Instrument Tuning Slides
Mike Lawson | April 8, 2011Servicing brass instrument slides can be rewarding. With only a few affordable supplies, some basic knowledge, and a little time, you can greatly affect the playing condition of your brass inventory, stretch your repair budget, and have fun getting your hands dirty at the same time! Servicing brass instrument slides can be rewarding. With only a few affordable supplies, some basic knowledge, and a little time, you can greatly affect the playing condition of your brass inventory, stretch your repair budget, and have fun getting your hands dirty at the same time!
Examine
Stuck slides on brass instruments are usually the result of neglect: infrequent cleaning and lubrication and, sometimes, improper lubricants. Also, examine the slides and connected tubing for dents, as well as for loose braces and solder joints. Don't try to free slides that have any of these issues, or slides that are adjacent to loose braces, as this could lead to further damage. Please refer these jobs to a professional repair shop.
Read More... -
How to Buy a Step-Up Trumpet
Mike Lawson | August 5, 2009I started playing cornet in third grade and switched to a professional trumpet my second year not due to any great improvement on my part, but because my older brother who was going to high school switched from trumpet to French horn and I inherited his trumpet. I thought that I sounded a lot better on the trumpet, but at that time in my life I was also convinced that a new pair of sneakers would enable me to run faster and jump higher.
Even though I switched to a professional trumpet at an early age, generally the ideal time to purchase a step-up instrument occurs at the transition from junior high/middle school to high school. I spoke with several successful junior high band directors about this and they all agreed on this timetable but also pointed out that exceptions can be made in the case of an advanced and noticeably dedicated student. Students entering high school are also often inspired by the level of "older" players around them as well as exposure to more challenging and sophisticated music.
When buying a step-up instrument, parents must consider whether their child is mature enough to appreciate and care for the instrument. I remember teaching a seventh-grader several years ago with well-to-do parents. They wanted the best for their child so, against my advice, they purchased the most expensive trumpet on the market. Within months, this beautiful instrument looked like it had been through a war zone.
Read More...
