[Dixielandjazz] Tuning - Redux and lowering DH's clarinet pitch.

[David Richoux]

For the "large band" I play with  (The California Repercussions) we   
use 2 tuning tricks. 1st - We tune from the bottom up - the tuba  
section gives the tuning note to the rest of the band and this works  
very well!. 2nd - Since we mostly play outdoors and in a wide range  
of temperature conditions  (usually either very hot or near freezing)  
(yes, in California!) we vary the tuning pitch from 440 to 442 to  
allow the instruments with limited correction ability to get into tune.

There is still the eternal quest of tuning 4 or 5 piccolos to the  
band pitch (and to themselves) but that is usually not a problem with  
most OKOM bands ;-)

Dave Richoux

On Nov 9, 2005, at 8:28 PM, Steve barbone wrote:

> And as Larry says, outdoors is a bitch, given temperature, humidity  
> etc.
> Perhaps that's why the "Rose Bowl" parade bands and others are so  
> out of
> tune. Or on a humid day outdoor gig, every wooden instrument is not  
> only out
> of tune with itself and each other, but much harder to play. Guitar  
> and Bass
> guys will tell you, "Man, it was like driving a dump truck today."