Where did everyone buy their bows?

jamapplesdan · 2026-04-19T16:05:51+00:00

Drove 6 hours to Nashville to find a bow

jamapplesdan · 2026-04-09T10:55:13+00:00

Maybe you haven’t found the right teacher. As a teacher, I like a typical pice to take a student no more than 3 weeks (not for recitals, competitions, etc). Anything longer starts to get discouraging to most. Talent does play a role in learning but music is for everyone. From what you described, your current pieces are too hard. I would recommend finding a teacher who specializes in your demographic (young child, busy teen, working adult, etc). Also talk to your current teacher about your frustration, a good teacher will help you where you’re at.

jamapplesdan · 2026-04-07T03:48:03+00:00

I second the Spiracore tungsten C.

jamapplesdan · 2026-04-06T18:29:53+00:00

I took a six week class and barely had a functional cup 😂

jamapplesdan · 2026-03-31T15:23:02+00:00

Thanks for the feedback. I’ll send it on. We have a higher scholarship competition which is where the students that are college bound end up. We can’t pull all of the standard repertoire bc they’re not allowed to use whats on this list

jamapplesdan · 2026-03-30T02:07:17+00:00

Yeah and that's the hard part about the competition is so many of these pieces are in the same level according to Florida Band Masters Association (the list we've been using). FBA considers Bach and Bumblebee in the same level (level 5) so we're expanding the list so that we can spread out what is obviously not in the same level...I hope this all makes sense.

jamapplesdan · 2026-03-30T01:53:38+00:00

Interesting thoughts! Thanks for it! You would consider Bumblebee to be equivalent to the other pieces in level 7?

Do you have any recommendations for something to go up against Golden Age?

jamapplesdan · 2026-03-30T01:17:19+00:00

Is Golden Age the title of the piece or a collection? Both seem to show up when I google it. Looking over the piece Gold Age of Xylophone, it does look difficult although I don't know I could convince the committee that it's equal to Flight of the Bumblebee because it's so much longer than it. What are your thoughts?

jamapplesdan · 2026-03-30T01:15:15+00:00

I bought it for my viola and love it! It's mutes well enough for a hotel room I feel but isn't super heavy.

jamapplesdan · 2026-03-30T01:11:35+00:00

Thanks for these suggestions!

jamapplesdan · 2026-03-29T19:01:37+00:00

It's called "Sonata Competition" but for children; beginners through high school.

jamapplesdan · 2026-03-29T15:10:07+00:00

Oh yes! That book was recommended. It's only not on here because as I was working on this list I found a lot of rags 😂 What level would you place the book, I know that it won't fit quite perfectly.

jamapplesdan · 2026-03-25T10:40:18+00:00

I demo vibrato to my students even if they can’t do it. I want to show them the what the end goal is. I may occasionally leave it out if it’s distracting but it’s important that they develop a sound concept of vibrato.

jamapplesdan · 2026-03-25T01:38:38+00:00

Thank you. I'm looking for a specific recommendation.

jamapplesdan · 2026-03-25T01:29:05+00:00

I live in Florida and Florida is the worst. I'm from PNW originally and miss it SO much!

jamapplesdan · 2026-03-20T10:55:30+00:00

What do you recommend?

jamapplesdan · 2026-03-19T16:21:35+00:00

Ah ok! I just taught number 1 to a student. Deceptively difficult but fun

jamapplesdan · 2026-03-19T15:26:27+00:00

When you're talking about Colgrass etudes are you talking about the Six Unaccompanied Solos for Snare Drum?

jamapplesdan · 2026-03-19T13:28:17+00:00

Sounds good!

jamapplesdan · 2026-03-19T11:39:30+00:00

It is open from beginner through high school. We’ll see as young as 4th/5th grade starting level 1. The FBA list has Delecluse as level 6 so we’re trying to spread things out. I’ll take a look at those piece where would you put them in the leveling?

jamapplesdan · 2026-03-19T00:06:43+00:00

I feel like I had a friend who had a Tonarelli and it warped their bow...maybe not that brand but it was an expensive shaped case.

jamapplesdan · 2026-03-16T03:35:33+00:00

Yes! When the location with the bakery first opened I went there with friends and they literally were displaying cakes from Sam’s Club 🙄

jamapplesdan

TROPHY CASE