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Random Monday: Cramped quarters, decibels and organ bells
Between a rock and a hard place
Easter weekend is a good payday for many brass players. Mine gig was in the choir loft mostly, a bit close to the huge organ pipe cabinet. I used to complain vehemently about this kind of setup; now I just use the wall as a reflecting shield and play everything a little softer than usual.For reference:
70 dB = vacuum cleaner
90 dB = screaming child
100 dB = jackhammer, chainsaw
120 dB = car horn at 3 feet
140dB = gunshotI pulled out my iPhone decibel meter app during the organ postlude and at its loudest, it registered a constant 92db, with random peaks to 104db. It is a really cool sound, but the delicate mechanics of the inner ear once damaged do not resurrect (even on Easter). Protection was required.
- What oboe players think of us
A little horn humor at Obohemia.
- Reflections from last week
From last Thursday – I would like to thank the many readers who helped me realize a lifelong goal to RickRoll hundreds of people at once.On Saturday – the NCAA basketball team from Butler University advanced to the championship final. I couldn’t dribble a basketball if my life depended on it, but as a side note – over 25 years ago Darin Sorley and I played together in the Butler University Wind Ensemble, while we were both still in high school.
- Site server issues
Over the weekend the server that hosts Horn Matters was (and might still be) spotty at best. Unfortunately this is all beyond our control. These problems should clear up soon.
- All in the family
At Will Kimball’s blog, we learn about the Distin family brass quintet which included two natural horns. This article is just one of many included in Kimball’s 19th Century Trombone History Timeline.
- Organ explosion
In a photo from the same gig, the organ trumpets were bursting with light flares.No wonder it was so loud!
One for the record
This passage was a bit tricky to play out-of-the-blue, after a long rest.
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