Posted by Matt G on May 04, 2001 at 13:49:12:
In Reply to: Contra-Octave in band playing posted by Austin H. on May 03, 2001 at 17:31:29:
My opinion:
Octave doubling works when the piece is either a organ transcription that originally had the pedal line down there or the notes are written there already. 99.9% of the time are efforts are better spent playing the note that is written in tune and on time with musicality. Practicing this stuff down an octave on your own can help when it is moved back up the octave in terms of air effeciency. However, if one is observant enough and feels that there may be a good spot for this, asks the conductor, and does this within the realm of good taste, than octave displacement is acceptable.
Matt G