Recording the band during rehearsals

[nafmeadmin]

Here is a good question. I recorded my jazz band yesterday during rehearsal, and while we were recording, the music sounded pretty good to me. I was actually pleased with the way it sounded. However, when I listened to the recording, I spotted several errors, such as rhythm, wrong notes and such. But the worse part was the intonation. While we were recording it sounded fine to me, but on the play back the intonation was absolutely awful. Does anyone else have this problem, and if so, how do I fix it so I can hear what my ensembles are playing? Is it just me? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[nafmeadmin]

I’ve had the issue before with not so hot recording equipment. It tends to wash out the bass, and make everything very top heavy, which will lend itself to an out of tune sound.

If intonation is actually a problem (you think), close the score and step away from the group. Get back and really just listen to what they are playing. Intonation issues should seem obvious at that point. It’s hard sometimes to not hear what you wish you heard when it’s your own group.

[nafmeadmin]

This is always surprising to me too. I tend to start recording a few weeks before contest, and I’m always shocked to hear how some parts are not what they seemed during rehearsal. I usually let my band listen to it the next day so they can hear what needs to be worked on.

My suggestion would be the same too. Once you get to the point that you don’t need the score, close it, step back, and just listen. Be as picky as you can – every little bit helps. Maybe have a friend or colleague sit in during a rehearsal for a second opinion (maybe even ask the choir director to come listen to intonation).

[nafmeadmin]

Yep. It happens and the recordings don’t lie, though they can seem to over emphasize some things, but in the end, wrong notes, rhythms and out of tune is just that. I just got a brand new band room with recording always available at my fingertips and I plan to use it a lot this year.

[nafmeadmin]

What equipment are you using to record?

[nafmeadmin]

I appreciate the time you have taken to respond. It was rather discouraging when I heard the recording. I used a Tascam DR-07 which is a nice recorder, and I have had this same problem with it in the past. I have also made it a point to get step away from the score as some of you have suggested and it made all the difference in the world. I could hear things a lot better and the intonation was much better.

It is nice to know that others have the same problem. Makes me feel like I am doing something right!

[Author]

Posts