• Music Store

    Band Instruments, reeds and more..

    The same reeds and gear I use for my own professional engagements, along with prices that match the big stores we offer valuable advice. 

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  • Repairs

    Professional Performing Musicians, Band teachers and Discerning Amateurs send their instruments to us.  Expert woodwind repairs and advice that only a first class performer and repairman can give. Since 1991 serving the North from Prince George. Clarinets, Flutes, Saxophones, Oboes, Bassoons are

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  • Sponsors of

     the New Horizons  Band For adults with no or long ago musical experience. Join us Mondays at 500-730 1st Baptist Church in PG. New beginner group underway  from  5-6 . for more info call the Director Simon Cole at 250-563-4693 or

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  • Reserve Clarinet Mouthpieces

    ( Simon Cole plays Prarie Dawn ) (Copland)

    Inspired by the most prized, vintage mouthpieces of the 1920s, the Reserve harnesses modern technology, pioneered by D’Addario, to recreate the incomparable craftsmanship found in these legendary works of art. 

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New Music

Progress

"The pattern of progress can be compared to an oncoming tide-wave after wave moves onward seemingly with the same upsurge, but once in a while, one of the waves reaches ahead of the others, and then seems to be followed by the others, until the same motion occurs anew. Progress always moves forward-it is never still. The minute one feels that a certain level has been achieved at that precise moment one stops progressing, unless one tries to reach a higher level still or else regression starts and the level goes down. Perfection does not exist, but the ambition to reach it makes for unending progress and self satisfaction."  Bonade 

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Cole's Music Band Instruments sales repairs lessons

Playing sharp (that is to say out of tune)

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Simon Cole


It's never too early to start talking about musical basics; rhythm, pitch, tuning, musicality etc..

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RCM Exams

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Super User
Created on Friday, 11 June 2010 14:44

A great way to cover the basics and (eventually) get school credit.

  • You must take an hour lesson
  • You must commit to regular practice 60 min a day at least.
  • You must buy the RCM syllabus and be responsible for your exam material ( part of the program is learning how to think for yourself and take responsibility)
  • You must buy the music and study books immediately.
  • You must purchase 2 copies of all pieces and study books (I do not lend music out as it always gets damaged.)

Grade 6 RCM clarinet scales

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Simon Cole
Created on Friday, 23 March 2012 01:16
These are the complete technical requirements for the exam; all scales and arpeggios and the chromatic scale. You can play along with it (using the PDF),and adjust the speed. To play along select transpose and major second, you can download it as a PDF (right click save as). Unless you have the habit of doing your scales every day you will NOT be able to play these from memory for the exam. As I always say scales for musicians are like pushups for the athlete. Your pieces are the most important part of the exam then your studies if you are not dedicated and take too long to get the pieces etc. down it will not leave time for scales so practice them from day 1. Make sure you have a copy of the RCM Syllabus and refer to it often to remind yourself of details like articulations scale speeds and ear training. It is your responsibility. If you are having a short 30 minute lesson instead of the hour I recommend for students taking an exam it is all the more critical that you be self motivated to practice and stay on top of exam requirements or you will forget.
http://www.sibelius.com/products/scorch/index.html

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Simon on the radio

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Super User

This is the unexpurgated radio interview with Peter Clemente on CFIS 93.1 in Prince George. and Simon talks about the New Horizons band on cbc earlier this month. both take a few seconds to load

Authorized dealers of Nobel Band Instruments

Nobel Clarinet

Nobel_clarinet14041 Bb CLARINET, brushed hard rubber body for a wood-like sound and finish, wear resistant nickel plated keys, waterproof Valentino pads, French blue steel needle springs, genuine cork bumpers and tenons, bell ring, 65mm Moenig bore barrel, light case with back pack straps. The quasi-indestructible nature of Valentino pads render the Nobel completely airtight and fully resonant. A best choice for a sound investment. $495

 
Every clarinet is set up and play tested before sale, most stores do not do this. This clarinet has had some undercutting of higher tone holes and resetting of pad heights done for better pitch and tone.

The material, reverse taper barrel and design give this clarinet a more mature rich sound when compared to standard student clarinets costing hundreds more. I have played one in the orchestra for outdoor concerts.