Chase Sanborn The Brass Tactics 6/60 Routine - Sanborn - Brass Instruments - Book

Circuit Training for Brass Players

Author: Chase Sanborn
Format: Book
Instrumentation: Brass Instruments

The Brass Tactics 6/60 Routine was born out of several considerations:

• Playing a brass instrument is an athletic activity and must be approached as such.
• There never seem to be enough hours to practice everything we want and need to practice.
• Most of us don't use our practice time as effectively as we could. Distractions are ever present.
• Concentrated effort is effective and efficient.
• A well-balanced menu is as vital for a brass player as it is for a human being.

The 6/60 Routine can be likened to circuit training. It consists of eight exercises to be performed in a specific sequence. Each exercise is carefully timed, including rests. No exercise takes longer than 6 minutes. The entire routine can be performed in less than 60 minutes. (See what I did there?)

A COMPLETE WORKOUT
The eight exercises that comprise the routine address virtually all aspects of sound production:

• Long notes
• Short notes
• High notes
• Low notes
• Loud notes
• Soft notes
• Slurred notes
• Articulated notes
• Scales
• Arpeggios
• Finger dexterity
• Leadpipe buzzing
• Mouthpiece buzzing
• Flexibilities
• Long tones
• Note bending
• Whisper tones
• Initial attacks
• Tonguing (Single / Double / Triple)
• Tone
• Endurance
• Intonation
• Mental Focus

LEVELS / VARIATIONS
Each exercise is presented in three different levels. Six of the eight exercises are presented in two variations, so that two different routines are available at each level.

MODULAR CONSTRUCTION
The most effective way to practice the routine is to perform one exercise after another with minimal rest in between. But each exercise takes you through the full range of the horn and can be performed separately, like a mini routine. This is a good option for those whose schedule more easily accommodates a number of shorter practice sessions throughout the day, rather than one longer session. Once you realize how much can be accomplished in just a few minutes, you'll discover there are more opportunities to practice than you may realize.

WHO IS THIS ROUTINE APPROPRIATE FOR?
The routine is presented in three levels to suit a range of players from intermediate to professional. A trumpet bias is evident, but all brass players face similar challenges and the exercises can be adapted to any brass instrument.