https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com2026-01-29 14:23:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/what-s-the-difference-between-a-string-orchestra-and-a-full-orchestraA String Orchestra and a Full or Symphony Orchestra aren't the same. Here are the key differences between the two and they aren't as simple as you might think.2026-01-17 10:04:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/what-kinds-of-chords-are-in-concert-band-compositionsExamine the variety of chords and progressions that Composers and Arrangers for Concert Band have to choose from.2025-12-17 11:00:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/celebrating-christmas-through-musicInsights into celebrating Christmas through music.2025-12-13 10:14:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/help-the-soloist-is-missingHere's how to get a concert back on track when the soloist is missing.2025-11-26 10:19:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/gratitude-for-god-s-wonderful-gift-of-musicHere are a few great reasons why Gratitude expressed through music is doubly good2025-11-11 10:38:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/a-choral-group-needs-to-sing-new-musicIt's essential to keep your choral group's spark of freshness alive with new music.2025-10-22 10:08:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/how-a-string-orchestra-can-stay-in-tuneHow to get and keep your string orchestra in tune.2025-10-13 16:17:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/how-a-concert-band-can-stay-in-tuneHere are great ways to keep your Concert Band (or any band) in tune after they've tuned to A440.2025-09-15 11:31:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/anatomy-of-a-composition-silent-night-song-of-light-for-piano-solo-and-choral-groupSee how this unusual arrangement of "Silent Night" was crafted.2025-09-05 10:29:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/keeping-your-choir-in-perfect-tuneHere are some guaranteed ways to keep your choral group in tune, while rehearsing and in concert.2025-08-25 15:15:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/how-a-string-orchestra-director-can-assess-the-quality-of-the-orchestraHere's how to tell if you have a truly great string orchestra.2025-08-08 12:26:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/how-a-concert-band-director-can-tell-how-good-the-band-isHere are more concrete ways to tell how good your Concert Band is.2025-07-25 15:18:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/best-conducting-techniques-for-all-ensemblesHere's how to communicate clearly and concisely as a conductor.2025-07-09 11:58:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/anatomy-of-a-choral-arrangement-a-thousand-yearsDiscover the intriguing process behind my arrangement of "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri.2025-06-18 10:03:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/how-the-overtone-series-affects-music-composing-and-arrangingLearn about the science behind good music - The Overtone Series2025-06-09 10:33:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/why-student-concert-bands-and-string-orchestras-don-t-play-togetherHow hard can it be for strings and winds to play together? Harder than you think.2025-05-27 14:59:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/how-a-choral-director-can-assess-the-quality-of-a-choral-groupHere's how to assess your choir and address any issues.2025-05-12 12:09:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/how-to-tell-if-a-piece-of-classical-music-is-greatNot all classical music is great. Here's the ultimate way to tell if a Classical Music piece is truly great.2025-05-05 11:49:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/how-to-tell-a-concert-choir-from-a-show-choir2025-04-25 15:09:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/playing-in-a-string-orchestra-is-good-for-your-healthHere's a variety of ways that Playing in a String Orchestra is good for your all-around health.2025-04-17 10:19:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/concert-etiquette-for-musicians-and-audienceConcerts are great, but everyone has to do their part if everyone is going to enjoy them.2025-04-11 10:17:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/how-to-add-spice-to-a-concert-band-arrangement-1I do Concert Band Arrangements with special features in mind. Here's how it's done.2025-04-01 14:20:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/why-commissioned-musical-works-cost-so-muchHere's why a Commissioned Work for a Music Ensemble Costs so Much.2025-03-26 16:28:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/selecting-section-leaders-in-a-choral-groupHere's how to find that special person it takes to be a Choral Section Leader.2025-03-20 10:17:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/determining-first-and-second-chairs-in-string-orchestraHere's how to accurately and successfully choose first and second chairs for your String Orchestra.2025-03-12 10:13:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/how-playing-in-a-band-improves-a-student-s-education-1More evidence that playing Concert Band Music is great for the mind of a student of any age.2025-03-06 09:51:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/successfully-teaching-dynamics-to-teen-age-music-students-introductionTeaching the nuances of dynamics in music to teen age students can be tricky. Read about some great methods here.2025-02-24 11:11:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/inspiring-high-school-age-students-to-practiceHere are some ways to encourage high school age music students to practice to improve their skills.2025-02-18 11:50:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/how-playing-in-a-band-improves-a-student-s-educationHere are some challenges of singing in a Choral Group and the ways that they can be overcome.2025-02-12 12:02:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/anatomy-of-a-composition-fascination-with-you-for-a-variety-of-instrumentsA Fascinating Account of how "Fascination With You" was written.2025-02-06 10:21:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/how-composers-and-arrangers-can-meet-a-band-director-s-hopesFind out where the balance between the expectations of Band Directors and Composers/Arrangers should be.2025-01-28 09:41:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/dealing-with-a-struggling-musicianHow to know when to let someone go from a music ensemble.2025-01-20 12:55:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/revitalizing-your-choral-group-after-a-breakHere's how to help your Choral Group get back in the swing of things after a break.2025-01-16 09:54:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/reigniting-passion-in-a-string-orchestra-after-a-breakHere are some great ways to get your string orchestra playing at their best again after a break.2025-01-06 11:51:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/motivating-your-concert-band-after-a-breakUse these strategies to help you inspire and motivate your band to play their best after a break.2024-12-24 10:09:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/the-music-of-christmas-1Christmas Music should Honor the Christ2024-12-16 10:30:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/what-to-do-when-the-soloist-can-t-performWhat to do when the soloist, the heart of a piece, can't perform.2024-12-02 10:27:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/matching-music-to-a-string-orchestra-s-skill-levelA String Orchestra Conductor can identify the best music for the ensemble this way.2024-11-25 11:25:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/why-we-should-be-grateful-for-god-s-gift-of-music-1Here are some ways to make gratitude for God's gift of music more real in your life.2024-11-19 10:48:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/singing-in-a-choral-group-improves-your-lifeParticipating in a Choral Group will change your life.2024-11-13 10:44:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/overcoming-challenges-in-playing-in-a-concert-band-introductionHere is how to realize the joy and fulfillment of playing on a Concert Band and how to overcome the challenges of playing in one.2024-11-04 11:05:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/the-world-of-music-part-two-a-comprehensive-overviewThe conclusion of The World of Music that discusses Lyric Writers, Arrangers, Singers, Performers, Booking Agents, Conductors, Sound Technicians and Recording Engineers, and Non-Sponsored Music Groups2024-10-30 10:50:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/the-world-of-music-part-one-a-comprehensive-overviewThis pair of articles cover the myriad of music related vocation possibilities, whether as a profession or for enjoyment. It also includes tips and techniques for musicians of ALL sorts.2024-10-24 11:02:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/anatomy-of-a-composition-morning-star-serenade-for-concert-band2024-09-18 16:04:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/what-is-music-is-it-artThere are clear definitions for music and for art. Read on to find why Beauty is NOT in the eye or ear of the beholder.2024-09-11 09:01:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/finding-new-members-for-your-choral-groupA comprehensive guide with strategies for successfully attracting new high school age members to your choral group to keep it growing and vibrant.2024-09-03 15:17:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/how-many-parts-is-too-many-in-a-classical-compositionHere’s the easy way you can know if there are "too many notes" in a classical composition.2024-08-27 09:43:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/how-to-make-sure-your-band-has-enough-partsDon't scrap that Concert Band piece just because you're missing a part or two. Here’s what you can do.2024-08-21 15:06:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/what-makes-the-perfect-christmas-music-for-your-concert-bandHere are a few guidelines to help you choose Christmas music for the Christmas or Holiday Band Concert.2024-08-13 10:59:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/how-to-find-the-perfect-christmas-music-for-a-string-orchestraSome things to consider when choosing the best Christmas music for your string orchestra2024-08-06 14:19:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/what-makes-the-perfect-christmas-music-for-your-choral-groupHere's how to choose the best Christmas music for your school, church or community.choral group.2024-07-22 09:43:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/anatomy-of-a-composition-amazing-grace-for-choral-ensembleHere are a couple ways that "Amazing grace" has been arranged in the most unique ways.2024-07-15 09:56:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/how-to-improve-a-string-player-s-tone-and-performanceIt's a challenge for a string student's playing to get from screechy to sweet, but here's a great plan to accomplish that.2024-07-08 12:15:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/conducting-styles-which-one-is-bestDoes it matter if you use a baton or just your hands to conduct a music ensemble?2024-07-01 10:10:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/how-to-add-spice-to-a-choral-arrangement2024-06-24 09:37:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/how-to-choose-the-best-music-for-a-concert-band-1Here’s how to choose the best new music for your Concert Band from among the wide variety available.2024-06-18 14:39:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/help-for-transposing-between-instrumentsHere are a few pointers for making transposing between instruments easier.2024-06-10 09:37:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/a-string-orchestra-broadens-a-high-school-curriculumMake students smarter by improving your school’s curriculum with a String Orchestra.2024-06-03 09:51:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/how-to-match-music-to-a-choral-group-s-skill-levelMake sure you choose music for your choral ensemble that fits it perfectly.2024-05-27 11:56:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/playing-in-a-concert-band-nurtures-your-healthPlaying in a Concert Band offers more benefits than the just satisfaction of playing good music.2024-05-23 14:57:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/how-to-choose-the-best-chords-for-your-songHere are some guidelines to help you know what kind of chord progression you might need for your next song and which chords to use.2024-05-20 09:43:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/facing-the-challenges-of-playing-in-a-string-orchestraPlaying in a String Orchestra is rewarding and challenging. Here's how to meet that challenge.2024-05-16 14:10:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/matching-music-to-a-concert-band-s-skill-levelHow to find the best music for your high school concert band.2024-05-13 09:04:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/how-choral-singing-promotes-health-and-wellnessChoral singing promotes more than one kind of health!2024-05-09 14:46:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/string-orchestras-improve-by-playing-an-original-compositionOriginal Compositions benefit String Orchestras in a variety of ways.2024-05-06 10:57:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/playing-in-a-concert-band-is-more-than-just-funPlaying in a Concert Band includes a lot of fun, and life lessons that last a lifetime.2024-05-02 15:12:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/how-dissonant-chords-provide-power-and-beauty-in-choral-musicHere’s how well-crafted dissonance in choral music can create wonderful tension and release. Read about why dissonance can be beautiful.2024-04-26 10:27:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/using-key-changes-to-add-zing-to-your-musicA good key change in the middle of your next song or composition will add a breath of fresh air and a power boost to the music.2024-04-22 12:16:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/maintaining-your-music-skills-during-a-breakHere's a great way to maintain your music skills during a break from school.2024-04-18 09:54:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/why-singing-new-music-in-a-school-chorus-is-greatAdd some zing and spice to your choral concert with a new composition.2024-04-15 09:52:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/the-best-things-about-playing-in-a-string-orchestraPlaying in a string orchestra offer many great benefits that go way beyond just sharing musical experiences.2024-04-11 10:50:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/a-concert-band-thrives-by-playing-an-original-compositionPlaying an original composition written specifically for the high school concert band offers a unique musical experience.2024-04-08 10:53:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/the-art-of-writing-great-musicGreat Music, is no accident. Here are some great guidelines for writing Great Music.2024-04-04 10:08:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/anatomy-of-a-composition-a-royal-affinity-for-string-orchestraFind out why I choose the key, meter, form and more when I compose a new piece for string orchestra.2024-04-01 10:03:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/wedding-music-arrangements-to-make-you-weep-for-joyMemorable Wedding Music is Achievable with the Right Arrangement2024-03-28 10:53:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/how-to-use-music-theory-to-write-good-musicDiscover how music knowledge is music power.2024-03-25 12:55:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/should-i-use-transcription-softwareMusic Transcription Software may not have what it takes to transcribe recorded music into music that humans can relate to.2024-03-21 11:35:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/anatomy-of-a-composition-baroquen-carriage-for-concert-bandSome of the methods and devices used to compose "Baroquen Carriage" for Concert Band.2024-03-18 13:57:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/exploring-music-theory-through-concert-band-string-orchestra-and-choral-worksUnderstanding music theory through the study of concert band, string orchestra, and choral works.2024-03-14 10:59:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/crafting-choral-compositions-that-sound-complex-but-aren-tHere's how to compose or arrange a choral piece that sounds complex but isn't really as hard as it sounds.2024-03-11 12:53:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/how-to-make-the-best-recording-in-a-studio-part-threeHere are the final steps to making the best recording of your music.2024-03-07 09:51:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/how-to-make-the-best-recording-in-a-studio-part-twoFind out here how to fine tune your skills when it comes to microphone choice and placement.2024-03-04 10:19:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/how-to-make-the-best-recording-in-a-studio-part-oneFrom playing, singing and recording it all yourself to paying for everything, this is for you.2024-02-26 09:54:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/secrets-to-composing-exciting-yet-easily-playable-concert-band-musicSalt Cellar Creations crafts great sounding concert band music that's not as hard to play as it sounds. Here's how.2024-02-22 09:22:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/inspiring-music-students-to-become-true-musiciansMusicianship can be taught as well as caught. Here are some ways to teach it well.2024-02-19 15:14:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/how-to-properly-write-words-and-chords-for-a-fake-chartHere's the absolute proper way to write a Fake Chart so that it says everything it needs to.2024-02-15 11:07:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/crafting-the-illusion-composing-a-piece-for-string-ensemble-that-sounds-difficult-but-isn-tDiscover how to compose a piece for String Ensemble that sounds difficult, but isn’t.2024-02-13 09:16:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/selecting-voices-for-harmony-a-guide-to-composing-and-arranging-for-choral-groupsA comprehensive guide to the intricacies of arranging and writing for choral groups.2024-02-08 13:31:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/inside-a-great-arrangement-part-threeDiscover the secrets about Musical Form and Arranging for a Particular Ensemble, as well as some Applications2024-02-05 11:38:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/inside-a-great-arrangement-part-twoArranging Isn't a Cut-and-Dry Process. Here are some more Key Insights Into the Process.2024-02-01 12:49:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/inside-a-great-music-arrangement-part-oneBest practices to achieve a stellar arrangement, for whatever group you're arranging for.2024-01-29 13:17:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/best-practices-for-choosing-music-for-a-string-orchestraHere are the guidelines you need to use to choose the best music for your string orchestra.2024-01-25 10:25:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/how-to-turn-a-mediocre-music-ensemble-into-a-great-oneHere’s how to take the crucial steps to elevate a mediocre music ensemble into a great one.2024-01-22 16:21:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/elements-of-stellar-classical-music-for-concert-band-choral-group-or-string-orchestraMusical elements, like building materials, must be used artfully to craft a stellar composition.2024-01-18 09:43:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/how-to-tell-if-an-arrangement-is-worth-buying-a-comprehensive-guide-for-music-directorsFind solid guidelines to tell if a piece of music is right for your Concert Band, Choral Group or String Orchestra.2024-01-15 16:10:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/how-a-composer-chooses-the-right-instruments-for-a-concert-band-compositionHere's how to know which instruments should be in a Concert Band composition / arrangement.2024-01-12 11:14:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/the-art-of-crafting-an-exceptional-piece-for-string-orchestraExplore the essential components that contribute to the success of a composition for String Orchestra.2024-01-08 15:20:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/how-to-choose-music-for-a-choral-groupHere's how you can choose which piece of Choral Music best fits your group.2024-01-04 10:02:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/what-makes-a-great-love-song-for-sweetheart-child-or-friendLove is in the air. Let's write a love song!2024-01-02 09:51:00https://www.salt-cellar-creations.com/notes-from-the-cellar-my-blog/a-director-s-guide-to-assigning-1st-and-2nd-chairs-in-concert-band-sectionsHere's a guide for choosing the best First and Second chair musicians for your Concert Band.