Band Members Research Articles

Collective and individual practices in popular music: Differences between semi-professionals and professionals in Austria and Germany

Collective and individual practices are essential for popular music bands and their members when preparing for public performances. This study addresses the interplay of collective and individual practices in a sample of 82 members of semi-professional and professional popular music bands in Austria and Germany. Utilizing a structured questionnaire, practices were assessed within collective and individual practice contexts, and attributes and experiences pertinent to the current band and individual members were examined in terms of their reciprocal interplay, differences between semi-professionals and professionals, and relationships with the experience variables of groups and individuals. The results showed that collective and individual deliberate practices and the use of practice strategies were related in both practice contexts. Members of professional popular music bands invested significantly less time in collective practice for fun and significantly more time in individual deliberate practice. The results provide deeper insights into the interplay of collective and individual practices in music bands, the differences between semi-professional and professional practice designs, and the relevance of practice and professional experience for accomplishing professional music performance in general.

Scissors vibration and its collective rotation in a microscopic investigation* *This work was partly supported by the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities, Lanzhou University (lzujbky-2023-04), the Natural Science Foundation of Gansu Province, China (24JRRA400), and the National Natural Science Foundation for Young Scientists of China (11905172)

The intrinsic vibrational motion and the rotational behavior of the scissors mode in well deformed nuclei are investigated with an angular-momentum-projected approach, which is interpreted as a generator-coordinate-method with the generator coordinates corresponding to the degrees of freedom of interest. The picture of the intrinsic and rotational motion of the scissors mode is illustrated from the collective wave function within the framework of the generator-coordinate-method. The harmonicity of the scissors vibration is found to arise naturally from the present model but can be disturbed by the Coriolis effect as spin increases. The odd and even spin members of the rotational band based on the scissors mode rotate about different axes perpendicular to each other, leading to the flipping moment of inertia and the consequent splitting behavior that has been suggested previously.

Band Chemistry: Interpersonal and Group Dynamics in Rock Music

ABSTRACT The subject of band chemistry, or the interpersonal and collective dynamics within a rock band and their effects on longevity and musical creativity, has received little explicit scholarly attention. Drawing primarily on the words of musicians, this paper explores band chemistry in all its fragility and fickleness, easily disrupted and occasionally fortified by the ever-evolving interpersonal relationships of band members, commercial success or not, management and managerial change, producers, life on the road, drug and alcohol abuse, and the distribution of writing credits and royalties, among others. The paper argues that the intangible quality of band chemistry is most responsible, for good or bad, for the longevity of bands, and a major factor in their creativity while together.

Quantum approach to jam session

A quantum mechanical approach to the psychoacoustic effect of Shepard tones has been explored. Melodic intervals are represented by qubits. The phenomenon of bistable perception of intervals and their acoustic collapse has been considered and described in the language of quantum mechanics. It is shown that the perception of intervals can be understood as a result of measuring the standard basis vector in different bases rotated in a plane of the chroma circle. For comparison, the Stern-Gerlach and photon polarization experiments have been cited to show an analogy. A quantum analog of the Shepard interval source, with a photonic random number generator, has been proposed. The topic of quantum entanglement transferred to the field of sound and psychoacoustics is also discussed. Based on quantum-like calculations, it has been shown how disturbances in time coherence between the playing of different music band members could affect the modification of the melody.

Proposed Marketing Strategy for Music Band in Indonesia (Case: YOI Band)

YOI is an Indonesian music group that was founded in Bandung. They have been successful since the publication of their first album in 2007, however they have struggled with decreasing sales in recent years. The band members stated that improper management, especially with regard to marketing initiatives that make them less competitive, is the primary cause of the issues. In order to improve YOI’s business performance, this research suggests a marketing plan. The SWOT analysis, TOWS matrix, and 4P Mix Marketing framework are among the various of the strategic analytical techniques and frameworks that were utilized in this research to help formulate strategy. The research’s approach focused on consumer analysis, while gathering data from surveys, interviews, and secondary sources. In order to identify opportunities and threats facing YOI, the research also included an external analysis that considered political, legal, economic, demographic, sociocultural, technological, global, and physical aspects. The industry analysis was conducted using Porter’s Five Forces model. In order to get a deeper understanding of the competitive environment, this research also conducts competitor and internal analysis to pinpoint YOI’s strengths and weaknesses. The findings indicate that YOI had challenges such as low barriers to entry and intense competition, while simultaneously benefiting from advantages such as a strong brand reputation and a favorable economic climate. In order to address the difficulty and make the most of the prospects, the research suggested focusing on the young and established enthusiasts segments, and strategically positioning by aligning YOI’s capabilities with their desires. The study provided strategies to harness the influence of social media users in order promote YOI’s positive image and undertake product differentiation initiatives to address the intense competition. The study concludes with proposing a marketing strategy and implementation plan to effectively tackle the issues faced by YOI and capitalize on the potential available.

Injuries and Factors Associated with Injuries Among U.S. Army Band Musicians.

An electronic survey was administered to active-duty U.S. Army Band musicians. The survey collected demographics, personal characteristics, Army Physical Fitness Test performance, occupational demands, health behaviors, and injuries from October 2017 to December 2018. Survey responses were combined with medical and physical fitness performance records. Descriptive statistics were reported and factors associated with injuries were investigated. There were 465 Army Band members in this population, with approximately half (49%) completing the survey. Most survey respondents (81%) reported an injury in the past year, which they predominantly attributed to overuse (54%). Leading reported activities resulting in injury included running for physical training (21%), repetitive movements while playing an instrument (11%), and standing while playing (11%). A majority of survey respondents (60%) also had a medical encounter for an injury. Factors significantly associated with injury among men were lower aerobic fitness and higher body fat percentage; additional unadjusted factors associated with injury among all Army Band soldiers included female sex, older age, and longer periods of marching and standing while playing. Injury prevention initiatives for Army Band musicians should focus on the reduction of overuse and repetitive motion injuries. Suggested prevention strategies include balanced physical training, ergonomic adjustments, rehearsal breaks, and leadership support for injury prevention efforts.

Spinning Circle at the Mill

Spinning Circle at the Mill

Custom hearing protection devices: Are they better?

When hazardous noise is unavoidable, hearing protection devices (HPDs) are used to reduce the risk of noise-induced hearing injuries. The question of which HPD is appropriate or “the best” is often a subject of debate. Appropriateness may be dictated by environmental factors, such as noise exposure type and level, mission requirements such as communication needs, compatibility with other personal protective equipment, or even personal preference. Regardless of the type used, properly fitting hearing protection is paramount to prevent or reduce hazardous noise entering the auditory system. Custom HPDs are designed to fit the specific anatomy of an individual and, when made and fit properly, may be appropriate for many applications and missions (e.g., band members, certain aviators). In addition to being tailor-made to each individual, custom HPDs may be designed to couple with communication devices, frequency or level-specific filters, and/or may incorporate electronics to provide capabilities such as amplification or reduction of ambient noise. Attenuation performance of custom HPDs coupled to a communication earplug (CEP) was measured and compared to traditional foam HPDs coupled to the CEP. This discussion will include custom HPD fabrication options, performance characteristics, benefits, drawbacks, and finally their potential real-world application.

Improvement of Presence in Live Music Videos and Alleviation of Discomfort of Viewers by Zooming Operation

People can enjoy watching live performances without visiting live venues thanks to the development of live music streaming services on the Internet. However, such live music videos, especially those recorded by amateur band members, lack a sense of presence. Therefore, in the previous study, the authors proposed a method to improve the sense of presence in live music videos by performing zooming on the video frames. It achieved enhancing the sense of presence. However, it also increased the discomfort of the viewers. This is because the zooming was performed not on a music performer but in the center of the screen, resulting in an unnatural experience for the viewer. Therefore, in this paper, a new zooming method, which effectively emphasizes the music performer with intense movement, is proposed, introducing the concept of the “Main Spot”. The evaluation results through an experiment verified that the proposed method improved the sense of presence in live music videos and alleviated the discomfort of the viewers.

Selective protein self-deprivation by Mormon crickets following fungal attack

Immune responses to infection result in behavioral changes that affect resource acquisition, such as general starvation and compensatory feeding to offset changes in resource allocation. Mormon crickets aggregate and march in bands containing millions of insects. Some bands are comprised of insects seeking proteins. They are also low in circulating phenoloxidase (PO) and more susceptible to fungal attack, as we have demonstrated in the lab. Here, we ask: Do Mormon crickets elevate PO and consume protein in response to infection by the pathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana? B. bassiana was applied topically (day 0), and mortality began on day 5. Total protein, PO, and prophenoloxidase (proPO) were assayed in hemolymph on day 1 and 4. On day 1, PO titers were not different between inoculated and control insects, whereas by day 4, PO was greater in the inoculated group. proPO activity was unchanged. Circulating protein declined in inoculated insects relative to controls. As predicted, PO titers were elevated as a result of fungal infection, and hemolymph protein was reduced, but the insects did not compensate behaviorally. Indeed, during the first three days post-infection, infected insects reduced protein consumption while maintaining carbohydrate consumption similar to the controls. Following day 3, a more general reduction in protein and carbohydrate intake was evident in infected insects. Survivorship to infection was associated with the amount of protein consumed and unrelated to carbohydrate consumption. Selective protein deprivation by the host seems counterintuitive, but it might limit growth and toxin production by the invading fungus. Alternatively, the fungus might control the host diet to compromise host immunity to infection. Abrupt changes in allocation resulting from an infection can lead to changes in acquisition that are not always intuitive. Because protein acquisition drives aggression between members of the migratory band, B. bassiana application may reduce cannibalism and slow band movement.

Understanding virtual rehearsal participation through self-determination theory

ABSTRACT The motivation to participate in ensemble rehearsals may be influenced by the rehearsal environment. With the emergence of the virtual rehearsal environment, there is a need to gain a better understanding of how online rehearsals affect participation decisions. The purpose of this study was to determine the applicability of one theory of motivation, Self-Determination Theory, to older adults’ decisions to participate or not participate in virtual rehearsals. Respondents (N = 49) included participants (n = 20) and nonparticipants (n = 29) who completed the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (n.d.) and the Modified Computer Self-Efficacy Scale (Laver et al. 2012). Mann–Whitney U comparisons indicated that nonparticipants had significantly lower ratings on the Perceived Competence and Value/Usefulness subscales on the IMI, in addition to significantly lower feelings of self-efficacy on the MCSES. Overall, the results seem to support the use of Self-Determination Theory to explain differences in the decision of New Horizons band members to participate in online rehearsals. To encourage participation in virtual ensembles, there is need to confirm ensemble members are comfortable with the technology and understand the value and usefulness of the activity itself.

Optical Super‐Localisation of Single Nanoparticle Nucleation and Growth in Nanodroplets

AbstractInvited for this issue's Front Cover are the groups of Prof. Frédéric Kanoufi, Université Paris Cité‐CNRS (France), and Prof. Patrick Unwin, University of Warwick (United Kingdom), collaborating under the EU Horizon 2020 ‘Single‐entity Nanoelectrochemistry’ programme. The cover picture illustrates the use of their hybrid technique to investigate the dynamics of the electrodeposition of individual Ag nanoparticles within an ensemble. The particles are represented by band members whose individual performances can be monitored. Read the full text of the Research Article at 10.1002/celc.202201162.

Embracing Hybridity to Expand the Public Health Reach of Physical Education on Secondary School Campuses

The purpose of this article is to encourage physical educators to consider their hobbies and interests and think of ways to connect with students who may not naturally find themselves attracted to our classes. This article shares successes of a high school run club that was offered twenty years ago to high school marching band members and their families after an elementary physical educator decided to use her hybridity to encourage physical activity to the high school students she interacted with after school.

Americanizing the Scandinavian Super Underdog in Eighteen Film Remakes

Americanizing the Scandinavian Super Underdog in Eighteen Film Remakes

Housing and Community Economic Development: The Case of Membertou

The purpose of this article is to describe housing and community economic development in Membertou, a First Nation community located in Mi’kma’ki. First, I review how the federal government has not adequately intervened in housing for First Nations communities across Canada. I then present a case of my home community of Membertou and the initiatives that are in place to help solve the local housing crisis and generate community wealth at the same time. These initiatives include the generation of community-controlled businesses and changes to the land code, and new housing initiatives using own-source funding which also incorporate the use of locally owned and operated companies for housing construction and which emphasize training and skills development among band members. In this case study, I use data including community reports, media stories, and in-depth interviews.

Kegiatan Ekstrakurikuler Drum Band Di SMP Negeri 29 Padang

This study aims to describe how the process of extracurricular drum band activities at SMP Negeri 29 Padang. This type of research is qualitative research that uses descriptive methods. This research instrument is the researcher himself and is assisted by supporting instruments stationery, cameras and voice recorders. Data collection techniques in this study are observation, interviews, documentation and literature studies. The steps of analyzing data are collecting data, identifying data and drawing conclusions. The result of this study is that in recruiting drum band members, coaches and coaches do not select members first so that students are free to choose the instruments they want to take, this has an impact on the imbalance between melodic and percussion players. The extracurricular drum band activities at SMP Negeri 29 Padang every week are the same, it's just that there are differences in song selection. Activities on Friday the coach focuses more on students to understand the song and practice according to the instrument first so that students can master the new song that will be played simultaneously later and on Saturday the coach combines all members of the drum band to do combined exercises.

Suggested icosahedral states in 208Pb

The known 6+ yrast and 12+ yrare states are recognized as members of an icosa-hedral rotational band. The 18+ state at 8813 keV is newly identified as icosahedral rotor.

Three-$$\alpha $$ configurations of the second $$J^\pi =2^+$$ state in $$^{12}$$C

We investigate geometric configurations of $\alpha$ ($^4$He nucleus) clusters in the second $J^\pi=2^+$ state of $^{12}$C, which has been discussed as a rotational band member of the second $0^+$ state, the Hoyle state. The ground and excited $0^+$ and $2^+$ states are described by a three-$\alpha$ cluster model. The three-body Schr\"odinger equation with orthogonality conditions is accurately solved by the stochastic variational method with correlated Gaussian basis functions. To analyse the structure of these resonant states in a convenient form, we introduce a confining potential. The two-body density distributions together with the spectroscopic information clarify the structure of these states. We find that main configurations of both the second $0^+$ and $2^+$ states are acute-angled triangle shapes originating from the $^8$Be($0^+$)$+\alpha$ configuration. However, the $^8$Be$+\alpha$ components in the second $2^+$ state become approximately 2/3 because the 8Be subsystem is hard to excite, indicating that the state is not an ideal rigid rotational band member of the Hoyle state.

Autonomous and Between Worlds: Musical Manifestos for Anti-Capitalist Futures in Post-Wall East Berlin

AbstractThe opening of the Berlin Wall in November 1989 provided a spectacular climax for Samuel Huntington's third wave of democracy. It represented the triumph not only of a people over their oppressive regime but also, ultimately, of Western economic liberalism; the post-socialist democracy of German reunification was a singular one with consumerism at its core. In the early 1990s, many East German reform socialists resisted this inevitability, and exploited the temporary political and bureaucratic void that emerged in East Berlin as a space in which to imagine alternative democratic futures from the socialist past. In this article I explore the attempts by two very different East Berlin musical communities to incubate anti-capitalist worlds from the legacies – both official and unofficial – of the German Democratic Republic (GDR). First, I reflect on the autonomous musical worlds that were created by members of the GDR's alternative bands in occupied buildings in Prenzlauer Berg and Mitte. Second, I consider the articulation by the ZwischenWelt-Festival, a reincarnation of the GDR's Festival of Political Song, of a more outward-looking future for East Germany, based on the ideals of international solidarity.

Co-creating a Brass Band Dance Number for a Large-scale Community Opera Project with the Aid of Improvisatory Techniques: Co-creativity within an Operatic Context

Community opera projects have often integrated bands of varying types to involve participants in ways other than singing and acting. Although many community opera projects incorporate co-creative elements and improvisation techniques in their composition, there is little coverage of how bands, in practice, can be involved as participants in the co-creative process of shaping a new community opera. This paper documents a practice research project that took place with Waterbeach Brass Band based in Cambridgeshire, UK. It records in detail the process whereby aspects of a brass band dance number were devised during co-creative improvisation workshops, and provides both audio-visual recordings and notated examples that capture the emergent creative process, alongside a commentary explaining the processes and methodological approaches employed. The paper discusses the different ways in which members of the brass band responded to improvisational workshops, and how this fed into the co-creative process. It subsequently examines how such co-creative elements can form part of a larger musical-dramatic presentation, demonstrating how they can be developed during an extended operatic scene.