Brass Quintet Tuning: A New Method To Promote Ensemble Intonation

Brass Quintet Tuning: A New Method To Promote Ensemble Intonation is written for brass quintets to assist in improving an ensemble’s intonation. This document consists of an insight into the Just Intonation (JI) process of tuning to include a background on the construction of scale intervals. Additionally, the author provides practical methods and a chart of intonation deviations which ensembles can use to help with tuning. This paper culminates in laying the groundwork of a method book of tuning exercises for brass quintets. The author has found some ensembles sound different, in fact better, in terms of their intonation, and it is more than just “matching pitch”. Using Just Intonation intervals will result in better sounding ensemble intonation once ensembles can train their ears to hear these intervals and place them appropriately. Since there are few exercises available to help brass quintets train to hear and play these JI intervals, the author has provided thirty exercises for brass quintets to assist with this process.