The importance of Tone quality

I think we can all agree the major component of a great ensemble is tone quality. I have never given a first division rating to a group that made poor sounds. As directors we encourage our students to center their sound, it should have warmth and depth, it should have clarity, it should be in tune and blend with the other members of the ensemble. Not only should the tone be characteristic, but it also needs to have focus and direction. In a nutshell, it is a sound that you don’t mind hearing repeatedly. So, let me pose this question to you; “Is your tone quality one the members of your ensemble enjoy listening to on a daily basis? Does it have depth and direction, does it have dynamic contrast? Is your tone quality in alignment with the goals of the ensemble. Tony Robbins says, “Our tone of voice is the manner in which we speak to someone, not just our words. Along with nonverbal cues like body language and eye contact, tone of voice is an essential element of communication that often “speaks” more powerfully than our actual words ever could. It can help us build rapport, make connections, influence others and get what we want in relationships, our career and our lives.”