Mexican Polka =)

[Phemar]

Hey. Been long since I last posted here.

I made this piece yesterday, kind of a mexican polka thing. It's in midi 'cos I don't really have anything better to do it in.
It's my first time trying to do music for brass instruments, so all constructive critiscm is good!

Listen.

(also, I have no formal music training, so please, any constructive critiscm/pointers/tips or any advice is greatly welcomed. Be as harsh as possible! I can take it. )

Thanks!

[Matti]

I like it. 

Can't give any critics right now, perhaps when I listen to it again.

[Viking]

Not bad at all!  You captured the "polka" style, and it does sound somewhat Mexican.  And as far as I can tell (though I'm no expert at brass instruments), I think you stayed in the range and ability of all your instruments -- although the high E would be difficult for amateur trumpet players.

Not a lot of time to elaborate here (my wife wants to get on the computer ), but here are a few quick thoughts:

• The bass line is rather repetitive, and it takes a while to get into the piece.
• To make it sound more Mexican, I would definitely add some ornamentation, especially some passages with a few fast notes.  Trumpets playing in thirds is typical for traditional Mexican music, and would fit well into this piece.  Try listening to some mariachi music to get an idea of what I'm talking about.
• Some of the percussion seemed a bit over the top -- especially the frequent cymbal crashes.
• I was surprised to hear the chimes.  That instrument didn't really seem to fit with the others.

Hope that helps!