Achievement of a characteristic tone on each instrument in an ensemble is important for three reasons
1-Good tone is the foundation of a balanced and blended ensemble sound
As we read in the article on balance and blend-an ensemble that is comprised of musicians producing a good characteristic tone within in a pyramid-like proportion of bass to treble will naturally lend itself to a more balanced and blended sound
2-Good tone is key to developing a keener sense of intonation
when students are producing a good tone that is characteristic of their instrument it is much easier for them to hear intonation discrepancies and correct them.
3-Achievement of a characteristic instrumental tone is more than half the battle of achieving musical success on an instrument
A large portion of the technique that students are learning (bowing, embouchure, air control, ect) is all directly related to tone production. As students make success in these areas the improvement of their tone will be a tangible result of their efforts.
Yes, and that when composers write for an established ensemble sound, they expect that everyone in that group is producing a characteristic sound on their instruments. Therefore in order to realize a composer's work, we must play with ideal tone.
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