This will be updated as the season progresses.
Saturday September 10, 5:30 PM
Rhode Island Philharmonic Summer Pops
Slater Park, Pawtucket
Friday September 16, 6:30 PM
Rhode Island Philharmonic Amica Rush Hour Series
The VETS, Providence
Music of Smetana and Beethoven
Saturday September 17, 8 PM
Rhode Island Philharmonic Classical Series
The VETS, Providence
Music of Smetana, Beethoven and Lutoslawski
Thursday October 6, 7 PM
Mehmet Ali Sanlıkol & Whatsnext? CD Release Concert
featuring Dave Liebman and Tiger Okoshi
Joe's Pub, New York, NY
Sunday October 9, 5 PM
Mehmet Ali Sanlıkol & Whatsnext? CD Release Concert
featuring Dave Liebman and Tiger Okoshi
Shalin Liu Performance Center, Rockport, MA
Friday October 14, 6:30 PM
Rhode Island Philharmonic Amica Rush Hour Series
The VETS, Providence
Music of Mozart
Saturday October 15, 8 PM
Rhode Island Philharmonic Classical Series
The VETS, Providence
Music of Mozart and Tchaikovsky
Saturday October 29, 8 PM
Vermont Symphony Orchestra Masterworks Series
Flynn Center for the Performing Arts, Burlington
Music of Weber, Prokofiev, and Elgar
Friday November 4, 8 PM
Chorus Pro Musica
Jordan Hall, Boston
Beethoven Missa Solemnis
Friday November 11, 8 PM
Pokemon Evolution
Providence, RI
Saturday November 12, 8 PM
Rhode Island Philharmonic Classical Series
The VETS, Providence
Music of Theofanidis, Barber and Dvorak
Saturday December 3, 8 PM
Vermont Symphony Orchestra Masterworks Series
Flynn Center for the Performing Arts, Burlington
Music of Beethoven, Hindemith and Tchaikovsky
a sound that disrupts the universe
Monday, August 29, 2016
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
A Year in Music
Last night I finished my performing schedule for 2014, barring any last-minute calls. It's been a busy and exciting year, with a lot of great pieces from the standard repertoire as well as a lot of unusual and unfamiliar music. I've had a great time.
A few weeks into the year I decided to keep a running list of the music I had the fortune to perform, and I think it's at least a little bit interesting. When I indicate that I played something more than once, that was on separate occasions, usually with different groups. Multiple performances, as with a run of ballet or a series of four concerts of the same program, only counts as once.
Anyway, here's my list:
Verdi/Olt Triumphal March from Aida (Brass Ensemble)
Verdi/Olt Pilgrim's Chorus from Il Trovatore (Brass Ensemble)
John Francis Wade, settings by Richard Webster and David Willcocks Adeste Fidelis
Wagner Ride of the Valkyries 2X
Wagner/Olt Ride of the Valkyries (Brass Ensemble)
Wagner/Olt Wedding March from Lohengrin (Brass Ensemble)
Wagner, arr. Cherry Elsa's Procession to the Cathedral (conducting)
von Weber Overture to Der Freischutz
setting by Richard Webster Hark! A thrilling voice is sounding (Merton)
Richard Webster Siciliano from Baroque Suite
Richard Webster Ouverture from Baroque Suite
arr. Webster Easter Hymn (2x)
arr. Webster Victory
arr. Webster Aurelia
arr. Webster Merton
arr. Webster Lobe den Herren
James Whitbourn Annelies
Williams Fanfare for Fenway
Williams Hymn to New England
Williams Main Title from Superman
Williams, arr. Grieve Raiders of the Lost Ark (conducting)
A few weeks into the year I decided to keep a running list of the music I had the fortune to perform, and I think it's at least a little bit interesting. When I indicate that I played something more than once, that was on separate occasions, usually with different groups. Multiple performances, as with a run of ballet or a series of four concerts of the same program, only counts as once.
Anyway, here's my list:
Adams Short Ride on a Fast Machine
Anon., arr. King Sonata from Die Bänkelsängerlieder
Leroy Anderson Sleigh Ride (orchestra)
Leroy Anderson, arr. J.C. Edwards Sleigh Ride (trombone choir)
Anon., arr. King Sonata from Die Bänkelsängerlieder
Leroy Anderson Sleigh Ride (orchestra)
Leroy Anderson, arr. J.C. Edwards Sleigh Ride (trombone choir)
Leroy Anderson, arr. Ken Malucelli Sleigh Ride (brass quintet & chorus)
Antheil Hot Time Dance
Armed Services Medley
Matthew Aucoin Crossing (workshop for full opera production in 2015)
Bach O Sacred Head (2 settings)
Banchieri/ arr. Robert King Two Fantasias
Eddie Bass Forests of the Night for bass trombone and piano
Eddie Bass Sonata for Tenor Trombone, Bass Trombone and Piano 3X
Katharine Lee Bates/Dragon America The Beautiful 2X
Bauzyk/Hoagland Animalia Suite
Beethoven Drei Equale (conducting) 2X
Bellini ?
Berlioz Beatrice and Benedict Overture
BERNSTEIN Chichester Psalms
Bizet Les Toreadors and Danse Boheme from Carmen
Bizet Farandole from L'Arlesienne
Arthur Bliss Fanfare for the Lord Mayor of London
BRAHMS Ein deutsches Requiem (2X)
Brahms Schicksalslied
Brahms Song of the Fates Op. 89
Bruckner Requiem in d minor
Buonamente Sonata from Sonate et Canzoni
Buxtehude, arr. Robert King Fanfare
George M. Cohan Medley
Carson Cooman Flax-Golden Tales for storyteller and chamber orchestra texts by Erin Morganstern
Coots/Gillespie, arr. Mallamud
Copes To You, O God
Copland, arr. Delfeayo Marsalis Fanfare for the Common Man
Cory We Praise You, O God
Shawn Davern Make the Moment
Armed Services Medley
Matthew Aucoin Crossing (workshop for full opera production in 2015)
Bach O Sacred Head (2 settings)
Banchieri/ arr. Robert King Two Fantasias
Eddie Bass Forests of the Night for bass trombone and piano
Eddie Bass Sonata for Tenor Trombone, Bass Trombone and Piano 3X
Katharine Lee Bates/Dragon America The Beautiful 2X
Bauzyk/Hoagland Animalia Suite
Beethoven Drei Equale (conducting) 2X
Bellini ?
Berlioz Beatrice and Benedict Overture
BERNSTEIN Chichester Psalms
Bizet Les Toreadors and Danse Boheme from Carmen
Bizet Farandole from L'Arlesienne
Arthur Bliss Fanfare for the Lord Mayor of London
BRAHMS Ein deutsches Requiem (2X)
Brahms Schicksalslied
Brahms Song of the Fates Op. 89
Bruckner Requiem in d minor
Buonamente Sonata from Sonate et Canzoni
Buxtehude, arr. Robert King Fanfare
Cabaniss Come To Play
Cabaniss Drumlines
Cabaniss Thanks to the Orchestra
Howard Cable Noel Canadien
Delvyn Case Rocket SleighGeorge M. Cohan Medley
Carson Cooman Flax-Golden Tales for storyteller and chamber orchestra texts by Erin Morganstern
Coots/Gillespie, arr. Mallamud
Copes To You, O God
Copland, arr. Delfeayo Marsalis Fanfare for the Common Man
Cory We Praise You, O God
Shawn Davern Make the Moment
Debussy, Arr. Michael Levin Trois Chansons (conducting)
Des Prez, arr. Sudmeier Royal Fanfare for the Coronation of Louis XII (conducting) 2X
Dropkick Murphys, arr. Hollenbeck Shipping Up to Boston (at Fenway Park!)
Dvorak Carnival Overture
Dvorak Largo from New World Symphony
Dvorak New World Symphony
Earth Wind and Fire Medley/Olt (Brass Ensemble)
Elfman Spiderman
Elgar Cello Concerto (with Yo-Yo Ma!)
Elgar/ arr. John Corley Pomp and Circumstance Marches I &IV
George J. Elvey Come, O Thankful People, Come
Dropkick Murphys, arr. Hollenbeck Shipping Up to Boston (at Fenway Park!)
Dvorak Carnival Overture
Dvorak Largo from New World Symphony
Dvorak New World Symphony
Earth Wind and Fire Medley/Olt (Brass Ensemble)
Elfman Spiderman
Elgar Cello Concerto (with Yo-Yo Ma!)
Elgar/ arr. John Corley Pomp and Circumstance Marches I &IV
George J. Elvey Come, O Thankful People, Come
Terry R. Everson T-Cubed Fanfare
Jose Feliciano, arr. David Mallamud Feliz Navidad
Tom Fetke Adoration
John Finnegan Christmas Singalong
arr. Ralph Ford Video Games Live 2X
Gregory Fritze Boston Strong
Gabrieli/ arr. Robert King Canzona Septimi Toni No. 2
Tom Fetke Adoration
John Finnegan Christmas Singalong
arr. Ralph Ford Video Games Live 2X
Gregory Fritze Boston Strong
Gabrieli/ arr. Robert King Canzona Septimi Toni No. 2
Gabrieli/ arr. Robert King Canzona per Sonare No. 2
Gabrieli, arr. Markward
I'll Be Home For Christmas
H.J. Gauntlett, setting by Richard Webster Once in royal David's city (Irby)
Arr. Paul Gerike Christmas Around the World for Orff Ensemble and Orchestra
Arr. Paul Gerike Santa's Holly, Jolly Little Christmas
Gershwin Porgy and Bess (concert opera)
Glinka Ruslan and Ludmilla Overture
Grieg In the Hall of the Mountain King 2X
Jester Hairston Mary's Little Boy Chile
Handel/King Three Pieces from Water Music
Handel, arr. Carmen Dragon Joy to the World
Handel, arr. Webster Judas Maccabeus
Harbison selections from Christmas Vespers
Sonata pian’ e forte
Jubilate Deo
Canzon ?? à 8
Beata es, Virgo MariaI'll Be Home For Christmas
H.J. Gauntlett, setting by Richard Webster Once in royal David's city (Irby)
Arr. Paul Gerike Christmas Around the World for Orff Ensemble and Orchestra
Arr. Paul Gerike Santa's Holly, Jolly Little Christmas
Gershwin Porgy and Bess (concert opera)
Glinka Ruslan and Ludmilla Overture
Grieg In the Hall of the Mountain King 2X
Jester Hairston Mary's Little Boy Chile
Handel/King Three Pieces from Water Music
Handel, arr. Carmen Dragon Joy to the World
Handel, arr. Webster Judas Maccabeus
Harbison selections from Christmas Vespers
Hartley Canzona for 8 Trombones (conducting) 2X
Haydn/Brahms/Frackenpohl St. Anthony Chorale
Hindemith Mathis der Maler (Symphony)
Holst Mars from The Planets
Holst, arr. Webster Thaxted
Jackson/Olt Billy Jean (Brass Ensemble)
Jacob Andante Sostenuto from Octet for Trombones
Khachaturian Sabre Dance
Haydn/Brahms/Frackenpohl St. Anthony Chorale
Hindemith Mathis der Maler (Symphony)
Holst Mars from The Planets
Holst, arr. Webster Thaxted
Jackson/Olt Billy Jean (Brass Ensemble)
Jacob Andante Sostenuto from Octet for Trombones
Khachaturian Sabre Dance
Kirkpatrick/Smith/Huff, arr. Jon Bohls All is Well
arr. Kleinschmidt Sanctus
Lebedev Concert Allegro
Lotti, arr. Taylor Crucifixus
MacDowell Suite
Mahler Symphony #5
David Mallamud Conchobar's Reign
Marcello/ arr. John Corley Psalm 18
arr. Kleinschmidt Sanctus
Lebedev Concert Allegro
Lotti, arr. Taylor Crucifixus
MacDowell Suite
Mahler Symphony #5
David Mallamud Conchobar's Reign
Marcello/ arr. John Corley Psalm 18
Johnny Marks, arr. Frackenpohl Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Martinu Largo from Symphony #3
Massaino Canzon trigesimaterza (conducting) 2X
Mendelssohn Midsummer Night's Dream
Mendelssohn St. Paul Oratorio
Menken arr. Wasson Prince Ali from Aladdin
Justin Mitnik Holiday Music Spectacular
Mozart Magic Flute Overture
Mozart Requiem
Mozart Vespers of the Solemn Confessor 2X
Mozart Dona Nobis Pacem
W. A. Mozart/arr. Robert King Allegro from Eine kleine Nachtmusik
Offenbach Can-Can
Orff O Fortuna from Carmina Burana
Parry I Was Glad
Peterson Allegro (2X)
Plog Postcards IV
Premru Prelude and Dance
Premru In Memoriam (conducting) (2X)
Premru Chorale (conducting)
Prokofiev Symphony #5
Pryor Thoughts of Love
Puccini Madama Butterfly
Knudage Riisager Etudes after music by Carl Czerny
Riley In C
Ravel Piano Concerto in G
Ravel Concerto for Piano Left Hand
Rimsky-Korsakov Dance of the Tumblers
Rimsky-Korsakov Capriccio Espagnol
Rodgers & Hammerstein Carousel
Rossini Overture to Il Turco in Italia
Rossini Semiramide Overture
Rutter Gloria
Saint-Saens Danse Macabre
Scheidt Centone No. V
Sherementiev, arr. Bohls Now the Powers of Heaven
Shostakovich Festival Overture 3X
Shostakovich Symphony #5
Shostakovich arr. Bohls Prelude Op. 34 No. 19
Sibelius Symphony No. 2
Silvestri Captain America March
Smetana Dance of the Comedians
Sousa Liberty Bell
Sousa Semper Fidelis 2X
Sousa Stars and Stripes Forever 4X
Star Spangled Banner 4X
Arr. Jim Stephenson A Charleston Christmas
J. Strauss Blue Danube Waltz
Strauss Vienna Philharmonic Fanfare
Strauss/ Fritze Festmusik Der Stadt Wien
Strauss/Olsen Solemn Entry
Stravinsky Firebird Suite
Stravinsky Symphony in Three Movements
Stravinsky Violin Concerto
Stravinsky The Rite of Spring
Martinu Largo from Symphony #3
Massaino Canzon trigesimaterza (conducting) 2X
Mendelssohn Midsummer Night's Dream
Mendelssohn St. Paul Oratorio
Menken arr. Wasson Prince Ali from Aladdin
Justin Mitnik Holiday Music Spectacular
Mozart Magic Flute Overture
Mozart Requiem
Mozart Vespers of the Solemn Confessor 2X
Mozart Dona Nobis Pacem
W. A. Mozart/arr. Robert King Allegro from Eine kleine Nachtmusik
Offenbach Can-Can
Orff O Fortuna from Carmina Burana
Parry I Was Glad
Peterson Allegro (2X)
Plog Postcards IV
Premru Prelude and Dance
Premru In Memoriam (conducting) (2X)
Premru Chorale (conducting)
Prokofiev Symphony #5
Pryor Thoughts of Love
Puccini Madama Butterfly
Knudage Riisager Etudes after music by Carl Czerny
Riley In C
Ravel Piano Concerto in G
Ravel Concerto for Piano Left Hand
Rimsky-Korsakov Dance of the Tumblers
Rimsky-Korsakov Capriccio Espagnol
Rodgers & Hammerstein Carousel
Rossini Overture to Il Turco in Italia
Rossini Semiramide Overture
Rutter Gloria
Saint-Saens Danse Macabre
Scheidt Centone No. V
Sherementiev, arr. Bohls Now the Powers of Heaven
Shostakovich Festival Overture 3X
Shostakovich Symphony #5
Shostakovich arr. Bohls Prelude Op. 34 No. 19
Sibelius Symphony No. 2
Silvestri Captain America March
Smetana Dance of the Comedians
Sousa Liberty Bell
Sousa Semper Fidelis 2X
Sousa Stars and Stripes Forever 4X
Star Spangled Banner 4X
Arr. Jim Stephenson A Charleston Christmas
J. Strauss Blue Danube Waltz
Strauss Vienna Philharmonic Fanfare
Strauss/ Fritze Festmusik Der Stadt Wien
Strauss/Olsen Solemn Entry
Stravinsky Firebird Suite
Stravinsky Symphony in Three Movements
Stravinsky Violin Concerto
Stravinsky The Rite of Spring
Martha Sullivan Motectus Hiemalis
von Suppe Light Cavalry Overture
Susato Renaissance Dances
von Suppe Light Cavalry Overture
Susato Renaissance Dances
Tallis Salvator MundiTchaikovsky 1812 Overture (with cut) 2X
Tchaikovsky 1812 Overture no cut! With chorus!!
Tchaikovsky/Dragon None But the Lonely Heart 2X
Tchaikovsky Symphony #4 (finale only, 2X)
Tchaikovsky Symphony #6
Tchaikovsky Waltz and Dance of the Swans from Swan Lake
Tchaikovsky Suite from Swan Lake
Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto
traditional Second Line
traditional, Just a Closer Walk (Brass Ensemble)
traditional, arr. Reichenbach Scarborough Fair (conducting)
traditional, arr. Dickey Shenandoah (conducting)
traditional, arr. Robert Elkjer Oh Hanukkah
Tchaikovsky 1812 Overture no cut! With chorus!!
Tchaikovsky/Dragon None But the Lonely Heart 2X
Tchaikovsky Symphony #4 (finale only, 2X)
Tchaikovsky Symphony #6
Tchaikovsky Waltz and Dance of the Swans from Swan Lake
Tchaikovsky Suite from Swan Lake
Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto
traditional Second Line
traditional, Just a Closer Walk (Brass Ensemble)
traditional, arr. Reichenbach Scarborough Fair (conducting)
traditional, arr. Dickey Shenandoah (conducting)
traditional, arr. Robert Elkjer Oh Hanukkah
traditional, Arr. Robert Elkjer Three Traditional English Carols
What Child Is This?
The Holly and the Ivy
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
traditional American hymn Consolation
traditional Welsh carol, arr. Geoffrey Webber Tua Bethlem Dref
traditional, arr. John Iveson selections from Christmas Crackers
traditional, arr. Willcocks Ding Dong Merrily on High
traditional, arr. Sanders Just A Closer Walk With Thee
traditional, arr. Mallamud We Wish You a Merry Christmas
traditional, settings by Richard Webster and David Willcocks Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Michael Udow The Shattered Mirror Suite
Vaughan Williams Tuba Concerto (orchestra)
Vaughan Williams Dona Nobis Pacem
Vaughan Williams Romanza from Tuba Concerto
Vaughan Williams, arr. Webster Down Ampney
traditional, arr. Sanders Just A Closer Walk With Thee
traditional, arr. Mallamud We Wish You a Merry Christmas
traditional, settings by Richard Webster and David Willcocks Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Michael Udow The Shattered Mirror Suite
Vaughan Williams Tuba Concerto (orchestra)
Vaughan Williams Dona Nobis Pacem
Vaughan Williams Romanza from Tuba Concerto
Vaughan Williams, arr. Webster Down Ampney
Verdi, Arr. Michael Tybursky Don Carlo: Opening to Act II
Verdi La TraviataVerdi/Olt Triumphal March from Aida (Brass Ensemble)
Verdi/Olt Pilgrim's Chorus from Il Trovatore (Brass Ensemble)
John Francis Wade, settings by Richard Webster and David Willcocks Adeste Fidelis
Wagner Ride of the Valkyries 2X
Wagner/Olt Ride of the Valkyries (Brass Ensemble)
Wagner/Olt Wedding March from Lohengrin (Brass Ensemble)
Wagner, arr. Cherry Elsa's Procession to the Cathedral (conducting)
von Weber Overture to Der Freischutz
setting by Richard Webster Hark! A thrilling voice is sounding (Merton)
Richard Webster Siciliano from Baroque Suite
Richard Webster Ouverture from Baroque Suite
arr. Webster Easter Hymn (2x)
arr. Webster Victory
arr. Webster Aurelia
arr. Webster Merton
arr. Webster Lobe den Herren
James Whitbourn Annelies
Williams Fanfare for Fenway
Williams Hymn to New England
Williams Main Title from Superman
Williams, arr. Grieve Raiders of the Lost Ark (conducting)
Richard Willis, arr. Joe Clark (a la Tijuana Brass) It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
Saturday, August 23, 2014
Some Thoughts on Career and Perfectionism
A college-age trombonist opened up about his fears, following a difficult time and a transfer of schools, in a very open way on the trombone forum the other day, and got me writing about some things I've been thinking about for a while.
There are no guarantees for any of us, no matter what school we did or didn't attend. I know excellent professional musicians who went to both XXX School and XXX Conservatory, and I know at least one bass trombonist who went to Curtis who doesn't work in music at all anymore. There are players in major orchestras who didn't go to any of the big name music schools.
The only factor that matters is you. What standards do you hold yourself to? Do you take steps every day to improve, even just a tiny bit?
Also, there are many paths to success and fulfillment for a life in and with music, and there are many versions of what success and fulfillment look like. Many of my colleagues and I enjoy our careers and have stable, happy lives without "the big job." Instead, we have multiple jobs, and sometimes those jobs come and go. I make more money some years than others, but I always pay my mortgage.
If the anxiety you are feeling is keeping you from taking positive action, then I would urge you to talk to a professional counselor. While you are in school there are resources available to you that are harder to pay for when you are out of school, so I would encourage you to take advantage of them.
My best advice to you is to make sure to do good things for yourself every day. That means eating well, sleeping well, and taking action towards your goals - every day.
And further...
XXX brings up a good thought about "impostor syndrome."
Want to know the truth? EVERYBODY has that sometimes. I've read notes from a masterclass with Ian Bousfield in which he talked about feeling that way often, even after he was principal trombone of the Vienna Philharmonic!
Everybody has bad days too. I've been in the same room as Joe Alessi while he was having very poor response in the low register - onstage, with a pianist, in a masterclass in front of a room full of music students. He didn't say anything, but it was obvious that he was furious with himself. I happened to switch on a NY Phil TV broadcast once at the very moment when Phil Smith laid down a huge clam on the last fanfare entrance of Tchaikovsky 4th.
Do I think any less of them for it? Not in the least. I take it as encouragement. It means that I'm not a failure if I miss a note or make a mental mistake in a concert. How many things did I do well before and after the mistake?
We are brass players; there are more physical variables for us than for any other instruments, so perfect performances don't really exist for us. It's our job to make a split note, a less-than-centered sound in a big leap, a small error of timing not matter, because of the great music we make around them. The other side of our fallibility is that we are capable of the biggest drama...IF we are willing to commit to the moment without hesitation or second-guessing.
The more bold statements you make, the more your body and mind will get used to what you are asking of them.
I went to a fantastic masterclass a couple of weeks ago by Sam Pilafian. A few nuggets of wisdom related to these subjects:
There are no guarantees for any of us, no matter what school we did or didn't attend. I know excellent professional musicians who went to both XXX School and XXX Conservatory, and I know at least one bass trombonist who went to Curtis who doesn't work in music at all anymore. There are players in major orchestras who didn't go to any of the big name music schools.
The only factor that matters is you. What standards do you hold yourself to? Do you take steps every day to improve, even just a tiny bit?
Also, there are many paths to success and fulfillment for a life in and with music, and there are many versions of what success and fulfillment look like. Many of my colleagues and I enjoy our careers and have stable, happy lives without "the big job." Instead, we have multiple jobs, and sometimes those jobs come and go. I make more money some years than others, but I always pay my mortgage.
If the anxiety you are feeling is keeping you from taking positive action, then I would urge you to talk to a professional counselor. While you are in school there are resources available to you that are harder to pay for when you are out of school, so I would encourage you to take advantage of them.
My best advice to you is to make sure to do good things for yourself every day. That means eating well, sleeping well, and taking action towards your goals - every day.
And further...
XXX brings up a good thought about "impostor syndrome."
Want to know the truth? EVERYBODY has that sometimes. I've read notes from a masterclass with Ian Bousfield in which he talked about feeling that way often, even after he was principal trombone of the Vienna Philharmonic!
Everybody has bad days too. I've been in the same room as Joe Alessi while he was having very poor response in the low register - onstage, with a pianist, in a masterclass in front of a room full of music students. He didn't say anything, but it was obvious that he was furious with himself. I happened to switch on a NY Phil TV broadcast once at the very moment when Phil Smith laid down a huge clam on the last fanfare entrance of Tchaikovsky 4th.
Do I think any less of them for it? Not in the least. I take it as encouragement. It means that I'm not a failure if I miss a note or make a mental mistake in a concert. How many things did I do well before and after the mistake?
We are brass players; there are more physical variables for us than for any other instruments, so perfect performances don't really exist for us. It's our job to make a split note, a less-than-centered sound in a big leap, a small error of timing not matter, because of the great music we make around them. The other side of our fallibility is that we are capable of the biggest drama...IF we are willing to commit to the moment without hesitation or second-guessing.
The more bold statements you make, the more your body and mind will get used to what you are asking of them.
I went to a fantastic masterclass a couple of weeks ago by Sam Pilafian. A few nuggets of wisdom related to these subjects:
Bernstein: no rules in music. Say yes to everything that comes up and you can go far.
Go towards growth.
When you keep high standards, good things happen along the way.
You radiate what you're feeling. Get to having fun.
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Recording Reviews, #2 of ??: "American Visions" - Garth Simmons, Trombone, Michael Boyd, Piano
I met Garth Simmons years ago when we were both students at the Aspen Music Festival studying with Per Brevig. We didn't get to know each other all that well at that time, but I distinctly remember Mr. Brevig giving Garth the kind of tough love he reserved for the most talented students he knew had the drive to succeed. Just as I'm sure Mr. Brevig predicted, Garth has done extremely well, and he is currently Principal Trombone of the Toledo Symphony and Associate Professor at Bowling Green State University.
I've become reacquainted with Garth on facebook and ran into him again at this year's International Trombone Festival. His debut solo CD, American Visions, is an essential addition to a good trombone library; as far as I can tell, these are the first commercial recordings of four of the six pieces. Garth makes a great case for every one of them being performed much more often.
Robert Sanders' Sonata in E-flat is a piece I knew about, but I'm not sure I'd ever actually heard it. Like his brass quintet, I find it easy enough listening, if a little bit unmemorable. Still, it's a tuneful, well-constructed piece that deserves a place in the repertoire. I'm much more captivated by the two other large pieces on the disc: Richard Monaco's Sonata was written in a very attractive Hindemith-inspired language of open intervals and rhythmic energy, and George Frederick McKay's Sonata is likewise a great example of the kind of muscular music that was being written by many American composers in the middle of the 20th century. Sometimes I find myself pounding my fist on a table late at night over the absence of this music from American symphonic programs, but I digress...
There are two unaccompanied works on the disc: David W. Brubeck's (the bass trombonist and composer, not the late jazz pianist) StereoGram No. 12 "Spain," and "Dynamo," written for Garth by an Eastman classmate named Michael Johnson. "Spain" comes from a wonderfully challenging set of etudes exploring the idea of establishing multiple lines on a single-voice instrument. Intended originally for bass trombone, some of Brubeck's StereoGrams are finding their way onto concert programs because of their engaging grooves in a variety of styles. "Dynamo" is a virtuosic tour de force highlighting many of Garth's formidable strengths as a performer: big colorful sound, strong and secure range in both extremes, extended techniques, etc. For my taste the piece could be even more effective if it were a little shorter and more compositionally unified, but it's a great alternative to some of the other unaccompanied showcases we've got.
The last work on the recording might be the biggest find. Paul Tanner's Aria for Trombone is a light-hearted encore-style piece that allows a player with a strong high register to sing out freely. It's also more rhythmic than its title suggests and exists with both piano and band accompaniments.
All in all, this is a disc you should have if only as reference for the music on it. Garth's great sound and stylish playing make it all that much more valuable.
Friday, July 18, 2014
Recording Reviews, #1 of ??: Triton Brass
I've received some excellent new recordings recently, and I'm going to do a series of short reviews. I hope you'll buy them. The artists invest a lot of energy, time AND MONEY to do these, and every little bit of their financial investment they can get back helps them to do more.
So...first:
My friends of the Triton Brass Quintet have just released their debut recording. I work with every member of this group often in my freelance travels. I have tremendous respect and admiration for every one of them as individuals, and on top of that they have achieved the chamber music ideal of making a group that transcends the sum of its parts.
The recording opens with an original work by one of Triton's trumpeters, Andrew Sorg. Andrew is an amazing musician, and his piece, "Mental Disorders," highlights everything he and the group can do: all-in performance, shifting styles on a dime, with sounds that range from achingly beautiful to shocking and even ugly - all at the service of the music.
I won't say too much about the rest of the music, as I think it's best left to the listeners' ears, but I will say that this is black belt brass playing from everyone, in a range of styles of original music and transcriptions that I can guarantee are not already in your library. More importantly, it's a recording that captures the kind of freedom and excitement I hear from this group in live concert, with a beautifully clear and warm recorded sound.
I'm so proud of my friends Andrew, Steve, Shelagh, Wes and Angel.
Buy the recording at itunes, Hip-Bone Music, CDBaby, Amazon
So...first:
My friends of the Triton Brass Quintet have just released their debut recording. I work with every member of this group often in my freelance travels. I have tremendous respect and admiration for every one of them as individuals, and on top of that they have achieved the chamber music ideal of making a group that transcends the sum of its parts.
The recording opens with an original work by one of Triton's trumpeters, Andrew Sorg. Andrew is an amazing musician, and his piece, "Mental Disorders," highlights everything he and the group can do: all-in performance, shifting styles on a dime, with sounds that range from achingly beautiful to shocking and even ugly - all at the service of the music.
I won't say too much about the rest of the music, as I think it's best left to the listeners' ears, but I will say that this is black belt brass playing from everyone, in a range of styles of original music and transcriptions that I can guarantee are not already in your library. More importantly, it's a recording that captures the kind of freedom and excitement I hear from this group in live concert, with a beautifully clear and warm recorded sound.
I'm so proud of my friends Andrew, Steve, Shelagh, Wes and Angel.
Buy the recording at itunes, Hip-Bone Music, CDBaby, Amazon
Monday, February 10, 2014
Some Thoughts about Starting and Growing a Freelance Career in Music
I.
Musical
Concerns
Auditioning well is the fastest way to
get started. Most of my opportunities have resulted from doing well at
auditions, either directly or indirectly.
That said, there is no substitute for
excellent ensemble skills. Over the long term, excellent ensemble skills will
help you build a freelance career even if you have difficulty auditioning as
well as you are capable of playing. No matter how well you audition, you will
not get more calls if you do not:
o
Listen and blend well.
o
Play with intonation that is both independently
strong and flexible.
o
Play with rhythm that is both independently
strong and flexible.
o
Catch on quickly to play with a style that is
appropriate to the repertoire and ensemble.
o
Play with a flexible palette of tone color.
§
Hint: focus is always more important than size
of sound.
Know
your role in the ensemble. If you are hired to play a principal chair, be a clear,
respectful leader and pay close attention to the other principals. If you are
hired to play in a section, always defer to the principal, even if you think
you are a stronger player. If there’s a clear moment for you to shine, go for
it 150%; the rest of the time it is your job to make everybody else sound good
and feel comfortable.
My overall advice is to play chamber
music, play chamber music, and then play more chamber music. Form a standing
group and go for it, rehearsing a lot, performing as often as you can, going to
chamber music competitions, etc. You learn so much about ensemble playing from
this, but also about interpersonal relations – how to talk to each other, how
to give criticism without hurting feelings, etc. These skills are essential to
every musician.
II.
Extra-Musical
Concerns
Make it a habit now to keep an
accurate calendar. Keep everything about your schedule in it, as far into the
future as you know. Have it with you 100% of the time. Double-booking yourself
IS NOT ACCEPTABLE.
Make it a habit now to respond to phone
messages, texts, and especially emails in a timely manner. 24 hours is the
absolute longest anybody should have to wait for you to respond to an email,
and that timeframe is shrinking all the time.
Make it a habit now to smile and greet
people, even – especially – janitors, waitstaff, and other people who can’t
advance your career. Strive to be a genuinely friendly person. If you tend to
be shy and this doesn’t come naturally to you, then you will have to work a
little harder at it, but don’t go so far that it feels insincere. Insincerity
is always obvious.
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Retain more from practicing
http://www.bulletproofmusician.com/why-the-progress-in-the-practice-room-seems-to-disappear-overnight/
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