jtepmurt74

Hi Tony,

I'm new to the forum so first, let me say "Hello." I had a question that I thought you might be able to answer. I am getting ready to go out on the road for 50 weeks with "Hairspray" and starting to shed the book. A few of the sections are real blows and wondered, in the B-way world, if the old saying, "The right tool for the job" still applies? I was talking with Tim Wendt yesterday and he said to go ahead and use whatever I need (that some of the parts were originally picc parts but no one uses it). Anyway, any advice would be welcome. Thanks!!!!!!!

Jeff

trumpet cat

I hope Tony doesn't mind if I handle this one.

I've played the Broadway version of Hairspray many times. My suggestion to you would be to use the equipment that allows you to get the right sound and helps you make it through the show. There's no way I can know exactly what that equipment would be for you, but I'll bet it's not a heavy weight, extra-large bore horn with a 1C mouthpiece....

jtepmurt74

John,

Thanks for the reply. Did a little playing today with Tim Wendt and picked at the book a bit. I guess I'm not that concerned about the show as I am worried about making it through the tech week. We have about 30 hrs or rehearsal before opening on Friday at Harrah's. Just trying to figure out pacing. BTW....Lon Hoyt is the musical supervisor so I think he will be there for a bit as well. Anyway...thanks again. I'll post and let you know how it all works out.

kadleck

Hi Jeff -

Congrats on the gig ... if you have to do Broadway, "Hairspray" is a great show to do!

I've never played it, but I respect the opinion of John Hines (trumpetcat) very much. I would use whatever necessary to get the job done. Tim Wendt has also come very highly recommended, and I'm sure that his ideas are good ones.

Lon Hoyt is a great musician, and hilarious guy. You will have fun out there!

Please keep us posted -

Tony

trumpet cat

Tony - thanks for the kind words.

Jeff - see my replies below...

The stops and starts of tech rehearsals usually don't give a true sense of the demands of an uninterrupeted show. Pacing the show as performed is the real goal. Don't play too loud on the bows until you get to the last page. Even then, take it easy and you'll increase your chances of hitting the high F# at the end (!).

A very short while ago Lon had called in to the theater right before a performance. He eventually wanted to talk to the trumpeter (me, that night) about mutes in the trumpet book, to relay info to a trumpeter that was going on tour with the show. That must have been you! Lon is a great player and show conductors don't get any cooler than him.

Have fun and let us know how it is going.

TC

jtepmurt74

John and Tony,

Thanks for the advice and the words of wisdom. I will keep you all posted with (hopefully) all good news. If you are down in AC, we will be at Harrah's Casino from July 17 until September 8 (then we "hit" the road). Stop by...hey bring your horn, maybe I'll take the night of....hahahahaha!!!!!!

jtepmurt74

Trumpet Student,

Actually, I leave next week and only have about 6 weeks off between now and next August. I can be very grueling (long hours on a bus...lots of airport security) but can also be a very exciting adventure. I have been on the road for 8 years and have been to every state, about 10 countries over in Europe, the Caribbean and will be going to Japan next summer (to close "Hairspray"). As I'm sure some of the "more seasoned" professionals will tell you, it can become very monotonous (as I will play the show about 400 times) but it can be a great tool for improving weeknesses in your playing. The book becomes almost automatic and then you can focus on things such as...eveness of attack, breathing...etc. Practice time can sometimes be minimal at best but you do what you have to. I will sometimes find an open ballroom at the hotel and play at 2 in the morning and of course there is a lot of practice mute playing in the hotel room. Like anything else, you have to love what you do and I couldn't imagine doing anything else.