6pk

Manny/trumpetmaster

I wanted to briefly share you with an amazing experience we had tonight with the HKPO with Edo de Waart and Mahler 7. What a piece that is! I was totally stunned by the adrenaline rush. It was amazing, the contrast ,between rehearsals and concerts. In rehearsals you feel invinceable, sudddenly in concert you have to control your mind and not think to much, though I tried your smile thing and it did hugely help. I am also very fortunate that we have a great section, and in particular an awesome 2nd second trumpet, Dougie Waterston, one of the best, monster low range, huge high range and will follow better you, than you can follow yourself ha-ha. This is the most I have ever appreciated my section. The biggest thing I would say I drew from the experience, was how to relax myself and have faith in my ability. The first few solos's felt as if someone else was playing the instrument for me, and they were going fine, so I told myself to relax, enjoy the music, and gradualy my heart rate came to a normal rate. The 1st movement was made a lot easier by thinking of Star Trek for some of the intervals ha-ha. It was my first time playing this piece and I can honestly say its the hardest I've played so far, huge experience, loved every minute, have to do all again in 24hrs, and all I can say is I sould never know it too well!

I'd love to hear stories/comparisons of experience with this piece or anything similar.

Best Wishes, and happy Chinese New Year

Jon