| Re: 2007 Eclipse Contest Entries Go Here!
1) This shot was taken at Brass Hysteria '06 during a demonstration to prove that one can play two horns at once!
2) During my freshman year at SMU (before I saw the proverbial light and realized there was no future in being a music major unless I became a band director and ultimately end up selling insurance, but I digress) I was a hotshot trumpet player (is there any other kind?) and had gotten an invitation to play lead in the orchestra for the Southern Baptist Convention, which was held that year at the Tarrant County Convention Center in Fort Worth, Texas (I know, run-on sentence). While my friend (he was reading 3rd) and I were going through the book, this cat strolls in looking like he'd come off a 3-day binge (my perception, not reality); thin dude with stringy red hair and not a whole lot to say. Then again, based on my superficial and snotty-nosed judgment, that was okay! About half way through this gig, an introduction is made, and he gets up and approaches center stage. As he was walking up to the mic I flippantly asked myself "what does he think he's doing?" He then proceeded to play his version of Amazing Grace.
Now, up to this point in my life I had met few trumpet players I knew to be better than I (as cocky as I was, it was still true).
During this SCREAMING, Maynardesque rendition like I'd never heard attempted before, smoke (really condensation vapor) bellowed out of the upswept bell of his horn (no, he didn't have a Dizzy-type horn, just directed up to the heavens).
When he was done I was in such awe that I was reliving the instant replay in my mind of what just happened. It was so surreal and unbelievable for me at that point in life that I wasn't sure how to process what just happened. This now "gentleman" (my attitude suddenly changed) returned to his seat and I said "Man, you need to be sitting here!"
He said, "No, you are doing fine. Just remember, never let anyone intimidate you."
The man's name was Phil Driscoll and was/is a Contemporary Christian musician. It was indeed a humbling experience I needed and took head to. The experience not only made me a better musician, it made me a better person.
Thank you for reading my story and, as I trust it has been for most top-notch trumpet players, it is better that a little humility reach us sooner than later.
May God bless all those who truly love playing the trumpet as much as I and be able to do so as long as they wish,
Jack Rowland
Dallas, Texas |