Hardnut

I have a little trouble - in early March I have been asked to perform the Haydn Trumpet Concerto in a school concert, but I am worried as I will essentially have to do it without having a warmup - I do not play a single note in the piece on the programme beforehand.

So, it would be really useful to know how you guys go about warming up with playing, if you see what I mean. There wouldn't be a problem if I was starting with the Second movement, as this only goes up to Bb, which I can play cold anyway, but I have difficulty in playing anything above that without a ten minute warmup really - and I find the Eb difficult even with a short warm up!

What do you guys suggest that I do?

Many thanks - Chris.

Manny Laureano

I'm having trouble imagining how this would be possible. Are you going to be sitting in the audience in people's full view then have to ascend to your spot to play? How much time lapses before you play from when you enter the hall? Are you walking in off the street and playing the piece?

I don't understand.

ML

Hardnut

Hehe sorry I have not explained myself too well. I am going to be sitting in the orchestra for the first piece, which lasts about 8 minutes, and then at the end of that piece, I will go and stand at the front and (try to) play the concerto. All in all, I think there will be about 15 minutes of waiting before I play the concerto as the headmaster makes his customary speech...

I hope this makes things a bit clearer!

Chris.

B15M

I would wait off stage and warm up in the next room or maybe bring a mute back stage and warm up.

You said that you don't play before the concerto so why go out?

wiseone2

Work on cutting down your warmup There is going to come a day when a ten minute warmup is not possible...........it sounds like it has arrived.
First thing in the morning play a few notes, then go right to the Haydn. Get your body used to preparing quicker. Work on that sixteenth-note passage leading up to the Eb very quietly, don't force. It's okay if you get an airball every now and then Try to change your thinking about the need to warmup, go for a shorter more efficient one.
Wilmer

Manny Laureano

I'm with Wilmer.

Wait... no, not THAT way (that there's anything wrong with that).

Never mind. Just do what he says.

ML

Vulgano Brother

Often, a good, longer warm-up earlier in the day will last until evening. Try warming up, then waiting a few minutes and play the concerto. Throughout the day, try playing the piece "cold." It can be done. (If you ever get to play the D trumpet part on Bolero, you'll get used to this aspect of orchestral life.)

Even if on stage, try putting the horn up and getting the "feel" of that first note on your lips. Stay foucused mentally on the first phrase and don't forget the high Eb that comes later. Don't play too loud, and after the first note, you should be fine.

rowuk

There is a great deal of playing before the high Eb. The first movement starts low, plenty of time to get situated.
Start warming up with the Haydn today!
Play along with only the mouthpiece during the first piece instead of just sitting around.
I would make every effort to stay backstage for the first piece. Have a glass of tap water and take small sips to keep the mouth and lips moist.

Eclipsehornplayer

As always Wilmer; great advice!

Hardnut

Wow guys some really good advice here - thanks so much! I have asked my conductor if he would mind me staying in a practice room for the first piece, but he basically said no! He said that if it was absolutely necessary then I could but that he would not be very pleased with me if I did choose to do this!

So I have tried to do what has been suggested by Wilmer and I think that this will work by the date of the performance - I warmed up witht he Haydn today and it was a bet weedy and dissatisfactory in the high range (and I didn't get the Eb!) but I think that doing this everyday will make things a lot better!

Thanks very much - I'll post how the concert goes afterwards.

Chris.