Eclipsehornplayer

The highlight of my trip back to Michigan (my home state) was without a doubt seeing my children. The story I present here is a very close 2nd.

I won the spot in my childhood Church Orchestra back in September 2006 when I went back home and auditioned for it. I was very excited about winning it and very anxious to receive the music for the traditional midnight mass Catholic Church Service.

I received the music via US Mail in mid November and began to woodshed the heck out of it! I was nervous because the music was different from anything that I’ve ever played and I would not be able to rehearse with the ensemble due to the fact that the only two rehearsal’s would take place prior to my arrival on December 23, 2006; my birthday for what it’s worth. I arrived on schedule and had a very enjoyable visit with my children. It was not easy as I have an ex-wife who is out of her mind crazy; but with some help from my children I was able to persuade her to allow me some visitation with the children while I was up there.

I had hoped to get some last minute practice time but it never materialized. I last picked up my horns on 12/22/2006 and would not pick them up again until the performance began 12/24/2006 at 23:15 EST.

I arrived at my childhood church; giddy and ready to play at 22:15 EST. I had not met the other musicians and was just hoping that the countless hours I’d spent driving my wife nuts playing the same thing over and over and over would have paid off.

I was the first to arrive followed closely by a few Violinists. Funny I’ve never had to interact with those who play strings; I noted that if these young ladies were a fair representation of those who play the instrument they were an odd lot! This of course coming from the mind of a Trumpet player.

I was assigned the 2nd part primarily because I was not able to rehearse with the Orchestra and the music director definitely wanted to hear the 1st part played prior to the performance. I was excited to just be playing so it didn’t matter to me what part I played. Truth be known; I’m a 3rd section leader in the community band I play in so playing any other part was a treat and a challenge.

The 1st Trumpet player arrived and picked me out right away. He introduced himself with an outstretched hand, “You must be John! Hi I’m Bob McMillan.” We shook hands and I thought to myself he looks familiar to me. We got busy right away. He and I went through all the music and I was horrified to learn that some parts of the music had been modified. He walked me quickly through the cuts, re-writes, reprisals, and other things that had been re-written into the music. He also did something quite un-expected. He and I had several pieces where the 1st and 2nd parts were in unison. He suggested that we split those parts to keep from overpowering the choir. This in effect would give me some solo work! I tried not to show it but inside I was freaking out! I came with the mindset of a supporting role and was now being thrust into a lead role of sorts; one which I had not been in for about 25 years or so.

After we reviewed the music we pulled out our horns and warmed up for just a few moments. Bob; I have trouble calling him that; was very smooth and polished. I have trouble calling him by his first name because I finally recognized him. I knew him as Mr. McMillan when He started his teaching career at Seitz Jr. High in the early 80’s. He did not remember me and it’s just as well. I’d rather he remember me for this performance then the stupid kid I was for the two months he taught me. He came in 9th grade and replaced Mr. Sinner who retired. I played 1st chair 1st trumpet for him until I was thrown out of school a short two months later. It’s a long story; I was an idiot as a kid and only by the grace of God have I become the man I am today.

So to me he’ll always be Mr. McMillan! Sadly he told me of my original band director’s passing in 2005. His name was Mr. Olin.

We worked through some of the pieces and I was relieved to see what appeared to be a look of relief on Mr. McMillan’s face. I nailed all my parts even with some of the funky cuts and other things we had just put in them. Thank God I had practiced them to the point that I almost knew them without music in front of me. I had gained a good deal of confidence in myself as well. We went out and set up right on schedule at 23:15 EST.

The choir filed in and began singing Christmas Carrols. What a glorious thing to be a part of! I had spent my life growing up in this church and had always dreamed of playing here during a very important musical performance; now my dreams were coming true.

As I gazed out into the congregation I saw many members of my family. None of them had heard me play in the better part of 25 years or so. I was indeed excited to be part of this most special celebration.

We played through our first piece Angels we have heard on high. Nothing overly difficult, Mr. McMillan told me to do the melody and he’d do some descants that he’d improvise. Wow was he good! He flowed like water. Smooth, polished, and a real treat to play with. I did my best to emulate his style but came on inches in a trek of many miles.

We played though many pieces and with each one my confidence soared. Mr. McMillan and I had a lot of fun just tossing melodies back and forth. He even had me sight read a Clarinet part and play it in place of the 23 measures that I originally practiced for. I was freaking out! I did Ok when I reviewed the video of the performance; but while playing I remember nothing. I was frozen just trying to survive.
Then came the big one! Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus. The baton went up and the strings started us off! I had to keep moving my stand towards me as the 3rd violinist was striking her bow on it. Never had to do that before!

We came to our entrance and away we went! Mr. McMillan and I were in sync. He fired out the lead and I did my best to support him. It was without doubt the most gratifying and exciting musical experience of my life time! It was funny about half way through the Chorus Mr. McMillan looked at me and must have seen me partying in my head. We sounded good; as if we’d played together many times; yet I had never played with him in my life!

After the service which started at 23:15 EST on 12/24 and ended at 01:30 EST 12/25 Mr. McMillan told me it was a pleasure to have played with me. Wow, imagine that! If he was just being nice I don't care I'll take it. I told him that it was certainly a pleasure to play with him and I hoped we would do it again. The music director told me he was most pleased with the performance of the Orchestra as a whole and with my performance as an individual.

I met with my family in the fellowship hall and for the first time in a long time saw the pride in their eyes. My father could not believe how well we sounded with me having never played with them before. He has an untrained ear; and is of course my father so he's hardly impartial. He was so proud and that felt good!

Some thanks are in order; I could not have done this without the support of my most important musical influence who is also a good friend and my teacher.

Thank you Alex for all you have done for me. This night would not have been possible for me without your encouragement and instruction. I owe you a debt that I'll never be able to repay; but rest assured - I'll try!

Thank you to the board members who have provided me with input and guidance you too have a part in this.

Below is a link to some crude video of the Hallelujah Chorus. I look forward to reading your replies as always.

All the best of 2007 to you all!
John

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Richard Oliver

John, I can so relate!

I loved reading your post and will re-read it just to participate in your experience again. Joy, trepidation, glee and gratitude. It was just so great reading about it.

We've some things in common I fancy.

Thanks for posting the video. I heard some solid 2nd trumpet there. Nice, full, round, 3rds. Who is that guy?

Dominus Vobiscum,

Richard Oliver

Derek Reaban

John,

What a great story! Thanks for posting the details of this very special event in your life. I enjoyed every word!

On another note, I love that 2nd trumpet part to the Hallelujah Chorus. It seems like every time that I’m hired to play the Messiah, I’m hired as 2nd trumpet. There's just something special about that part (especially those octave jumps at the end) – you played it on your C trumpet, yes? I also played the Messiah this season, but with a very small chamber group (only 1 trumpet). As you mentioned in your post, it’s a little odd to be playing a different part that you’re used to - but very satisfying at the same time.

Thanks again for sharing this.

Eclipsehornplayer

Derek,

I read and enjoyed your post just the same. Thanks for the kind words. Yes, I played my part on my Bach C. The 1st player used his Bb for everything.

All the best,
John

Eclipsehornplayer

Thanks Richard,

From an old altar boy:

Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa

trumpetmike

Fantastic post - glad you were able to enjoy the experience as well as playing well.

These are the sort of posts that all younger students should read - they would realise that age is not the important thing when it comems to dealing with any potential nerves, it is the preparation that leads to a good performance.

Glad to know it went well - now, when's the next one??

gzent

John,

Good for you! Its the performances that really make it all worth it.

I can relate as I've played with choirs for nearly 20 years. Take comfort in knowing that it gets easier every time and it will be no time until you no longer 'freak out' and are able to realx and enjoy the musicians around you.

As for string players, well, yeah, they are different.


Greg

frank

Great job, John! This is the kind of post that shows the development of a trumpeter - and that's what makes it so precious! Thanks for sharing!

Dale Proctor

Funny, I thought I replied to this post earlier this morning, but my reply (and a few others) are gone. How'd that happen?

Tootsall

There were a few minutes this morning when I could not hook up to the website: perhaps it was temporarily "hors de combat" for maintenance or ISP issues?