West Side Story

Bill · 02-27-2006, 09:43 AM

Hello Wilmer,

Greetings and Good Day to you!

I have an opportunity to play in the West Side Story program this summer. I just finished "King and I" (fairly easy) and have also done Wizard of Oz (mod. difficult), Lil Abner (difficult) and Music Man (moderate) with this group.

I'm wiritng these "ratings" to give you an idea of MY perception of the relative diffculties of these shows. I am an amateur that has ben playing 30+ years.

I think you have pretty intimate knowledge of WSS and some of the other shows I have mentioned. I've waited a long time to be able to do this show and would like an idea of what I'm getting into. I've heard that it's one of the toughest out there for trumpet.

If you could spare me a few minutes I would be most appreciative.

Many thanks,

Bill Mirrielees

MrCynical · 02-27-2006, 11:46 AM

West Side Story music is crazy.

I was in a WSS production in January, playing as Bernardo.

I don't play trumpet, but decided to post this since I stumbled onto this site and then this thread by accident.

x3matt · 02-27-2006, 02:25 PM

Bill, you are in for a real treat! I have played WSS and it is tough but well worth it. Have you every played the symphonic suite? It has a lot of the same feel. If you can't get the book ahead of time, I would recomend getting the orchestral part. That is how I worked up the show. It is a challenging show, but well worth it. Enjoy, Matt

wiseone2 · 02-27-2006, 03:44 PM

I grew up listening to the Broadway Cast album of WSS. The first time hearing the Prologue on that record in the fifties was a spiritual experience. I knew I wanted to play this glorious music.

The music is like nothing you have ever played. It asks for just about every skill a lead trumpet player has. Loud, soft. High,low. Big Band lead, Symphonic lyrical playing. There are moments of small tight jazz combo, ala John Kirby.
At other times I think of Tito or Machito.......and all in one show

I am proud of this recording. It is probably the only time a show's composer actually conducted his own music........and what a conductor he was.

I saw it on iTunes. For some dumb reason they credit the LSO. I love Maurice Murphy, but that's me on this one

Wilmer

trumpetpat · 02-27-2006, 05:14 PM

WWS was the first "professional" gig i played back in high school at my local opera house. i don't know if it is because it was my first real experience as a musician but even though the music was definately challenging, it has, since then, been my all time favorite musical to be in a pit. the music is so emotionally touching it leaves tons of room for expression with no lack of technical difficulty. so in short i am jealous of you...have a great show!

Bill · 02-28-2006, 10:58 AM

Thank you all for your thoughtful and helpful responses. Part of my question on the relative difficulty of the parts to the other shows I mentioned was to see whether I should play the second (or third, as I think there are 3 trumpet parts to this show) .

I pride myself in proper preparation and execution in pretty much everything I do...and would rather play another part well than really struggle through something that may be over my head.

I know it's difficult evaluating that for me over the internet as none of you have played with me before. I just thought by mentioning some other shows that others have done I might get some relativity checks...i.e. I thought the lead book for Lil Abner was difficult. I played it well, but sweated it out up to the last dress rehearsal feeling very confident with it.

I am indeed looking forward to the show - we have an absolutely fabulous acting, singing and dancing talent pool in Huntsville and am sure that the quality of the production will be as topnotch as Oz, Abner, King and I and Music Man have been.

Thanks once more for your replies and best wishes to all of you!

wiseone2 · 02-28-2006, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill

Thank you all for your thoughtful and helpful responses. Part of my question on the relative difficulty of the parts to the other shows I mentioned was to see whether I should play the second (or third, as I think there are 3 trumpet parts to this show) instead of trying to tackle the 1st part.

I pride myself in proper preparation and execution in pretty much everything I do...and would rather play another part well than really struggle through something that may be over my head.

I know it's difficult evaluating that for me over the internet as none of you have played with me before. I just thought by mentioning some other shows that others have done I might get some relativity checks...i.e. I thought the lead book for Lil Abner was difficult. I played it well, but sweated it out up to the last dress rehearsal feeling very confident with it.

I am indeed looking forward to the show - we have an absolutely fabulous acting, singing and dancing talent pool in Huntsville and am sure that the quality of the production will be as topnotch as Oz, Abner, King and I and Music Man have been.

Thanks once more for your replies and best wishes to all of you!

The WSS is much more difficult than any of the shows you mentioned. It is in a category all it's own.The rhythmic challenges alone separate it from most Broadway shows.

Wilmer

wilcox96 · 02-28-2006, 11:57 AM

To expand Mr Wise's point?..... ALL parts are challenging. You won't be able to "hide" in this one. Even the 2nd and 3rd books have exposed, very important passages (check the Rumble!!)...

Hope the conductor is good.

Spiritual is right... the ending....fade... I remember the last time I did this show, and on the last show of the run....the conductor held the 3 tpt, muted chord ever so "emotionally" longer...gorgeous. Touching.

Mr Wise...you mentioned growing up listening to the recording from the 50's... which recording are "you" on? I'd be willing to bet yours is the one I've listened to in preparation a few times. Great stuff....

wiseone2 · 02-28-2006, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wilcox96

To expand Mr Wise's point?..... ALL parts are challenging. You won't be able to "hide" in this one. Even the 2nd and 3rd books have exposed, very important passages (check the Rumble!!)...

Hope the conductor is good.

Spiritual is right... the ending....fade... I remember the last time I did this show, and on the last show of the run....the conductor held the 3 tpt, muted chord ever so "emotionally" longer...gorgeous. Touching.

Mr Wise...you mentioned growing up listening to the recording from the 50's... which recording are "you" on? I'd be willing to bet yours is the one I've listened to in preparation a few times. Great stuff....

Gino Bozzocco was the lead trumpet player on the Original Cast Album. David Jandorf was the second player. I never did find out who played third in that section

This was the record that caught my ear.
Dave, who I later met, taught school in Brooklyn. He played the D trumpet part.
I met Gino when WSS was in revival. When the solo came in the Mambo, Gino stood. That was funny in that tight pit. Everybody in the trumpet section has an exposed moment.
Enjoy.
Wilmer

gchun · 02-28-2006, 04:08 PM

I played lead on WSS on two separate local productions. The first time I did it, the 2nd player was not a strong player. It was a tough run. On the second production, the second player was an incredible player, strong enough where I could lay out on some unisons to rest. Great ears for the pitch and he followed my phrasing with a magnifying glass. He was really the key to me enjoying the show.(and getting though it!!) At times I would say the 2nd part is more difficult than the first.

I learned how important it is to have a good second player.

What beautiful & challenging music. Don't miss the chance to play it.

Garry

02-27-2006, 09:43 AM	#1 (permalink)
Bill New Friend Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Madison (Huntsville) AL Posts: 22	West Side Story Hello Wilmer, Greetings and Good Day to you! I have an opportunity to play in the West Side Story program this summer. I just finished "King and I" (fairly easy) and have also done Wizard of Oz (mod. difficult), Lil Abner (difficult) and Music Man (moderate) with this group. I'm wiritng these "ratings" to give you an idea of MY perception of the relative diffculties of these shows. I am an amateur that has ben playing 30+ years. I think you have pretty intimate knowledge of WSS and some of the other shows I have mentioned. I've waited a long time to be able to do this show and would like an idea of what I'm getting into. I've heard that it's one of the toughest out there for trumpet. If you could spare me a few minutes I would be most appreciative. Many thanks, Bill Mirrielees __________________ Bill Mirrielees Asbury Brass Ensemble Wild Bunch Dixieland Jazz Band Ovation Arts Orchestra Madison (Huntsville) Alabama

02-27-2006, 02:25 PM	#3 (permalink)
x3matt New Friend Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: emory, va, usa Posts: 34	Bill, you are in for a real treat! I have played WSS and it is tough but well worth it. Have you every played the symphonic suite? It has a lot of the same feel. If you can't get the book ahead of time, I would recomend getting the orchestral part. That is how I worked up the show. It is a challenging show, but well worth it. Enjoy, Matt __________________ Matt Frederick Emory, Va, USA

02-27-2006, 03:44 PM	#4 (permalink)
wiseone2 Artitst in Residence Forte User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brooklyn,NY Posts: 2,301	I grew up listening to the Broadway Cast album of WSS. The first time hearing the Prologue on that record in the fifties was a spiritual experience. I knew I wanted to play this glorious music. The music is like nothing you have ever played. It asks for just about every skill a lead trumpet player has. Loud, soft. High,low. Big Band lead, Symphonic lyrical playing. There are moments of small tight jazz combo, ala John Kirby. At other times I think of Tito or Machito.......and all in one show I am proud of this recording. It is probably the only time a show's composer actually conducted his own music........and what a conductor he was. I saw it on iTunes. For some dumb reason they credit the LSO. I love Maurice Murphy, but that's me on this one Wilmer __________________ Be sure Brain is engaged before putting Mouthpiece in gear. S.Suark 1951

02-27-2006, 05:14 PM	#5 (permalink)
trumpetpat Pianissimo User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Maine Posts: 99	WWS was the first "professional" gig i played back in high school at my local opera house. i don't know if it is because it was my first real experience as a musician but even though the music was definately challenging, it has, since then, been my all time favorite musical to be in a pit. the music is so emotionally touching it leaves tons of room for expression with no lack of technical difficulty. so in short i am jealous of you...have a great show! __________________ Programming today is a race between software engineers striving to build bigger and better idiot-proof programs, and the Universe trying to produce bigger and better idiots. So far, the Universe is winning. - Rich Cook

02-28-2006, 10:58 AM	#6 (permalink)
Bill New Friend Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Madison (Huntsville) AL Posts: 22	Thank you all for your thoughtful and helpful responses. Part of my question on the relative difficulty of the parts to the other shows I mentioned was to see whether I should play the second (or third, as I think there are 3 trumpet parts to this show) . I pride myself in proper preparation and execution in pretty much everything I do...and would rather play another part well than really struggle through something that may be over my head. I know it's difficult evaluating that for me over the internet as none of you have played with me before. I just thought by mentioning some other shows that others have done I might get some relativity checks...i.e. I thought the lead book for Lil Abner was difficult. I played it well, but sweated it out up to the last dress rehearsal feeling very confident with it. I am indeed looking forward to the show - we have an absolutely fabulous acting, singing and dancing talent pool in Huntsville and am sure that the quality of the production will be as topnotch as Oz, Abner, King and I and Music Man have been. Thanks once more for your replies and best wishes to all of you! __________________ Bill Mirrielees Asbury Brass Ensemble Wild Bunch Dixieland Jazz Band Ovation Arts Orchestra Madison (Huntsville) Alabama

02-27-2006, 11:46 AM	#2 (permalink)
MrCynical New Friend Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 1	West Side Story music is crazy. I was in a WSS production in January, playing as Bernardo. I don't play trumpet, but decided to post this since I stumbled onto this site and then this thread by accident.

02-28-2006, 11:57 AM	#8 (permalink)
wilcox96 Piano User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: charlotte nc Posts: 461	To expand Mr Wise's point?..... ALL parts are challenging. You won't be able to "hide" in this one. Even the 2nd and 3rd books have exposed, very important passages (check the Rumble!!)... Hope the conductor is good. Spiritual is right... the ending....fade... I remember the last time I did this show, and on the last show of the run....the conductor held the 3 tpt, muted chord ever so "emotionally" longer...gorgeous. Touching. Mr Wise...you mentioned growing up listening to the recording from the 50's... which recording are "you" on? I'd be willing to bet yours is the one I've listened to in preparation a few times. Great stuff....

02-28-2006, 04:08 PM	#10 (permalink)
gchun Pianissimo User Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 123	WWS I played lead on WSS on two separate local productions. The first time I did it, the 2nd player was not a strong player. It was a tough run. On the second production, the second player was an incredible player, strong enough where I could lay out on some unisons to rest. Great ears for the pitch and he followed my phrasing with a magnifying glass. He was really the key to me enjoying the show.(and getting though it!!) At times I would say the 2nd part is more difficult than the first. I learned how important it is to have a good second player. What beautiful & challenging music. Don't miss the chance to play it. Garry

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