CGUM

Hi Ed et al,

I found this article and thought it might be of some interest.

Tips for Preparation

no trumpet tips but some "chicken soup" for the musical soul.


cheers,
CG

ecarroll

Charlie,

Sorry to have taken so long to respond. I'm at CalArts directing the music portion of the California State Summer School for the Arts and it's pretty time intensive. In addition to the normal stuff we're giving these kids gamelan, african drumming, musicianship, technology, and free improv classes each day...very cool.

I like much of what Helen has presented there but am particularly drawn to the Boulez quote: "What is in fact taught at a conservatory? A certain number of traditional rules, very limited in date and geographical provenance; after which any student wanting to enter the contemporary field must, as it were, jump with a miniature parachute, taking his life in his hands. How many are brave enough to make that jump? And how many feel strong enough?"

That's the real question college age trumpeters should be asking themselves. I like to also ask them if the want to be a musician or if the HAVE to be a musician, feeling that the difference is important.

As for the rest of the article, there are many paths through the musical and technical minefield. I believe rather strongly that if we take honest responsibility for our own development we will find the way. Life has a way of sorting out the prentenders from those willing to do the work.

Best from LA,
EC

Vulgano Brother

Life will separate the pretenders from those willing to do the work; the tips from Ms. Bledsoe about the Composer's language help separate the "listen to this" players from the "listen to me" players. Both have done the work, but the "listen to this" players are the true musicians. Thanks for sharing the tips!