Posts Tagged ‘trumpet’
Posted by glennled on October 26, 2011
How do some kids know what they want so early in life? Some spark in them seems to say, “Other kids may wait, but I’m ready, I can do this 
now.” Most kids join beginning band in 5th or 6th grade at age 10 or 11. But my newest (18th) trumpet student is only 8 years old and attends Tukwila Elementary School, which has a music program but no band for 3rd graders to join. So the parents arranged private lessons. She has spunk!
At first, she was interested in drums, then electric guitar, and finally either clarinet or trumpet. Her mother plays flute, her father recorder, and girl cousin (18) trombone. Standing in the Kennelly Keys Music store near Southcenter Mall, she looked them over. When she held the trumpet in her hands, that did it!
We started weekly lessons in Seattle in mid-September. I love her bright smile and determined, “can-do” attitude. She’s proving that she’s indeed a quick learner. It’s fun to see her make steady progress and eagerly tackle whatever comes next.
Helping her get a two-year head start on other kids her age made me wonder about how good she will be by the time they start to learn what she’s already learning
now. So I asked, “When it comes time to join band, do you think you will do that?”
“Yes!”
“Your cousin–did she march in the high school band?”
“Yes.”
“Would you like to do that some day?”
“And play at football games?—Yes!”
“Maybe someday you will be famous.”
“Are you famous?”
“Well, uh, no, not much. Now it’s time to play…let’s hear what you practiced.”
Posted in New Students - Intro Posts | Tagged: 3rd graders, band, elementary school, Kennelly Keys Music, lessons, Seattle, trumpet, Tukwila | 2 Comments »
Posted by glennled on July 23, 2011
My 17th trumpet student has so many musicians in his family that he could start a new band—but with their wide variety of instruments, who knows what kind of music they would make together? Grandpa played the trumpet, too, and one Grandma plays the accordion, the other, the organ. Another relative plays piano, and an aunt sings opera. One uncle plays clarinet, another guitar. His dad (trombone), mom (organ), and sister (violin) round out the group. And my 11-year old student says his baby brother is going to learn to play trumpet, too!
That will make it a dozen family musicians. If they don’t form a band, maybe they should try having a recital once a year at someone’s home! Or maybe they should get organized now to participate in Seattle’s Honk! Fest West 2012 (see http://honkfestwest.com/ and my blog post of 24 March 2011). But that stuff is not very likely, is it? Just fun to imagine…
Anyway, my new student is very enthusiastic about improving. Last year was his first year in band, and he was the leader among about 15 other trumpeters. He’s using lessons this summer to get even better on his Olds Ambassador trumpet…it’s fun! He’s working through the exercises in an instruction book, including a DVD, and his mom says he wants to “learn a new song every week!” He simply wants to become the best he can be and play in the high school jazz band. He’ll be a sixth grader this fall at a private Christian school. I like his confidence, good manners, intelligence, positive attitude, healthy ambition, optimistic spirit, and ready smile. Give me another dozen just like him!
Posted in New Students - Intro Posts | Tagged: band, Christian, Honk! Fest West, lessons, Olds Ambassor, trumpet, trumpeters | 6 Comments »
Posted by glennled on June 11, 2011
On 11 June, my trumpet students brought their horns, music, parents, relatives and friends to my home for the second annual trumpet recital. Eight of my 9 players were scheduled to play their various solos, four trumpeters in the morning and four in the afternoon. Some of the tunes came from musicals and movies, including “I Whistle a Happy Tune” (from The King and I); “Do-Re-Mi” (from The Sound of Music); “Chim Chim Cher-ee” (from Mary Poppins); and “Pirates of the Caribbean” (from the movie of the same name).
Other songs were patriotic, including “Yankee Doodle,” “You’re a Grand Old Flag,” “America the Beautiful,” and “The Star Spangled Banner.” Still other pieces included “I’m Popeye the Sailor Man,” “This Land is Your Land,” “German Waltz,” “When the Saints Go Marchin’ In,” and “Happy Birthday.”
After each session, refreshments were served. I am proud of all my students for the improvements they have made and the excellent performances they gave this day. Private lessons work! We strive for excellence–“Become Your Best!” is our motto. 🙂
Posted in Musical Events at Home, Recitals | Tagged: America the Beautiful, Chim Chim Cher-ee, Do-Re-Mi, German Waltz, Happy Birthday, I Whistle a Happy Tune, I'm Popeye the Sailor Man, lessons, Mary Poppins, Pirates of the Caribbean, recital, solos, The King and I, The Sound of Music, The Star Spangled Banner, This Land is Your Land, trumpet, trumpeters, When the Saints Go Marchin' In, Yankee Doodle, You're a Grand Old Flag | 2 Comments »
Posted by glennled on May 14, 2011
National flag of Colombia
She graduated from high school in 1974, in Antioquia, Colombia and now operates a busy housecleaning service out of Lynnwood, Washington. Her high school class is gathering in Medellin (population ~2.4 million) in late July for their graduation reunion, and the school band wants to play some of the same music which they played back then. One of the pieces they’ll be playing is the “Theme from New York, New York.”
So in April, she hired me for a 13-week crash course in trumpet playing and rented a new Getzen trumpet from Kennelly Keys in Lynnwood—isn’t that a fun thing for her to do and an interesting challenge for a tutor to undertake?! She’s my 16th student and commenced lessons on 5 April. I’m excited to help her quickly sound good again and re-develop her range and stamina. She played first trumpet in high school at Education Feminine Center of Antioquia (CEFA), and no doubt her classmates will be counting on her to lead them again.
She first came to America in 1991, and obtained her USA citizenship in 1998. Last year, her son earned his master’s degree in international commerce law with honors from the University of Edinburgh Law School, Scotland. Her daughter has her Ph.D. in Education from the University of Southern California. I’m getting the picture that this is a proud, hard-working family of high achievers, so I’m betting she will soon “knock-’em dead” in Medellin!
Posted in New Students - Intro Posts | Tagged: Antioquia, band, Colombia, Getzen, graduation, high school, Kennelly Keys, lessons, Lynnwood, Medellin, New York, reunion, Scotland, trumpet, University of Edinburgh, University of Southern California | Leave a Comment »
Posted by glennled on April 11, 2011
Glenn, Rex, and Les
Last Sunday, I again played trumpet in the church orchestra—dum-de-dum-dum! This time, however, the music was written in some of the easiest key signatures: C, F, B-flat, G, and A—whew, no problem! Begone to that diabolical stuff like the key of F-sharp, which has a whopping six sharps (see my post of two weeks ago, 28 March 2011). Hmmm (or Hymnnn)… it was a lovely day. 🙂
Posted in Church Music | Tagged: church, F-sharp, key signatures, orchestra, trumpet | 2 Comments »
Posted by glennled on April 10, 2011
All-City Honors Elementary Band, Seattle Public Schools, 9 April 2011
My very first trumpet student played in the concert performed last Saturday by the 2011 Seattle Public Schools’ All-City Honors Elementary Band and Orchestra at Whitman Middle School in Ballard. He’s now a 5th-grader at Lowell Elementary School (see my blog posts of 25 May 2010 and 14 August 2009). Actually, he plays a cornet.
The 150-member band representing 43 schools packed the large stage, and the audience was full, too. He was one of only 17 trumpet players in this honors band. Think of that—one of the best trumpeters of his age in Seattle—that’s impressive! The band’s guest conductor was Joel Orsen, a graduate of the University of Washington, who now teaches at Whitman Middle School and plays in the Highline Community Symphonic Band and the Seattle Sounders FC Soundwave. The talented band sounded very solid when playing three pieces: “America the Beautiful,” “Aura Lee,” and “Grand March: The Australian Land.”
All-City Honors Elementary Orchestra, Seattle Public Schools, 9 April 2011
First on the program was the Honors Orchestra conducted by Elisabeth Stoyanovich, who teaches strings at Whitman and is Music Director of the Bainbridge Island Youth Orchestra. At this level, the orchestra was comprised solely of strings. There were 97 students representing 39 schools—a great honor, indeed!
Posted in School Concerts, Student Competitions, Honors & Awards | Tagged: All-City, America the Beautiful, Aura Lee, Bainbridge Island Youth Orchestra, band, cornet, elementary, Grand March: The Australian Land, honors, Joel Orsen, Lowell, orchestra, Seattle, Seattle Sounders FC Soundwave, trumpet, Whitman Middle School | 2 Comments »
Posted by glennled on April 7, 2011
Nine masked trumpeters from the Concert Band (7th grade) perform "Phantom Trumpets"
If you were required by state law to attend one band concert this year at a junior high school in Western Washington, you would have to consider going to Kirkland to hear the bands directed by Ward S. Brannman. He runs a top-notch program, and the music produced by his young musicians at a concert last Tuesday was proof.
Leading off the concert was the Kamiakin Jazz Ensemble playing, among other charts, “Night and Day” by Cole Porter. Next, the Concert (7th Grade) Band performed three pieces: “Dance of the Witches,” “Irish Festival,” and “Phantom Trumpets.” In the latter, nine trumpeters wore masks and came to the front to play (see photo). One of them is a student of mine. I was very proud.
50-member Wind Ensemble
“Dance of the Witches” is a theme (in 6/8 time) written by John Williams for the 1987 movie, The Witches of Eastwick.Third was the Symphonic (8th Grade) Band, playing “Overture in C Minor” by Eric Osterling and “El Camino” by Jerry Nowak. Again, the trumpet section was featured in a mariachi section of “El Camino.” Finally, the Wind Ensemble performed Vaclav Nelhybel’s “Lyrical March,” featuring a flute solo and a trumpet duet. Five selections from Les Miserables, arranged by Warren Barket, concluded this special concert. The stage production of this popular musical debuted 25 years ago. Trumpet solos were featured in two of the selections.
Mr. Ward S. Brannman, Director
I know from tutoring one of his trumpet players that Mr. Brannman is diligent about setting high goals for his students and then encouraging, expecting, and rewarding excellence. At the same time, he mixes lots of fun, excitement, and recognition into his music program. This is the second concert of his which I’ve attended (see my post of 19 February 2010).
At this concert, for example, the teachers of Helen Keller Elementary School and the Quest Program of the Lake Washington School District were honored. Many band students read testimonials thanking
48-member Concert Band (7th grade)
their favorite teachers for good learning experiences in elementary school. Mr. Brannman also passed out several awards to various band members. And finally, he selected music that featured some of his best musicians. He builds pride and self-esteem through superior performance. Go hear his bands when you have the opportunity, whether or not it’s required by law!
55-member Symphonic Band (8th grade)
27-member Kamiakin Jazz Ensemble
Posted in School Concerts | Tagged: bands, Cole Porter, Dance of the Witches, ensemble, Eric Osterling, Helen Keller Elementary, jazz, John Williams, junior high, Kamiakin, Kirkland, Lake Washington School District, Les Miserables, Overture, Phantom Trumpets, Quest Program, The Witches of Eastwick, trumpet, trumpeters, Ward Brannman, Warren Barket, wind | 4 Comments »
Posted by glennled on March 28, 2011
I’ve decided there is something wicked about any composer or arranger who writes music in the key of F-sharp major! Why in the world would you choose to do that, when right next door, a mere half-step up or down the scale, are either the key of F (with one little flat, B-flat) or G (with one little sharp, F-sharp)? When I was young, I might have played in the key of F-sharp, but at my age, why should I want to or have to? Holy cow, come on! 😉
Last Sunday, I played trumpet again in that wonderful church orchestra about which I wrote in my post of 25 December 2010. During the two services, we played a total of 8 pieces. Wonderful worship services! Loved the music selection and most of the arrangements…except the one for “Let the Church Rise.” Great piece, but tell me—why six sharps for B-flat instruments including the trumpet? For C instruments such as the piano and flute, that is the key of Concert E, which has four sharps and is bad enough in itself. Mercy!
My theory is that Mr. Arranger must be bored or demonic or both. Must have played a string instrument or piano, I’ll bet. Hates brass. Must be on a crusade to force musicians to practice. Mean guy. The devil himself must be behind this…sneaking the key of F-sharp into church music for laughs. Spoiler…saboteur. Yes, Mr. Arranger is possessed.
Now listen, students, if you’re still reading this—this is called “venting” or “blowing off steam.” It’s also called “whining,” “avoidance,” and “blaming” others for your troubles. It’s refusing to take responsibility for yourself. Another name for it is “stinkin’ thinkin’.” Consider this: is the horn designed and built to play in six and even seven sharps or flats? Answer: yes. Then the question is, “Can we, can you, can I do it?”
The truth is that if you want to master the horn, you must practice enough to play well in any of the 12 key signatures. That’s just how it is. No shortcuts, no excuses. Come on, Glenn, get to work. Watch your self-talk. “For as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7).
“Just do it,” says Nike. “The Lord rewards those who help themselves,” they say. “If you pray to God to move a mountain, be prepared to wake up next to a shovel,” someone said. Go practice the scale, arpeggios, and etudes in the key of F-sharp, Glenn, and be better prepared the next time you’re called to play in this church orchestra. It’s what they do, and so can you. The fact is that they like certain arrangers who like certain key signatures with lotsa sharps. It is what it is. Get on board the train. 🙂
Posted in Church Music | Tagged: arranger, as a man thinketh, brass, church, composer, F-sharp, flat, key signature, Let the Church Rise, mountain, orchestra, self-talk, sharp, shovel, trumpet | 8 Comments »
Posted by glennled on March 26, 2011
7th Grade Band (center), 5th Grade Band (left) & 6th Grade Band (right)
“Have you ever seen or heard anything like it?” “No, never!” “How was it?” “Unbelievable!”
That’s how the proud audience of parents, relatives, and friends felt after the 5th, 6th, and 7th-grade bands performed their concert in the gynmasium at Skyview Jr. High School in Bothell last Thursday night.
1st-Year Elementary Band
The concert began with the 5th Grade Band playing “Furioso,” followed by the 6th Grade Band’s “American Spirit March.” Then the 7th Grade Band played three pieces: “The Firebird,” “Black is the Color,” and “Legend of the Alhambra.” Next, Mr. Shawn McGinn, Director of Instrumental Music, joined this band’s percussionists in performing a Latin piece, “Mario Brothers.”
For the finale, Mr. Ginn conducted the combined 6th-7th Grade Bands in the dramatic piece, “Second Storm.”
It is remarkable to witness the progress being made by all these young musicians [especially the trumpet and trombone players, I say]! Band is so fun!
"Second Storm," played by the combined 7th (left) and 6th (right) Grade Bands
The combined 7th (left) and 6th (right) grade bands play the finale, "Second Storm"
Mr. McGinn joins the 7th-grade percussionists to play "Mario Brothers"
2nd-Year Elementary Band
Posted in School Concerts | Tagged: 5th, 6th, 7th, American Spirit March, band, Black is the Color, Bothell, elementary, Firebird, Furioso, gymnasium, Legend of the Alhambra, Mario Brothers, percussionists, Second Storm, Shawn McGinn, Skyview Jr. High, trombone, trumpet | 2 Comments »
Posted by glennled on March 24, 2011
Several of my students want to play in a group someday but either are not yet ready or haven’t found one to join. You are not alone. Many people all over the Greater Seattle area have the same desire, and if you go to the 4th annual Honk! Fest West on 13-15 May, you’ll see hundreds of other musicians. Bring your own trumpet, if you want–you’ll find a way to play–or just come to listen and meet people. “No noise is illegal!” they say about this street fair.
Honk! Fest brings out musicians of all stripes and sounds. This year about 20 bands “large and small (anywhere from 8 – 60 members) will come from 7 states and one Canadian province, ready with old ditties, new tunes, fighting songs, protest marches, funeral dirges, swinging gospel, Balkan folk, tin pan jazz, and everything in between marching bands, samba lines, horn players, drum corps, and others,” according to the festival’s website, http://honkfestwest.com. Among the 11 bands from the Seattle area are the Seattle Seahawks Blue Thunder Drumline, Seattle Sounders FC Soundwave, Tubaluba, Orkestar Zirkonium, and two bands from Garfield High School. Or maybe you’d rather hear the bands coming from Montana, California, Arizona, Illinois, Oregon, or British Columbia. At the Honk! Fest West website, you’ll find links to the websites of most of these bands, where you can see pictures and hear samples of their music.
On Friday, the main site is in Georgetown, and on Saturday, it moves to Fremont and Gasworks Park. The finale on Sunday is at Seattle Center and the International Fountain. For more details, visit the above website. Ask about the Pick-Up Band that will be formed during this event. Now mark your calendars, and maybe I’ll see you there, somewhere!
Posted in Festivals & Competitions | Tagged: bands, Fremont, Garfield High School, Gasworks Park, Georgetown, Honk! Fest West, Hubbub Club, International Fountain, Joe Mabel, Orkestar Slivovica, Orkestar Zirkonium, Seahawks Blue Thunder Drumline, Seattle, Seattle Center, Seattle Sounders FC Soundwave, trumpet, Tubaluba, Yellow Hat Band | Leave a Comment »
now.” Most kids join beginning band in 5th or 6th grade at age 10 or 11. But my newest (18th) trumpet student is only 8 years old and attends Tukwila Elementary School, which has a music program but no band for 3rd graders to join. So the parents arranged private lessons. She has spunk!
now. So I asked, “When it comes time to join band, do you think you will do that?”
Glenn's Trumpet Notes 
