Posts Tagged ‘trumpet’
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 »
Posted by glennled on February 21, 2011
Last night, the Washington All-State Band and All-State Orchestra played their annual concert, sponsored by the Washington Music Educators Association (WMEA), at Benaroya Hall in downtown Seattle. I was not there. I wanted to be there. Someday, I want to go see and hear one of my trumpet students play on the concert stage in the Washington All-State Band or All-State Orchestra. Who will it be?
Posted in School Concerts | Tagged: All-State, band, Benaroya Hall, concert, orchestra, Seattle, trumpet, Washington Music Educators Association, WMEA | Leave a Comment »
Posted by glennled on February 6, 2011
Mercer Island was my home for 33 years. One of my two sons (now living in New Zealand) played drums in the MI High School Band. And now my 15th trumpet student is a sophomore in that same school and plays trumpet in that same band. Also like my drummer son, she
Drum Major, MIHS Marching Band
has ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder). It’s easy for her attention to drift from one thing to the next, and it’s hard to stay focused on something for a long time.
She first learned to read music and play trumpet when she was a young girl, but then she transferred to another school and did not play for three years. To her dismay, when she returned to school at M.I. and resumed playing trumpet in the band, she found that she had forgotten much of what she’d once known about how to read music. Now she manages to play ok but wants to improve. Marching band season is over, she’s moved into concert band, the music is more complex and difficult, and she wants to play it well. She realized she must return to the basics and re-study the fundamentals…with a trumpet tutor.
I am the lucky man who is privileged to help her. We started her private lessons on 18 December 2010. She already plays with such a sweet, solid tone. Now all we need to do is help her learn all those notes over a two-octave range, learn all those music notations, strengthen and train her embouchure, and develop her hand-to-eye coordination and muscle memory. As that happens, her confidence and pride will soar. She will play as well as, or better than, most of her classmates. And, in turn, she will enjoy music and her band membership even more!
She says she had a great time when the 300-member MIHS band went to England a month ago to march in the colossal 2011 London New Year’s Day Parade (see www.londonparade.co.uk), joining some 10,000 performers from 20 countries who marched in front of about half a million spectators along the 2-mile route. The parade, which began in 1987, is broadcast by over 700 TV stations worldwide and is watched for some three hours by about 200 million viewers. This was the M.I. band’s first appearance in this, the 25th annual parade. Roughly 200 M.I. band students made the trip. The kids and community raised about $80,000 in support of those students who could not otherwise have gone. Go to the links below to watch videos of the MIHS band’s performance in London. Other USA bands participating came from Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
Almost one out of every four students in Mercer Island High School is enrolled in the band program! The program consists of four concerts bands, the marching band, jazz bands, and the “Animal Band” (see http://www.misd.k12.wa.us/schools/hs/hsband/bands.html). The successes, awards and accolades won by these bands are numerous; for example, over 50 students were selected to participate in the All-State and All-Northwest honor ensembles during the last five years.
Next year, they will march again in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California. Hmmmm….now if only the UW Husky football team can just win enough games next season, maybe they’ll get to play in the Rose Bowl game itself. Go, Huskies! And then she and her fellow M.I. band members can watch our own Seattle team play there. It’s so much fun to be in band! 🙂
There are at least four videos of the MIHS Marching Band’s performance in London on YouTube:
Posted in New Students - Intro Posts | Tagged: ADD, All-Northwest, All-State, Animal Band, Attention Deficit Disorder, band, basics, concert, embouchure, fundamentals, hand-to-eye coordination, high school, honor ensembles, Huskies, jazz, lessons, London, M.I., marching, Mercer Island, MIHS, muscle memory, music, New Year's Day Parade, Rose Bowl, Seattle, sophomore, Tournament of Roses, trumpet, trumpeter, tutor, UW | Leave a Comment »
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).
Glenn's Trumpet Notes 
