Glenn’s Trumpet Notes

News & Tips for Trumpet & Cornet Students

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Posts Tagged ‘trumpeter’

2013 Spring Band Concert, Hamilton International Middle School in Seattle

Posted by glennled on August 21, 2013

Trumpet Soloist, Symphonic Band, HIMS

Trumpet Soloist, Symphonic Band, HIMS

Dan Rowe, Music Director of Concert and Jazz Bands at Hamilton International Middle School (HIMS) in the Wallingford district of north Seattle, ended the school music year on 6 June with an expert Spring Band Concert at Lincoln High School Auditorium. He conducted four bands comprised of almost 300 students in total: the Beginning (58 members), Cadet (87), Concert (72), and Symphonic (75) bands.

Two trumpet players were among those singled out in each band for special awards. The Outstanding Musician Award for the Cadet Band went to trumpeter, Carter Eng. The Most Improved Musician Award for the Concert Band went to trumpeter, Juliana Silldorff.

The music program at HIMS is supported by Friends of Music at Hamilton International (FOMAHI). Please see www.fomahi.org. FOMAHI was headed in 2012-2013 by Alicia Edgar, President. For my article and photos about last winter’s band concert, please see my blog  post of 24 December 2012.

Below is a gallery of photos from the concert. Please click on any photo to enlarge it.

Posted in School Concerts | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Three Bugle Calls at Memorial Day Ceremony, Veterans Park, Lynnwood

Posted by glennled on June 1, 2013

286 flags to honor the Washingtonians who died in the Irag War

286 flags to honor the Washingtonians who died in the Irag War

Of course it rained in Lynnwood on Memorial Day! That’s because there was an outdoor ceremony being performed at Veterans Park to honor our nation’s war dead. It always rains then–it’s traditional. But some 250 people didn’t care and came anyway, God bless ’em!

Glenn Ledbetter sounds "Echo Taps"

Glenn Ledbetter sounds “Echo Taps”

And as Bugler of VFW Post 1040, I had the privilege to sound three bugle calls—first, “Assembly,” to catch the crowd’s attention and cue the Northwest Jr. Pipe Band to commence the ceremony; then “Echo Taps” to close the ceremony; and finally, “To the Color” when honors were rendered as the American flag was hoisted to full mast at noon, according to custom and protocol.

 

Boy Scouts Troop 49 of Lynnwood placed flags in the park and distributed the programs. Garret Lloyd King sang three songs, and VFW Post Piper Ray Colby played “God Bless America” on the bagpipes. The Northwest Jr. Pipe Band played “Green Hills,” “Battles Ore,” and “Amazing Grace.” The “echo” part of “Taps” was sounded by Josiah Chupik, lead trumpeter of the Woodinville High School Bands and a former trumpet student of mine. And the three-volley rifle salute by the VFW Post 1040 Honor Guard was perfect.

 

Please click on any photo to enlarge it. For more information, please see:

Posted in Ceremonies & Celebrations | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments »

Photo Gallery of “Northshore Jazz Night” at Inglemoor High School

Posted by glennled on May 31, 2013

It started in 1984, when Eric Lucas was a senior in high school—a concert called “Northshore Jazz Night” that features the high school jazz bands within the Northshore School District. Mr. Lucas is now Director of Instrumental Music and Performing Arts Department Chair at Woodinville High School. “So often,” he said, “when we play at jazz competitions and individual school concerts, we never get the chance to hear each other play. This is a fun event, usually about the first week of May, just for the entertainment of ourselves, parents, relatives, and friends.”

And on 30 April at Inglemoor High School in Kenmore, we heard five bands from Woodinville, Bothell, and Inglemoor high schools. I got photos of almost every band, but my camera’s battery died just before the Inglemoor Jazz Ensemble took the stage.  The lead trumpeter in the Woodinville Jazz Ensemble is my former student. Please click on any photo to enlarge it.

Posted in School Concerts | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Arcade Mocha Kicks Off Winter Concert at Skyview Junior High in Bothell

Posted by glennled on December 17, 2012

AM LogoAs the fans filled the stands in the gym at Skyview Junior High in Bothell, they were entertained by Arcade Mocha, a jazz combo formed by eight students in 2011. People were coming for the Winter Concert of the orchestra and 7th, 8th, and 9th-grade bands. Arcade Mocha played Christmas songs and other pieces for half an hour before the concert began.

Vaughan has been my trumpet student since 2010

Vaughan has been my trumpet student since 2010

It was their 19th gig so far (see http://www.facebook.com/ArcadeMocha?ref=ts&fref=ts). They play for festivals, auctions, fundraisers, variety shows, promotional events, and such at malls, stores, coffee shops, churches, schools, and more. For example, during the holidays in 2011, they played at the Barnes and Noble Book Fair in Woodinville, and twice in 2012, they played at the Crossroads Mall in Bellevue. Last November, they played at “This is the Night,” the Skyview Spaghetti Dinner, and helped raise $1,700 in funds for the Music Boosters and

Music Department of the school. Musically, they’ve stepped up into jazz circles by playing twice at afternoon gigs at Tula’s Jazz Club in Belltown in Seattle (see www.tulas.com).

This group of talented teenage musicians launched from the Skyview Jr. High music program (see http://www.nsd.org/education/staff/staff.php?sectionid=429).  They practice, using The Real Book of charts, every Saturday at the home of their booking agent, Dianne Kinney, 425-275-8696, dianne@adamkinney.com.

Please click on any photo to enlarge it.

Posted in School Concerts | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments »

Teacher’s Satisfaction—One Trumpeter Promoted, Another Switches to Trombone

Posted by glennled on April 12, 2012

One of my private trumpet students just got promoted by the band director at Skyline Jr. High in Bothell to 2nd-year (6th grade) elementary band. She’s a 6th grader who just started band this year, so she’s been playing among 5th-graders in the 1st-year band. She’s advanced far enough on the fast track that she now belongs among her own age group. I recommended the promotion to the band director, and he accepted it.

Another 1st-year band trumpeter has been struggling with her tone (airy) and articulation (splatters). This week, I told her that because of her embouchure, I thought she might produce a better tone with sharper slotting on an instrument with a bigger mouthpiece. I asked her to try playing a trombone for me, and she was willing. So in a small practice room, she blew on a school-owned trombone—and out came some big, fat solid tones over a wide range. I called in the band director, and we were all so excited. Given a choice of baritone or trombone, she chose trombone.

And again, I experienced the teacher’s thrill—I helped two students get a taste of success.

Posted in Student Competitions, Honors & Awards | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments »

9th Grade Trumpeter Making a Comeback Towards Rejoining Band

Posted by glennled on March 12, 2012

Lots of people start band and drop out, only to regret it in later years. My 19th trumpet student did just that—dropped out after his first year in band when he was a 5th grader at John Muir Elementary School. Now he’s a 9th grader at Kamiakin Junior High in Kirkland, and his goal is to join the band next year as a sophomore at Juanita High School. He’s given himself one year to catch up and be ready. It’s a rare, ambitious attempt. So far, so good.

Last September at the start of the new school year, he found himself eating lunch alone—all his best friends were in band rehearsal during his lunch period. Well then, rejoin band, his mother suggested. “Ok, I’ll try,” was his response.

His mom contacted the high school band director, Mariko Lane, to determine whether she would accept him into band. Yes! Kids join at all levels of performance, she said enthusiastically. She then advised him to stay with his original instrument, the trumpet, and to find a good tutor right away. In our first meeting, I listened to the story of why he quit and why he wants to start again. I wondered, is this his goal or someone else’s? Is this realistic or just a pipe dream? So I grilled him thoroughly with tough questions and provactive comments, giving him every opportunity to drop the idea or select a different tutor. But he stayed cool and stood fast, which pleased me, so we embarked on the challenge together.

Our first weekly lesson was on 3 November 2011. They ordered the instruction book I prefer for beginners, “Progressive Trumpet,” by Peter Gelling. It happened to be out of stock in local music stores and took a few weeks to arrive on special order. Why is this important? Because he is now finishing that book after about only three and a half months! A fifth grader takes much longer. He is now more mature, he is more dedicated, he has more self-discipline–in other words, he practices regularly! He works at it, so he’s on the fast track. It’s that simple. But simple is not always easy, is it? Simple can be the most difficult.

What does he think of his progress so far? “It’s more possible than I originally thought,” he said. Yes, it is. He has finished the first instruction book faster than any of my other students. When he finishes the second book, he’ll be ready to join high school band. Immediately, he’ll have to learn to march while playing. Then he’ll get three, fun, high school band years full of wonderful, lifelong memories with his friends—just by playing music, and that’s fun in itself. It’s one of those things that’s better “The Second Time Around.”

Posted in New Students - Intro Posts | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments »

Jonathan Pugh, Cornetist and Trumpeter, Plays Jazz at Third Place Books This Saturday Night

Posted by glennled on March 9, 2012

It’s not often that you can hear outstanding jazz trumpeters play in a family-friendly venue, but this Saturday night you have that rare opportunity! Jonathan (Jon) Pugh, solo jazz cornet and trumpet artist, is playing at 7:30 – 9:30 p.m., Saturday, 10 March, at Third Place Books at 17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park. And it’s free!

Meanwhile, if you wish, you can buy an inexpensive meal from the several restaurants surrounding the audience and stage, and you can browse the adjacent bookstore, before and after the entertainment.

His jazz music is melodic! You don’t have to go to a nightclub or bar. Kids of all ages are welcome. It’s totally casual. It’s fun!

Perhaps you have not heard of Jon Pugh. Well, he’s been playing a long time with some famous groups, including being a featured soloist for 30 years with the legendary Don Lanphere (soprano, alto, and tenor saxophonist). Since 1982, he has been a recording artist and clinician representing Conn-Selmer:Holton trumpets/cornets. As a music educator, he’s known for his passion to both entertain, inform, and inspire every member of his audiences. Wouldn’t you like to experience that? Then come hear him, free!

For more information about the event, his jazz style, his discography of CDs, and his background and credentials, please see the following:

Among those listed as artistic influences upon Jon are Tony Frucella, Chet Baker, Clifford Brown and Oscar Peterson.

Posted in Professional Concerts | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments »

It’s SO Fun to be in Band! Photo Gallery of UW-UH Game

Posted by glennled on September 30, 2011

Charge!

On 10 September, the University of Washington Huskies football team improved its record to 2-0 with a 40-32 victory over the University of Hawaii Warriors. This was the 59th Annual High School Band Day, attracting more than 2400 participants.

Most of these photos were taken by Louis Figueroa (on the field) and Garry Nakayama (in the pressbox), and a few were by me, as a trumpeter in the Husky Alumni Band.

Click on any of these 28 photos to enlarge it.

Posted in HMBAA - Husky Alumni Band | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Photo Gallery of Bands’ Performance as UW Scores Victory over ECU, 30-27

Posted by glennled on September 25, 2011

National Champion majorette

On 3 September, the University of Washington Huskies beat the Eastern Washington University Eagles, 30-27. The first home game of each new season is known to the bands as the “Varsity/Alumni Game,” because it is the only game for which the Varsity and Alumni bands combine to march on the field and play in the stands.

Matt and Cam, my two great "Guide-on's," wearing our "W" caps backwards to signify another Husky victory!

Only those alumni members who volunteer get to do it, and this year I did so for the first time. One night at practice, I realized

that I had not marched on that field since the 1961 season! Back then, I played 1st trumpet, had all the music memorized, and always did the marching performances without flaw—just like today’s students. Fifty years later, I discovered that I can now either march or play—but not both at the same time. Good thing the director, staff, and young band members are patient and tolerant of imperfection! Indeed, they were much more than that: they were warmly hospitable, helpful, encouraging, and supportive.

In these photos, you will see that the uniform for this game consists of purple “Touch of Class” polo shirts, khaki pants, white shoes and socks, brown belt, and Husky cap with a “W” on the front. Pressbox photos are by Garry Nakayama; field photos by Louis Figueroa.

Posted in HMBAA - Husky Alumni Band | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments »

Who, Me—Aspire to Inspire—Really?

Posted by glennled on September 2, 2011

“I was only two years old then!” said Dave after he heard me say that I graduated from the University of Washington in 1962. The tall trumpeter with his bright eyes, wide smile, and salt and pepper beard is a fellow-member of the Husky Marching Band Alumni Association (HMBAA). A few minutes before, Dr. Brad McDavid, Director of Athletic Bands at UW, had asked for a show of hands of those Alumni Band members who graduated in the 1990’s: many hands were raised; 1980’s, fewer hands; 1970’s, very few hands; 1960’s, one hand—mine!

We were standing on the field of Husky Stadium last Wednesday night, about to begin a three-hour rehearsal with the Varsity Band in preparation for the pre-game and half-time shows at this Saturday’s football game, opening the new season. The Huskies are playing the Eagles from Eastern Washington University in Cheney, near Spokane. Last season, the Eagles won the 20-team playoff and are the 2011 national champions of the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) of the NCAA. And this year, they are again ranked No. 1 in the nation in the pre-season polls. FCS is only one level below the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) in which the Huskies play.

New Pac-12 logo painted on Husky Stadium field (photo by Dan Niven)

Classes at UW begin in about four weeks on the 28th of September, and most students have not yet arrived on campus. So, it’s traditional for the Varsity Band to combine with the Alumni Band to perform for the fans and team at the first football game of the year. A few weeks ago, when I volunteered to play at this game, I did not realize what I was getting in for. This Saturday, I’ll be marching on the field alongside and among those smart, lively, 19-22 year old kids, all good musicians, pumped full of adrenaline and testosterone. There will be about 160 of us. That’s bigger than the entire Varsity Band when I was in school. “What have I done?” I thought.

Then I counted the years since I last marched in the band on this field, playing my Super Olds cornet—50 years ago, in 1961, the year the Huskies, led by Coach Jim Owens, won the Rose Bowl game, beating the Minnesota Gophers, 17-7. Holy cow, it’s like a Golden Anniversary! And this is the last year for this stadium. It will be demolished and rebuilt after this season.

After rehearsal, as I was walking slowly back to my car on tired feet, Dave caught up with me, and we chatted about the experience. As our pathways diverged, he shouted, “You’re an inspiration!”

 No—really? Shocking! I didn’t aspire to that. But age just happens, doesn’t it, if you’re lucky like me. I arrived home after 10 p.m., and my wife and I had a long chuckle before going to sleep.

Posted in HMBAA - Husky Alumni Band | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments »