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February 2, 2010

Episode 147: Larry O’Brien and Jaime Parker, The Glenn Miller Orchestra

It is my pleasure to introduce you to two very classy gents in this episode. Many of you already know all about Larry O’Brien, I am sure. He’s been leading the Glenn Miller Orchestra since 1988. He has been on the road with his trombone since 1955. (That is NOT a typo, my friends.)

For more than 50 years, this man has been traveling the world and sharing his love of trombone. I can remember seeing him almost 30 years ago, when I was just beginning to love the trombone. His influence on so many of us makes him a legend. I was honored to perform with the band and was thrilled to spend an hour with Larry as he shared stories and wisdom like only he can. All of this was facilitated by Jaime Parker, who joins us in this interview. Jaime and I both went to University Northern Colorado:-) He’s been with the band for a year and a half now, and apparently having the time of his life! I want to thank both of them for taking the time and being so gracious…….

Hope you enjoy meeting them! When The Glenn Miller Orchestra comes to your town, do yourself a huge favor and check them out! Truly astounding timbres, blend, and groove going on with that band:-)

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January 15, 2010

Episode 146, Pt.2: picking up where we left off…

Part 2 of Episode 146.

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Episode 146,Pt.1: SmartMusic! (and a couple other goodies)

This is a tutorial explaining how the Routine should go with SmartMusic. It follows the PDF hand-out which is Episode 146b.

I walk through the routine slowly with some hints and tips to make it more effective (and hopefully more fun!) for you.

I also talk about 2 new and terrific books:

Brad Edwards’ “Simply Singing for Winds”, and David Vining’s “The Breathing Book”. They’re both really good and maybe you want to treat yourself by buying them, eh?

The main focus of this very long episode, though, is SmartMusic. I’m such a fan of this program….I have seen how it has helped me and my students. Plus, every revision of the program is better and better. It is my sincere hope that this episode piques your curiosity enough to purchase the program and start digging into it. Have a blast!

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January 14, 2010

Episode 146b: SmartMusic Curriculum (pdf)

A PDF file to print out and get going! This might make more sense upon watching Episode 146, but in many ways this is self-explanatory. Here is a Routine I designed for me and my students to get the most from SmartMusic.

Don’t know what that is? Oooooooo, you better go check it out:

http://www.smartmusic.com/

How awesome is it that we live in a world with such technology? This routine is designed to suck as much juice from this technology as possible. If you have some ideas and thoughts, we’ll hate you for not sharing! Please write me:

tom@trombonelessons.com

Actually, you know what? I’m gonna leave “Comments” open on this one so we can share ideas openly and quickly. We’ll see how that goes:-) You must click the Episode’s title line above to view comments….

Peace and Fun and Trombone Love to you all.

PS- Don’t forget about Brass Blast at KSU coming up February 13. CLICK HERE for more info, please.

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Episode 145: Bordogni (”Rochut”) conversion chart for SmartMusic

This will be helpful to some of you…..and I thank Will Compton for doing this! Here is a chart that tells you which “Rochut”’s correspond to the appropriate SmartMusic accompaniment.

To find the Vocalises’ in SmartMusic, go to: Solos>Trombone>Complete Book of Vocalises

These are quite nice as church offertory interludes, demonstrations in schools, or just for fun around the house:-)

I’ll talk more about SmartMusic and show y’all what it can do in the next Episode……you can check it out here:

http://www.smartmusic.com/

And, while you’re out on the Web, please take a moment to check this out….thanks, Matt, for sharing this at FaceBook. Awesome stuff:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJew4fxHl1U

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January 13, 2010

Episode 144: Meet Jeff Purtle (purtle.com)

Jeff Purtle is a trumpet player/professor from South Carolina. His website has many terrific resources:

www.purtle.com

He teaches at Anderson University and he joins me here via iChat to discuss theĀ  Brass Camp he’s organizing for this July 15-17. Jeff was a long-time student of the great Claude Gordon, who was in turn a long-time student of Herbert L. Clarke. That’s quite a pedagogical pedigree, don’t you think? (and a rather snazzy alliteration, too)

Through his website and through this Brass Camp, Jeff is really trying to introduce as many musicians as possible to the teachings of Claude Gordon. He’s a great guy and has an entrepreneurial spirit! I hope you enjoy meeting him.

More info about the Brass Camp can be viewed here:

http://www.purtle.com/brass-camp.html

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Episode 143: Brass Blast at KSU! (Feb.13, 2010)

Guess what, everybody!?

We’re gonna have a “Brass Blast” at Kennesaw State University on Saturday, Feb. 13, 2010

It’s gonna be awesome. Be there to hear some amazing performances, clinics, masterclasses by one of the most dynamic faculties anywhere (seriously, check the line-up at the website:-)

We’ll also have a brass ensemble for all participants. Rock on.

Registration deadline is Feb.8, so hurry and sign up. Lots more info is here:

http://www.kennesaw.edu/music/brass_blast.shtml

Email me with questions. I have attached a very snazzy poster for you, too.

I really hope to see you there! It is going to be a great day, and if you haven’t had a chance to see all the new facilities at KSU, prepare to be impressed.

Happy New Year, everybody. More episodes coming right up…….

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November 4, 2009

Episode 142: Goodbye, Adam

We are devastated by the news that Adam Mewherter is no longer with us. Rest in peace, our good friend.

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October 22, 2009

Episode 141: David Cutler, one Savvy Musician (.com)

***Wow, three episodes in 1 week! Um, hope this hasn’t filled up the hard drive or caused a crash. But I’ll probably need to take a few weeks off now:-)***

I am very pleased to introduce my friend Dr. David Cutler to you, ladies and gentlemen. I think the world of him. He’s an extremely talented musician, and as it happens a gifted entrepreneur. This interview seems so timely. I have been having a lot of discussions with students, peers, and parents about making a career as a freelance musician.

Like David, I am an optimist. I believe that there has never been a better time to be a freelance musician. But I also know that most traditional educational tracts are not adequately preparing students. They have a job to do in making you the best performer you can be. The curriculum simply doesn’t have enough room for addressing some other issues related to being your own boss. His book addresses these issues. The accompanying website is great. He already has accumulated a wealth of resources, and it’s only going to grow. Please check it out and start thinking with fresh new ideas and a newly energized spirit. The world needs your music and is willing to pay for it. You’re going to need to be smart about running your business, though. As we discuss in the interview, the work you do will be largely of your creation. That’s the best part of being an entrepreneur, truly!

I hope you enjoy meeting David and take to heart some of the very good advice he shares herein. Then, you might consider visiting his website and buying his book. Being armed with knowledge and a variety of perspectives is a good way to be…..

www.savvymusician.com

You can live your dreams. You really can.

Peace:-)

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October 17, 2009

Episode 140: FloodOfFriendship.org

***NOTICE: This episode comes right on the heels of Episode #139. Please don’t forget to watch that one, too, OK? Thanks.***

Recent flooding and heartbreaking devastation inspired some of the Southeast’s finest musicians to host a benefit concert in Powder Springs, GA. In this episode, see some clips from the concert and learn how you can help.

Please visit the website for a list of our generous sponsors and the musicians that donated their time and talent to help their neighbors. Thanks to everyone that participated!

www.floodoffriendship.org

To learn more about the fabulous Joe Gransden (who promises to come do an interview with us soon:-), please visit:

joegransden.com

And if you think Wes can’t play any higher, go watch:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HChvUXMFFBA

Thanks, your support is much appreciated…….order a T-shirt and wear it with pride, eh? All proceeds go to those who need it most. If you prefer, I am accepting donations through my PayPal account, too (tom@trombonelessons.com). All donations to “Flood of Friendship” will be given to Salvation Army and/or CAMP Sweetwater.

Peace. Please remember to keep the victims of the flood in your thoughts and prayers.

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October 14, 2009

Episode 139: Mercer University Faculty Brass Quintet

A few highlights from our recent recital! This was our inaugural performance and the first of many more, we hope. Eric, Jay, and I are new to the faculty at Mercer. Jonathan has been teaching trumpet there for a few years, and Doug is the Director of Instrumental Ensembles. We are currently on a REAL recruiting push, so if you are interested in learning more, please visit the website:

music.mercer.edu

The campus is absolutely beautiful, in downtown Macon, GA. Wonderful architecture, peaceful, academic excellence….a wonderful place. It’s also quite close to Atlanta (about 70 miles). A new string conservatory and a new administration are launching this school into a new phase of excellence. As you can see, the brass faculty is superb. These are great players and good guys! I am proud to be a part of it. My goal is to have a conservatory vibe in my studio….now I need to recruit a few terrific students:-)

Graduates and Undergraduates: scholarships and assistantships are available to well-qualified students. Check us out and let me know if you have questions, OK?

***NOTICE: There is a deadline for Graduate Assistantship applications of January 19, 2010***

Thanks! Enjoy the recital……..

PS- Thanks for the email, Seth. Of course I should have put up more program info. My bad. Here is what you hear:

“This Old Man- March” by Robert Nagel

“Beale St. Blues” by W.C. Handy, arranged by Luther Henderson

“Contrapunctus I from the Art of Fugue” by J.S. Bach, arranged by Robert King

“Threepenny Opera Suite” by Kurt Weill, arranged by Karl Kramer

1) Overture

2) The Moritat of Mack the Knife

3) The Instead-of Song

4) Cannon-Song

“Dance” by Wilke Renwick

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September 17, 2009

Episode 138: Sewanee Festival Brass, Part 2

Here is Part 2 of the wonderful concert that took place on July 25, 2009 at the Sewanee Summer Music Festival. It has become a tradition to close the 5-week festival on the last Saturday night with a Brass Ensemble soiree.

In Part 2, you’ll hear some of my favorite brass works from Brahms, Wagner, Elgar, and Tomasi.

More info, and more music from the concert, are in Episode#135

More about the Festival can be found at their website:

http://www2.sewanee.edu/ssmf

Once again, my congratulations and thanks to all the wonderful musicians in this video! My visit to Sewanee was a highlight of my Summer.

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September 10, 2009

Episode 137: “Quality of Motion” (pdf)

Part 2 of my master classes at U of M. This pdf file should download by clicking the icon below.

I very much appreciate the comments about “The Big Picture”. I hope this installment, too, is useful and helpful in your playing and teaching.

Peace.

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September 2, 2009

Episode 136: “The Big Picture”, a Master Class (pdf)

This Episode is in PDF format. It should simply open or download when you click the PDF icon below. This is a general outline for the first in a series of 8 Master Classes I will present at The University of Michigan this Fall. It is my honor to be a fill-in for Prof. David Jackson for this semester.

I welcome all comments, as always, to:

tom@trombonelessons.com

Peace.

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August 29, 2009

Episode 135: Sewanee Summer Music Festival; Brass Choir Pt.1

Sorry for the delay, my Sewanee friends……but here it is! This brass ensemble concert, ladies and gents, took place on campus at The University of the South in Sewanee, TN, on July 25, 2009. It was the last night of the Sewanee Summer Music Festival 2009, which is a 5-week festival for high school and college musicians. My good friend Mark Babbitt teaches trombone there, and needed someone to fill in for a few weeks this Summer (allegedly so he could perform in the Ring Cycle done by the Seattle Opera………we should do a Podcast about THAT, Mark:-)

I instantly fell in love with the place and the people. (To all the Sewanee Festival ‘bone players: y’all are missed badly already. Thanks for the great hang! I wish you all the very best in your musical adventures; please stay in touch.)

I have mentioned this before, but I really believe that Music students need to get out to these festivals each Summer. At SSMF ‘09, the music-making was exceptional in every way. The faculty, staff, and students were the best! I had a fantastic visit.

The schedule was rigorous for these players, and I can only imagine how tired their chops were when this concert rolled around.(But hey, that’s what Summer festivals are all about: play, play, play, right!?) Still, these talented brass players mustered the physical and mental energy to pull off this spectacular performance in the splendor of All Saints Chapel. Under the baton of Mr. David Brockett (and myself on a few works) and organized by Mr. Eric Bubacz, this was a really fun night of brass music! On the bill are a few classics, a few new arrangements, and a fantastic original composition by Ross Wixon, a trumpet player at the Festival and a 2009 Young Artist award recipient. Ross, it was one of my favorite pieces on the program! I look forward to playing a lot more of your music.

As I say, the students in this ensemble were some of the most studious, talented, and fun people I have had the pleasure of knowing. Their attitudes were terrific. Perhaps that has a small bit to do with their teachers at the festival:

Mark Babbitt inspired the trombones like nobody can. Mr. Brockett, in addition to being the Maestro herein, is the horn teacher par excellence. My good friend, colleague, and fellow Atlantan, Eric Bubacz taught the tuba players. And the inimitable, one-of-a-kind Russ DeVuyst cultivated the sound of this most astounding group of trumpet artists. (I would like to give Congrats to Mr. Logan Anderson and Miss Kyra Sims, who were finalists in the SSMF Solo Competition, just 2 nights before this brass ensemble concert. Logan performed a jaw-dropping Arutunian “Trumpet Concerto” and Kyra sang in a beautifully polished Mozart Horn Concerto. Nicely done, both of you!)

I hope you all enjoy viewing Part 1. More to come in Part 2. To those seen in the video………Bravo! You should be very proud of yourselves and I hope you refer to this video when you need a shot of inspiration. Love you all.

For info about the Sewanee Summer Music Festival, please visit their website:

http://www2.sewanee.edu/ssmf

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August 18, 2009

Episode 134: Il Brasso Magnifico (.org)

***REMINDER: please take a moment to view Episode 132 and contact Mr. Fulton Stone with inquiries/bids. Thanks, all!***

A new project happening in Atlanta, Il Brasso Magnifico is the brainchild of our friend Mark Williamson.

What makes this group unique is the fact that all the literature performed is public domain. Plus, all recordings, performances, and sheet music will be FREE to the general public. Wow! Thanks, Mark:-)

And, let’s be honest…..the guy is a MONSTER E-flat horn player!

Please visit the website and tell your friends:

www.ilbrassomagnifico.org

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August 10, 2009

Episode 133: Lesson with Lynda, Pt.5

***NOTICE; please take a moment to watch Episode 132. There might be an instrument in that collection that is looking for you:-) Plus, we’re very hopeful that those fine instruments find very good homes. You have a chance to make offers before they go to eBay or elsewhere. I would certainly appreciate it if you told your friends and helped spread the word. Thanks!***

Really, this is Part 2 of Part 4 (Episode 131). Make sense:-)

Everybody ready to go back to school!? Here’s to a productive year of musical growth and creation of lifelong friendships!

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August 6, 2009

Episode 132: The Collection (and Passion) of Benjamin Fagan

I never met Benjamin Fagan, but he sure was a lover of Trombone! At first an accomplished performer, then a collector extraordinaire. In this episode, Benjamin’s nephew (Mr. Fulton Stone) kindly welcomes us all into his home so we can peruse this most amazing collection of vintage trombones. There are 18 in all; some REAL beauties.

More than anything else, I sensed that the estate of Mr. Fagan would be thrilled to have these trombones fall into the hands of appreciative owners. That’s where you come in! If something in this collection piques your interest, please make an offer to Mr. Stone. His email address is:

fultonstone@bellsouth.net

(Of special interest might be a “starter kit” for an eager and deserving beginner. Trombone, mutes, slide cream, spray bottle, stand light, etc. If you have a worthy young player in your life, please inquire with Mr. Stone.)

And, if you knew Benjamin Fagan and have any anecdotes to share with his family, they would be most appreciative. Thanks everybody. Enjoy this. Mr. Fagan was quite obviously a man with a passion for our beloved Trombone. May he rest in eternal peace.

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August 3, 2009

Episode 131: Lesson with Lynda, Pt. 4

***NOTICE: please let me know if this format works on your iPods. My apologies for the last few that were “incompatible”. I hear you loud and clear. Sorry……and Thanks!***

More with Lynda herein…..she’s a trooper for doing this, eh? Many, many of you have written to say that you’re enjoying these “lessons with Lynda”. I conveyed your support to her and she says THANKS!

Many of you, too, have questions (really great questions!) about some of the topics we have been discussing. It amazes me how closely some of you pay attention to these. I promise to do my best to address your questions in upcoming episodes. The Numbered Tonguing concept, especially, seems to have struck a chord and has certainly brought forth a deluge of inquiries. One day very soon, I’ll do a thorough and concise explanation for you. I really think the system, however you wish to employ it, will do good things for your music.

Things have been incredibly busy around here, but I hope that you know I appreciate the emails and FaceBook memos. As busy as things may get, I’ll always try to make time for the Podcasts (some very good ones in the editing room as we speak. Honest.)

TROMBONE LOVE to you! Here’s Lynda…………

PS- my Sewanee friends, the video of the Brass Ensemble concert is fabulous. I will post “part 1″ later this week….BRAVO!!!!!

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July 8, 2009

Episode 130: OrchestraAtlanta.org

Meet Dr. Brent Runnels, the Executive Director of Orchestra Atlanta, now known as Jazz Orchestra Atlanta (JOA) . They recently had their youth jazz camp co-hosted by Dr. Gordon Vernick and Georgia State University.

JOA does a LOT towards enhancing the jazz scene here in Atlanta: for students, teachers, pros, and lovers of jazz. If you’d like to know more about upcoming events, or would like to support them, please visit their website: OrchestraAtlanta.org

Thanks to Brent, Gordon, Mace, Justin and all the staff/faculty at the JOA/GSU Jazz Camp. I had a blast!!!!

A special thanks to 2 very special guests in this episode: Joe Gransden and David Sanchez. They are two of the finest musicians I know. Visit them on the web:

JoeGransden.com

David Sanchez

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