Hello All,
Today was a good day with the trombone. I practiced the alto quite a bit, and then just when I was getting ready to practice the tenor, my trombone teacher, Dr. Kraft, asked me if I would be going to rehearsal or doing anything. I wasn't; Just told him that I was gonna practice. He asked if I'd like to play some duets and excerpts. I said sure cuz we hadn't played duets for a long time. His reason was he didn't want to do work. I laughed inside :)
So for the next two hours I got to sit next to my teacher and play some great duets and excerpts. And it wasn't even my lesson. One of the advantages of Grace School of Music is the small trombone "studio." And with having your teacher as the assistant dean, you always seem him in the office. It doesn't always happen like that (like I said it had been a while), but you take advantage of those opportunities when you can.
Yep today was a good day :)
J-man (Psalm 115:1)
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Mock Audition
Hello All,
Well this past monday, I had my mock audition. And I have to tell ya I was getting anxious on Monday. It was exciting though, my first time to play these excerpts for some different ears...some non-trombone ears I might add.
My three "judges" were Mr. Marvin Perry, Principal Trumpet of the Indianapolis Symphony; Dr. Patrick Kavanaugh, Artistic Director of the Masterworks Festival, Conductor of the Symphony of the Lakes, and Dean of the Grace School of Music; and lastly, Mr. Gert Kumi, a graduate of Julliard and director of the strings program at Grace.
I made copies of all the excerpts I was to play, laid out some repertoire lists and blank sheets of paper for comments. I let them ask anything to desired from the list that they would like to hear. All in all, they listened to about six excerpts, wrote some comments, and then talked for the rest of the time about each excerpt or general comments about the audition. I won't go into details about what they said or wrote (why would I want to give info to other competitors!!) but it was all very very helpful in the sense that it was from ears that are not brass players (minus one) let alone trombone players. It was from a musician's standpoint.
Afterwards me and Mr. Perry talked about auditions and what he looks for specifically. What a great opportunity it was on Monday to do that. And thank you to them all for the help and support.
Now a little less than one month to go!! :)
From
J-man (Psalm 115:1)
Well this past monday, I had my mock audition. And I have to tell ya I was getting anxious on Monday. It was exciting though, my first time to play these excerpts for some different ears...some non-trombone ears I might add.
My three "judges" were Mr. Marvin Perry, Principal Trumpet of the Indianapolis Symphony; Dr. Patrick Kavanaugh, Artistic Director of the Masterworks Festival, Conductor of the Symphony of the Lakes, and Dean of the Grace School of Music; and lastly, Mr. Gert Kumi, a graduate of Julliard and director of the strings program at Grace.
I made copies of all the excerpts I was to play, laid out some repertoire lists and blank sheets of paper for comments. I let them ask anything to desired from the list that they would like to hear. All in all, they listened to about six excerpts, wrote some comments, and then talked for the rest of the time about each excerpt or general comments about the audition. I won't go into details about what they said or wrote (why would I want to give info to other competitors!!) but it was all very very helpful in the sense that it was from ears that are not brass players (minus one) let alone trombone players. It was from a musician's standpoint.
Afterwards me and Mr. Perry talked about auditions and what he looks for specifically. What a great opportunity it was on Monday to do that. And thank you to them all for the help and support.
Now a little less than one month to go!! :)
From
J-man (Psalm 115:1)
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Resurrection Sunday
Hello All,
As you all know this is a blog about my journey as a trombonist. However, the driving force behind my trombone playing is my Savior, Jesus Christ.
Today is a day of celebration a day of joy and renewed hope. All week I have been reminded of Christ's love for what He did for me personally. Whether it was attending Steve Fee's concert/worship experience at Grace, watching the Passion of the Christ for the first time, watching Francis Chan's video "Just Stop and Think," or merely taking a walk thinking about Christ. This week has been life changing for me. For the past month I have been reading Crazy Love, a book basically asking Christians to rethink about their lives and love for Christ. It is a book for everybody to read.
It is so amazing to think how the God of the Universe would love me. After watching the Passion my thought was that Christ is my Savior. He is my Lord. How can I not give back to him the Love that showed for me by dying on the cross then conquering death through His resurrection. It is amazing to think, how He loves me so.
And to think that nothing else compares to His love for me. No trombone job could bring more joy to me than KNOWING that the God of the Universe loves much so much, and that I will be spending eternity in Heaven. Because of His love and what he did for me, I must love Him and serve Him!
From
J-man (John 3:16)
As you all know this is a blog about my journey as a trombonist. However, the driving force behind my trombone playing is my Savior, Jesus Christ.
Today is a day of celebration a day of joy and renewed hope. All week I have been reminded of Christ's love for what He did for me personally. Whether it was attending Steve Fee's concert/worship experience at Grace, watching the Passion of the Christ for the first time, watching Francis Chan's video "Just Stop and Think," or merely taking a walk thinking about Christ. This week has been life changing for me. For the past month I have been reading Crazy Love, a book basically asking Christians to rethink about their lives and love for Christ. It is a book for everybody to read.
It is so amazing to think how the God of the Universe would love me. After watching the Passion my thought was that Christ is my Savior. He is my Lord. How can I not give back to him the Love that showed for me by dying on the cross then conquering death through His resurrection. It is amazing to think, how He loves me so.
And to think that nothing else compares to His love for me. No trombone job could bring more joy to me than KNOWING that the God of the Universe loves much so much, and that I will be spending eternity in Heaven. Because of His love and what he did for me, I must love Him and serve Him!
From
J-man (John 3:16)
Monday, April 6, 2009
Two Week Notice
Hello All,
I apologize that it's been over a month that I haven't written on here. Don't worry there have been some big things going on in the trombone world. Eastern Trombone Workshop in Washington D.C. was absolutely great during Spring Break.
God has been doing some great things in my life with this summer and what he has planned for me. But the purpose of this blog is to give some cool news. For a variety of reasons, I won't be attending the New York Phil Audition in June (yes, trombone world, one less person to worry about). Instead I'm going to an audition in Birmingham for the Alabama Symphony's 2nd trombone position.
What's really great is in two weeks, I'm going to be having a mock audition in front of some faculty from my school such as my trombone teacher (former 2nd trombone of the D.C. National Symphony), our trumpet teacher (principal trumpet of the Indianapolis Symphony), string professor (graduate of Julliard and soloist), and our Dean of School of Music.
I thought this would be a great opportunity for me to prep and get some critique from current professionals before I go to the real deal. It will be good practice. and I'm looking forward to it :)
I'll let ya know how it goes!
From
J-man (Proverbs 16:9)
I apologize that it's been over a month that I haven't written on here. Don't worry there have been some big things going on in the trombone world. Eastern Trombone Workshop in Washington D.C. was absolutely great during Spring Break.
God has been doing some great things in my life with this summer and what he has planned for me. But the purpose of this blog is to give some cool news. For a variety of reasons, I won't be attending the New York Phil Audition in June (yes, trombone world, one less person to worry about). Instead I'm going to an audition in Birmingham for the Alabama Symphony's 2nd trombone position.
What's really great is in two weeks, I'm going to be having a mock audition in front of some faculty from my school such as my trombone teacher (former 2nd trombone of the D.C. National Symphony), our trumpet teacher (principal trumpet of the Indianapolis Symphony), string professor (graduate of Julliard and soloist), and our Dean of School of Music.
I thought this would be a great opportunity for me to prep and get some critique from current professionals before I go to the real deal. It will be good practice. and I'm looking forward to it :)
I'll let ya know how it goes!
From
J-man (Proverbs 16:9)
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Two Masterclasses in One Day
Hello All,
Despite the torrential downpour,y esterday was a great day for me! Dr. Kraft and myself left in the morning to head up to East Lansing to attend a 3-hour masterclass at Michigan State given by Joseph Alessi, principal trombone of the New York Philharmonic. I had been looking forward to this for about a week or so, and knew it would be a great opportunity to hear a great player and see how he interacts with students.
And I wasn't disappointed one bit! Mr. Alessi has one of the most even- controlled sounds I have ever heard--and this evenness occurred in all registers. His approach to teaching students was phenomenal as well. I actually enjoyed his teaching more than his playing! It was truly a great experience just sitting there listening. One day, it will happen to get a lesson with him.
As the title says two masterclasses, you might be wondering what was the other one. From Warsaw, Indiana, it is about 3-hours one way to MSU. This means I was in the car for 6-hours with my own trombone teacher! If you do the math right, for 9 hours yesterday I was being taught or mentored by two truly talented musicians!! You don't get those often (especially for free). The unique experience of sitting next to Dr. Kraft during the masterclass was that at times he would make his own comments to me about the student being taught at the time. Then we were able to discuss things on the car ride back. What is ironic is both teachers say the same thing about playing the trombone. I think this is a hint I should catch on to.
I am truly fortunate and humbled to have Dr. Kraft as my teacher at Grace College. Yesterday's car ride was absolutely magnificent. We talked about everything: trombone, orchestral life, and even girls and relationships! Among other topics of conversation it is great to see a man of God who wanted to honor the Lord while in the professional orchestra. And he still strives to do that. Many things in that car ride probably won't be made public--they don't need to be--but as for what was discussed his wisdom was truly helpful and motivational.
Whelp off to the practice room! Gotta get ready for New York!
From
J-man (I Corinthians 9:24-27)
Despite the torrential downpour,y esterday was a great day for me! Dr. Kraft and myself left in the morning to head up to East Lansing to attend a 3-hour masterclass at Michigan State given by Joseph Alessi, principal trombone of the New York Philharmonic. I had been looking forward to this for about a week or so, and knew it would be a great opportunity to hear a great player and see how he interacts with students.
And I wasn't disappointed one bit! Mr. Alessi has one of the most even- controlled sounds I have ever heard--and this evenness occurred in all registers. His approach to teaching students was phenomenal as well. I actually enjoyed his teaching more than his playing! It was truly a great experience just sitting there listening. One day, it will happen to get a lesson with him.
As the title says two masterclasses, you might be wondering what was the other one. From Warsaw, Indiana, it is about 3-hours one way to MSU. This means I was in the car for 6-hours with my own trombone teacher! If you do the math right, for 9 hours yesterday I was being taught or mentored by two truly talented musicians!! You don't get those often (especially for free). The unique experience of sitting next to Dr. Kraft during the masterclass was that at times he would make his own comments to me about the student being taught at the time. Then we were able to discuss things on the car ride back. What is ironic is both teachers say the same thing about playing the trombone. I think this is a hint I should catch on to.
I am truly fortunate and humbled to have Dr. Kraft as my teacher at Grace College. Yesterday's car ride was absolutely magnificent. We talked about everything: trombone, orchestral life, and even girls and relationships! Among other topics of conversation it is great to see a man of God who wanted to honor the Lord while in the professional orchestra. And he still strives to do that. Many things in that car ride probably won't be made public--they don't need to be--but as for what was discussed his wisdom was truly helpful and motivational.
Whelp off to the practice room! Gotta get ready for New York!
From
J-man (I Corinthians 9:24-27)
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Training Time
Hello All,
well I've been wanting to put this post up for a long time, but haven't had the time this week. Now that my recital is over, I can focus more on auditions coming up. I found out this week that I didn't get invited to go to the Cleveland audition after sending in the audition tape. No worries; it was kind of expected.
However, this allows me more time to be able to get focus on the audition for the New York Philharmonic. This preliminary audition is in mid-June, and by preliminary I mean that it is an open audition for anyone to come in. There will be many MANY people probably attending this audition (thankfully it is spread over a couple days) and there will be some sending in audition tapes.
The great thing about this audition is that it is four months away, and I already have the repertoire list, and they mailed the parts for the audition. From here until June, I will be in training mode. Practicing, studying scores, listening to playbacks of myself as well as recordings of excerpts, getting lessons with other "ears", sending out recordings--It could get intense!! But it will be fun training.
Not only am I going to train musically but also I am going to start training physically as well as spiritually. Getting stronger physically will help my playing, and getting stronger spiritually will help me keep my focus on WHY and WHO I am doing this for--for Him.
If you have ever watched Chariots of Fire, you know what kind of training I am talking about. I'll probably be watching this movie a number of times in the next four months to get motiviated. Just another journey, I think the Good Lord has placed in my life. Where He will lead me to, I don't know; either way, may I learn more about Him through this journey to the Trombone section.
From
J-man (Heb. 12:1-13)
well I've been wanting to put this post up for a long time, but haven't had the time this week. Now that my recital is over, I can focus more on auditions coming up. I found out this week that I didn't get invited to go to the Cleveland audition after sending in the audition tape. No worries; it was kind of expected.
However, this allows me more time to be able to get focus on the audition for the New York Philharmonic. This preliminary audition is in mid-June, and by preliminary I mean that it is an open audition for anyone to come in. There will be many MANY people probably attending this audition (thankfully it is spread over a couple days) and there will be some sending in audition tapes.
The great thing about this audition is that it is four months away, and I already have the repertoire list, and they mailed the parts for the audition. From here until June, I will be in training mode. Practicing, studying scores, listening to playbacks of myself as well as recordings of excerpts, getting lessons with other "ears", sending out recordings--It could get intense!! But it will be fun training.
Not only am I going to train musically but also I am going to start training physically as well as spiritually. Getting stronger physically will help my playing, and getting stronger spiritually will help me keep my focus on WHY and WHO I am doing this for--for Him.
If you have ever watched Chariots of Fire, you know what kind of training I am talking about. I'll probably be watching this movie a number of times in the next four months to get motiviated. Just another journey, I think the Good Lord has placed in my life. Where He will lead me to, I don't know; either way, may I learn more about Him through this journey to the Trombone section.
From
J-man (Heb. 12:1-13)
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Update on Junior Recital
Hello All,
well yesterday was my junior recital. I can't remember if I mentioned what I played on the recital. I played the following:
Fanfare by John Kenny
Trombonology by Tommy Dorsey
Nocturno by Franz Strauss
Concerto for Trombone by Launy Grondahl
It lasted about half-hour or so. It went much better than anticipated. There were times I could sense the Holy Spirit doing a work in giving a bit of strength. It is so neat when you have the Joy of Christ in you and you give him the glory for it all. This past week, that's all I was wanting to do: give glory to him, and show others the joy of Christ. I was reminded of the movie, Chariots of Fire, when Eric Liddell is about to run his last race, one of the greatest runners of the USA hands him a paper with the phrase, "It says in the Good Book, he that honors Me I will honor." That phrase somewhat hit me when all was said and done. If you truly and intentionally give God the glory, he will honor you.
(Note: I have good friends too. A friend who wasn't able to make it sent me a text right when I got to the church encouraging and reminding me to "do it for God." It made my day.)
There was one piece that I began to struggle with due to fatigue, and during that time a prayer to my Father helped saved the day. It goes to show that with God and ONLY God all things are possible. I'm not saying, ask God and your wish is his command. Rather, it goes back to that statement, "He that honors me, I will honor." You give him the glory, walk in His ways, commit to him, and He will help shape your desires. He'll be right by your side the entire time. And yesterday, I could sense Him truly there. Coincidentally, my biological dad could tell I was struggling and was praying during that same time :)
It was funny for me because during the last movement of the Grondahl, I knew I was getting tired (as expected). There were many many spots I had to pace myself and hold back, so I could save for the big moment--the end--which can be difficult if you know the last movement: especially ending with that selection. And pacing works if you want a big finish :)
All in all, I was very pleased with how I did. My prayer now is that God was pleased. May HIS name be praised for what HE did to me and through me. It is all because of Him, I was able to do what I did yesterday.
Psalm 115:1 and Romans 11:36
From J-man
well yesterday was my junior recital. I can't remember if I mentioned what I played on the recital. I played the following:
Fanfare by John Kenny
Trombonology by Tommy Dorsey
Nocturno by Franz Strauss
Concerto for Trombone by Launy Grondahl
It lasted about half-hour or so. It went much better than anticipated. There were times I could sense the Holy Spirit doing a work in giving a bit of strength. It is so neat when you have the Joy of Christ in you and you give him the glory for it all. This past week, that's all I was wanting to do: give glory to him, and show others the joy of Christ. I was reminded of the movie, Chariots of Fire, when Eric Liddell is about to run his last race, one of the greatest runners of the USA hands him a paper with the phrase, "It says in the Good Book, he that honors Me I will honor." That phrase somewhat hit me when all was said and done. If you truly and intentionally give God the glory, he will honor you.
(Note: I have good friends too. A friend who wasn't able to make it sent me a text right when I got to the church encouraging and reminding me to "do it for God." It made my day.)
There was one piece that I began to struggle with due to fatigue, and during that time a prayer to my Father helped saved the day. It goes to show that with God and ONLY God all things are possible. I'm not saying, ask God and your wish is his command. Rather, it goes back to that statement, "He that honors me, I will honor." You give him the glory, walk in His ways, commit to him, and He will help shape your desires. He'll be right by your side the entire time. And yesterday, I could sense Him truly there. Coincidentally, my biological dad could tell I was struggling and was praying during that same time :)
It was funny for me because during the last movement of the Grondahl, I knew I was getting tired (as expected). There were many many spots I had to pace myself and hold back, so I could save for the big moment--the end--which can be difficult if you know the last movement: especially ending with that selection. And pacing works if you want a big finish :)
All in all, I was very pleased with how I did. My prayer now is that God was pleased. May HIS name be praised for what HE did to me and through me. It is all because of Him, I was able to do what I did yesterday.
Psalm 115:1 and Romans 11:36
From J-man
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