One of my favorite points in teaching is when a student becomes comfortable enough with reading notation and confident enough with their technique to be able to play their own part while I play a duet part right next to them. It really amps up the fun we can have! This spring I was lucky enough to have three students who were eager to try an exciting and ambitious trio by Eric Ewazen, a terrific composer for brass. His music is often exciting and uplifting, but full of hidden pitfalls for the performer, because he modulates keys so frequently. These kids put in such great effort to learn this music separately in a matter of weeks, and we got together last week to try it all together. Enjoy the result!
Bach Chorale 57
I wanted to go back in time a bit for this one. In college, the trombone choir would play a lot of Bach Chorales. It’s a great workout and a beautiful experience. I picked a new one and tried it out here. Also wanted to see what I could do with audio simply picked up on my iPad, instead of using mics and an interface as I usually do.
Planning on recording more of these soon (with some quality mics and editing), and uploading four versions, each with one part missing. Students will be able to use these as playalongs, so keep checking back!
New Section and Resources!
Many kids have started learning a band instrument this fall with no band to play in! To help give new trombonists some encouragement and clear guidance, I’ve started a video series called Learn to Play Trombone. So far, it demonstrates some key concepts and beginning exercises in the Tradition of Excellence method book. Hit the playlist button in the top-right corner of the video screen to browse, and let me know if you have questions or suggestions on what else I should cover!
Matt Finders, Duet 2 (Bb Blues)
I like this duet for students learning about how to play over a Bb Blues. It’s got several good bebop and blues ideas, while keeping in a comfortable register. The accompaniment track isn’t any generic groove, either! It had hits in all the right places, making it much more lifelike when you’re playing along. There’s a little more unison writing than I’d generally like, but for students, it’s excellent affirmation when playing the same licks as your partner.
Jack Gale Duet #5 (Rhythm Changes in Bb)
O. Blume Duet #1
This is the first long duet I ever played, and it holds a special place in my heart. Here is the first page.
Dance Monkey w/ FX
Recorded as a guest post for the Harwood Union High School Band, Spring 2020.
Equipment Used:
Warm Audio 47jr microphone
TC-Helicon Harmony GXT
TC-Helicon Create
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 interface
mixed and edited on Garageband and iMovie
Shout out to Molly for the inspiration!
Gigue (Corelli)
From Repertoire Classics for Trombone, ed. Alan Raph
A challenging triple-time piece. Though the range is moderate, the lack of breathing opportunities make this a test of stamina. I found the opening section to be easiest, because it’s repeated several times. Focus more on the middle section (around 0:47 to 1:03), remembering to relax into those lower notes.
Danse Bacchanale (Saint-Sæns)
Practice recordings of Danse Bacchanale for VYO trombone section. Original audio sourced from Gustavo Dudamel conducting the Berliner Philharmoniker (video below). Overdubs hastily recorded by me.