Jens Lindemann, Thomas Hooten, and Wiff Rudd join Pershing's own for Bugler's Holiday. You can tell everyone is having fun here. Enjoy!
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The Brass Republic 2016 Christmas Gift Guide for Trumpet
Shopping can be tough. We put together a list of ideas for the favorite Trumpet player in your life. These are our picks to help make a great Christmas with the special Trumpet player in your life. Don't forget about yourself either. From the Brass Republic team, we wish you and your favorite Trumpet player a Happy Christmas and holiday season.
Something to Read
This book Louis Armstrong is part of a series famous historical figures. It's appropriate for a 10 year old, but we found it an enjoyable read and refresher on the life of Pops.
Something to Listen to
This is a entry from Brandon Ridenour that deserves a place in every Trumpeter's library. Ridenour has some great arrangements for Trumpet and Piano that are masterfully executed.
Something for your Horn
This bag, from Gard, is a great way to haul your gear. It comes with an ample padded interior and room for 3 horns. There's also plenty of pocket space for mouthpieces and other accessories.
Something to listen with
This shockingly affordable gadget is like magic. This is a Bluetooth receiver that will play music wirelessly from your phone or other device. The key is the output. The device will output to RCA cables. This is a great way to get the benefits of wireless combined with some older speakers you probably already have.
Something for the Practice Room
This stand is great for putting your horn down while you mark up etude with 9 flats that has been vexing you so much. It has five legs and is solid as can be.
Something to Watch
Don Cheadle's take on Miles Davis came out this year. The film proved to be a highly faithful to this period in Davis' life. It's rated R though, so be forwarned.
Something to Play
This arrangement of hymns from James Curnow is a must for your gig bag. These arrangements for solo Trumpet and Piano are accessible and appropriate for many settings. Also, there's a great recording from Philip Smith included.
We wish you all the best with your Christmas shopping.
The 2016 Ellsworth Smith Trumpet Competition
We get to see the spectacle every four years around this time of year. We have the opportunity to see those who have practiced their craft for years and are among the best. We have that same opportunity with the Ellsworth Smith Trumpet Competition. Every four years, this competition, is held and sponsored by the International Trumpet Guild. The event was held at the University of Alabama's School of Music this time around.
Finalists included:
Tessa Ellis
Matyas Daniel Fieszl
Samuel Huss
Huw Morgan
Brent Proseus
Marc Sutton
The final round was performed with orchestra. The pieces were Evensong by Stephen Gryc and Jacques Hetu Trumpet Concerto. Huw Morgan prevailed and was the winner this time. The performances are excellent and well worth checking out the attached video.
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When You Wish Upon a Start with Wayne Bergeron and Louis Dowdeswell
Louis Dowdeswell has put together some fun recordings on his YouTube Channel. This is a fun arrangement that gives him and Wayne Bergeron a chance to shine with When You Wish Upon a Star. We're excited to see what artists like Dowdeswell are doing, not just musically but also experimentation with making a living and new business models. Enjoy!
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David Bilger plays the Tomasi Concerto
David Bilger is always magnificent to listen to as he gets around the horn. His precision is amazing at times. In this video, Bilger plays a great performance of the Tomasi Conerto. The highlight for us is the cadenzas. He strikes a great balance between interpretation and faithfulness to what's on the page. Enjoy!
Robert Nagel: 1924-2016
It's a generally held belief that the String Quartet began around Haydn's time. Haydn began putting together works for this now accepted combination of instruments. What is now common, was not in that day. We don't know who the first violinist was in performances of Haydn's early works. Imagine that they worked tirelessly to spread the word about this new form of chamber music. That person no doubt laid down the earliest roots that grew into chamber music for the now mainstay String Quartet. As this person was to the String Quartet, Robert Nagel was to the Brass Quintet.
Robert Nagel did everything that anyone could to will a new medium of chamber music into existence. It would have iconic by itself to have formed the New York Brass Quintet in 1950s and begin bringing brass chamber music to audiences. This alone, would have made the man a pioneer. He went so far beyond this.
Nagel was also prolific as a soloist and freelancer. Our personal favorite is his early 1960s recording of Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 with Pablo Casals. It has influenced many ever since who have struggled to sound as effortless as Nagel did on this recording. He also made time to perform with Bernstein and Igor Stravinsky.
Nagel went beyond performing and exerted tremendous influence on composition. He did this firsthand with arranging and composing. His sphere of influence went beyond by being a constant emissary to those composing for the brass quintet for the first time. The massive rise of literature for the brass quintet can be directly traced his tireless advocacy.
Nagel also passed along his craft through teaching at Yale, Juilliard, and a number of other institutions. He was also a founding member of the International Trumpet Guild.
In a single man's lifetime, he was able to begin a movement and see it take hold in a meaningful way. That movement has affected us all in a meaningful way.
What is now common, was not in that day. Thank Robert Nagel for that.
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Arturo Sandoval playing at Commencement
It's commencement season again. With the matriculation ceremonies come all the pomp and circumstance combined with advice for graduates. If you're like us, the advice often seems fleeting or perhaps full of platitudes. Arturo Sandoval playing Ave Maria though? Why couldn't we have that at our graduation?
Who would be your ideal pick for your graduation? What would they play? Let us know in the comments.
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Christopher Martin named Principal Trumpet for the NY Philharmonic
The vacancy in New York has been filled. However, another has been created in its place. Christopher Martin will be the next Principal Trumpet of the New York Philharmonic. We have been interested to see who would fill the spot since Phil Smith left 2 years ago.
We'll have more to say on this especially on the open space this creates in Chicago. What do you think about this move? Let us know in the comments.
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Image Courtesy of VisitAnaheim.com
International Trumpet Guild 2016 Conference Preview
The 2016 International Trumpet Guild Conference is coming up soon. ITG's annual Trumpet pilgrimage will take place in Anaheim, California from May 31 to June 4. The tagline for this year's conference is "ITG celebrates legendary players from the Pacific Rim and beyond."
As usual, the conference will have competitions, exhibitions, masterclasses, and a boatload of performances. There's too many performances and events to list. Well actually, they have a website with a list, so you can read that. We have 5 that we believe are not to be missed and stood out to us.
Recital: Jon Lewis and Tamir Akta
So many people have heard the playing of Jon Lewis and don't know it. The prolific Hollywood studio artist can be heard playing on a multitude of film scores. Lewis is an amazing studio player, but also an awesome soloist. Tamir Akta should be know by many more than he is. The Israeli trumpeter will be a welcome addition to this program. Don't miss this pairing.
Lecture Recital: "Sousa Era Cornet Solos"-Charlie Daval
Don't you wish you could have seen a time when Sousa was traveling and people lined up to see concerts with Cornet solos and all the schmaltzy fanfare that came with them? This is a great way to learn about this period.
Masterclass: Wayne Bergeron
You need a reason to go to a masterclass with Wayne Bergeron?
Panel: Jazz Composers
John Adler will host the panel featuring Ralph Alessi, Alex Sipiagin, and Herman Mehari. This is a great subject with awesome panelists who will undoubtedly have lots to say.
Clinic: "On Connecting the Ear and Brass Performance"-John Schlabach
John Schlabach, host of a previous ITG conference, has lots of great things to say about ear training. Be sure to check this one out.
What will you be looking forward to at the 2016 ITG conference? Let us know in the comments.
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Miles Ahead hits Theaters April 1
Miles Ahead, the biography film, about the legend premiers on Friday. The film takes its names from Miles' iconic album of the same name. We're cautiously optimistic about the film. Don Cheadle stars and directed the film. Cheadle took the time to meet with the family and learn about Miles so we're hopeful this attention to being genuine to the man's true nature will come through.
The film picks up Miles life in the late 70s. This is an interesting period in the man's life, to say the least.
Will you be seeing the film? Let is know in the comments.
2016 National Trumpet Competition Results
The 2016 National Trumpet Competition was held this past week and the results are in. Be sure to check out the Michael Cano YouTube channel where they're already some great footage from the event.
Results are posted below:
Bugles Media Junior Solo Division
First Place- Aaron Ouellette
Second Place- Stefan Filip
Third Place- Maxwell DeForest
The Schilke Music Products High School Division
First Place- Christopher Stubblefield
Second Place- Daniel Choi
Third Place- Micah Reinharz
The Vincent Bach Undergraduate Solo Division
First Place- Elmer Churampi
Second Place- Steven Franklin
Third Place- Judy Gaunt
The Blackburn Trumpets Graduate Solo Division
First Place- Justin Weisenborn
Second Place- Tamara Vaughn
Third Place- Eric Millard
The Yamaha Jazz Solo Division
First Place- Tyler Lindsay
Second Place- Nate Nall
Third Place- Shawn Williams
The Getzen Trumpet Small Ensemble Division
First Place- Curtis Institute of Music
Second Place- University of Kentucky
Third Place- Eastman School of Music
The Maller Trumpet Large Ensemble Division
First Place- Oklahoma State University
Second Place- University of Texas at Austin
Third Place- Central Michigan University
NTC has a Kickstarter going to produce on documentary on the event for their 25th anniversary.
Next year's event will take place March 23-25 in Denver, CO. Will you be attending?
Recording from the Cancer Blows Concert is now available
We were happy to see the Cancer Blows event go off as a such a success last year. A recording from the unique fundraising event is now available.
If you missed this Trumpet pilgrimage, here's a brief primer. Ryan Anthony, formerly of the Canadian Brass and currently of the Dallas Symphony, was diagnosed with cancer. A number of prestigious players came together with Anthony to put on a concert to benefit the fight against cancer.
It's not hyperbole to say that this collection of virtuosos will never happen again. The concert itself is great. The repertoire ranges from original works, to transcriptions, to swing and is great across the board.
Be sure to check this out. It's an outstanding recording and proceeds go to a great cause.
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National Trumpet Competition 2016 Preview
The 2016 National Trumpet Competition is coming March 10-12. It will be on the campus of Columbus State University in Columbus, GA. The Schwob School of music will serve as the host for the 25th anniversary of this competition. The event includes competitions for soloists (jazz and classical) in several age groups as well as Trumpet ensembles.
Artists and Clinicians
Philip Smith
Rex Richardson
Brandon Craswell
Tony Plog
Vince DiMartino
Michael Hackett
Boston Brass
Chris Botti
Brass Band of Central Florida
If you're curious who made will be competing, the full list is available here.
Here's a sample of a concert from last year.
O Magnum Mysterium from the US Army Band Trumpet Ensemble
The US Army Band Trumpets performed this awesome arrangement at the 2014 National Trumpet Competition. The arrangement of this Morten Lauridsen choral work comes off really well here. The use Flugelhorn works really well to add some texture. Enjoy!
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Watch the new Trailer for Miles Ahead
The new trailer for the new Miles Davis film, Miles Ahead, is available to watch. We're optimistic about the level of care the trailer suggests was taken to get it "right." Don Cheadle stars as Davis and nails the voice and mannerisms. At least, he did enough of that to fill a few minutes of a trailer.
Will you go see this take on Miles Davis' turbulent life? Let us know in the comments.
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Trumpet Masterclass with Håkan Hardenberger
The Royal College of Music will be streaming a masterclass with Håkan Hardenberger on Thursday, January 21.
Our first #RCMLive broadcast of 2016 is a #trumpet masterclass with Håkan Hardenberger. Tune in this Thursday at 2pm https://t.co/4LjNCSjie8
— Royal College Music (@RCMLondon) January 19, 2016Hardenberger will work with three students who have each prepared a solo piece. Be sure to check this out.
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David Bilger courtesy of philorch.org
David Bilger helped a Trumpet player from Afghanistan win an audition
“The Philadelphia Orchestra’s principle trumpet player has been mentoring a teenager in war-torn Afghanistan over the Internet. Now he’s helped the 17 year-old get into a prestigious American music school.
A year and a half ago, David Bilger received Facebook message from AhmedBaset Azizi, then 16, whom he had never met.”
This is the kind of story you love to hear. A young man, AhmadBaset Azizi, is in Afghanistan and is the one of the few in the entire county to discover the Trumpet and find a love for it. He contacted David Bilger for lessons and Bilger obliged via the internet. What a great story.
Aside from the obvious, remember the significance that this happened in Afghanistan. As recently as 15 years ago, virtually all music was banned in Afghanistan. If one had been seen with a Trumpet, or any other instrument for that matter, the Taliban would have destroyed it and punished the person who possessed it. Many of us could not imagine a world without music. This young man was born into a country that had experienced this absence of joy for years. Even now, with a new government, these same extremist forces are still present in the country. The head of the Afghanistan National Institute of Music was target by a suicide bomber. His instrument of choice is Trumpet.
The story turned into a true happy ending with Azizi winning a spot at the Interlochen Arts Academy. You can support his quest on GoFundMe.
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Dizzy on the Muppets
There were many great things about the original Muppet show. One of the best was the celebrity guests and cameos. Dizzy was a guest on season 4. There's a great running gag about how the show is in danger of breaking a noise ordinance. Oh, he sounds awesome too.
University of Alabama-Birmingham Hulsey Center for the Arts
Trumpet Festival of The Southeast 2016
The 2016 Trumpet Festival of the Southeast will be taking place next month in Birmingham. Clinicians include Joe Burgstaller and Sean Jones. The event is taking place January 15-16 and includes masterclasses, concerts, and some other learning opportunities.
If you're interested, you can register here and receive a discount if you get in before December 15th.
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The Brass Republic 2015 Christmas Gift Guide for Trumpet
Shopping can be tough. We put together a list of ideas for the favorite Trumpet player in your life. These are our picks to help make a great Christmas hit with your favorite Trumpet player. Don't forget about yourself either. From the Brass Republic team, we wish you and your favorite Trumpet player a Happy Christmas and holiday season.
SOMETHING TO READ
This biography of Chet Baker is an excellent gift for the Trumpet player your life who appreciates complex figures in Jazz. Chet Baker certainly fits the bill here and the book takes you through the ups an downs of his fascinating life.
SOMETHING TO LISTEN TO
This was a new recording released this year from theNational Brass Ensemble. This should be a part of every Brass player's collection. It's an amazing recording and one of the best brass ensemble recordings you can give as a gift.
SOMETHING FOR YOUR HORN
With different mouthpieces for the Saturday's wedding gig and the Mozart on Sunday, this mouthpiece pouch will keep them protected. This leather pouch from Denis Wick looks nice and will last for years to come.
In addition to Amazon, this is also available from Woodwind and Brasswind.
SOMETHING TO LISTEN WITH
Chromecast Audio-For $35, the Chromecast audio is an inexpensive way to get music from your phone to a set of speakers or an audio system. Compatible with both Android and ios (iPhone and iPad), the Chromecast lets you easily stream music from your personal device to the audio destination of your choice.
SOMETHING TO LISTEN WITH (THE NICER VERSION)
If you're willing to spend more, a Sonos speaker can be a great gift. Sonos is a great wireless speaker system with great audio quality. It's compatible with lots of devices and lots of different music streaming services. Another great feature of Sonos speakers is they're modular. If you buy one and then get another later on, they can be combined into one big audio system.
SOMETHING FOR THE PRACTICE ROOM
This Musician's Gear stand is an inexpensive quality stand that is an excellent addition to to your practice room. The stand can be tilted to your liking. The height adjustment has a screw tightener that makes the stand rock solid and an affordable favorite of ours.
SOMETHING TO TRAVEL WITH
This bag from Bobelock will keep your music in great condition on the way to a performance. There clips to carry it on your shoulder or like a briefcase.
SOMETHING TO PLAY
This arrangement of Canzon Per Sonare #4 is an excellent addition to any brass player's library. This is an accessible arrangement from David Marlatt that works from Brass Quintets on a wide spectrum of skill levels. This piece is a great staple to have for your quintet and works from everything from a wedding to an evening concert.
We wish you all the best with your Christmas shopping.