For the past few weeks, I’ve devoted ever-increasing chunks of practice toward working up some of my favorite trombone solos: the David, the DeFaye, the Weber, etc. All this work has given me monster technique across the entire range of my horn, and has boosted my endurance quite a bit. But so far, all this work has taken place in the privacy of my studio, with no audience except for the occasional bunny or cat. Until today.

Learning the notes, rhythms, and style of a solo piece is merely the first step in getting it ready for performance. After these basics are in place, it’s time for step two–to practice performing the piece in front of an audience. This is a field test, so to speak, where you see what happens to your beautiful tone when you play in a different setting, and experience how that insanely difficult lick goes when a roomful of people are listening. Often, the extra pressure of an audience can, er, affect your playing a bit!

This post began with an “ugh”, simply because this step isn’t very much fun–at least at the beginning. And today was the beginning, my first (albeit informal) solo public performance in years. It was pretty wretched. I cracked my fair share of notes, and my grace notes weren’t placed properly, and my endurance was shot because I was using too much mouthpiece pressure. Ugh.

But what’s cool is, the second performance will be better, and the third, still better, and so on, and so on. Just as it took time to learn to blend with various ensembles, it’ll also take time to learn to fill a big, empty stage on my own.

So here’s what I will do to continue my solo trombone training. Each week, I’ll record myself practicing one of my solos–and I’ll post the recording here for your listening pleasure. In addition, I plan to pop into one of the local open mics every couple of weeks, and perform a solo for a roomful of strangers. When spring rolls around, I’ll take my solos to the streets, and perform them on various sidewalks around Downtown Raleigh.

And with every performance and recording, this endeavor of mine will, hopefully, become slightly less terrifying and much better sounding.

Any gig requires a substantial amount of work and planning to be a success. However, when the gig is a self-planned and promoted solo recital, all this work tends to fall on ONE set of shoulders–the performer’s! As such, recital days can be some of the most taxing, tiring, and nervewracking days out there…and then you have to bring your A-game to the stage! Fortunately, there are many effective ways to reduce stress and make your recital day a smooth, fun experience:

1. Get help! – Keeping your body and mind in excellent playing condition on your recital day is essential for a good performance. So, don’t devote all your energy to schlepping your stuff! Make sure you have some “roadies” to help you move your equipment into the performance space; often, friends and family are more than willing to help.

2. Get sleep. – This one can be really difficult to do, because it’s common to feel completely and utterly wired the night before your recital. After all, there are so many last-minute details to think about! But getting plenty of sleep will help your muscles and mind perform at their best once you take the stage. If you can’t get a full night’s sleep the night before, try to sneak in a nap before your performance.

3. Make a list and check it twice. – Taking the time to write down the things you need to remember on your recital day can free up mental space for more important things–like music! Make a list of things you need to bring to the recital, both small and large, and double-check to make sure you’ve got them before you leave. (A sidenote: I once arrived at a gig without my trombone! It really pays to double-check!)

4. Limit your practice. – It’s tempting to spend the hours before your recital hammering away at those stubborn passages that you’re really nervous about. The problem here is, too much practice will tire you, and give you blown chops just in time for your big show! Instead of holing up with your instrument, try mental practice, or simply enjoy some fun non-musical activities before your recital.

5. Let go and play. – Not everything on your recital day will go according to plan, but if you approach the day with an upbeat, flexible attitude, you’ll be able to have fun and play a great show!

And with that, it’s off to transport Andrew’s drumset to 2112!

Durham Symphony Review

Raleigh Symphony Review

I especially enjoyed the variety of music they performed, and seeing the different ways they used their bells to produce sound. Their repertoire ranged from classical to traditional Japanese to “Georgia on My Mind” (complete with Louis-Armstrong-esque noodling after the phrases. Sweet!) In short, Kiriku’s show is an absolute must-see. If you can’t make it to any of Kiriku’s East Coast Tour Dates, here’s a video for you to check out.

This was one of those shows where the audience made it a pleasure for us to perform. They were an appreciative audience, and they didn’t hesitate to interact with us, make comments, and ask questions. Performers and audiences have a unique relationship; we share energy and enthusiasm with each other. Today, the audience brought an open and welcoming feeling to the room, and made a good performance even better!

I especially enjoyed the questions the audience asked–like about how the trombone works, why Andrew has so many mallets, and how we orchestrate music for our funky combination of instruments. It was refreshing, because it reminded us that what we do is unique and special, and that we have talents to be grateful for. When you’re around music all day, every day, doing things like paring down a symphonic piece to fit a trombone/marimba duet is “just something you do.” But the questions reminded us to cherish the stuff we do instead of take it for granted.

After our show, the Keenagers fed us! White Memorial Presbyterian Church now officially holds the record for the tastiest mashed potatoes and green beans we Summerglen-ers have ever eaten. And so we have to say, best show of the week!

On Friday evening, I had the pleasure of playing with my favorite band, Keith Henderson and the Illusions. Why are they my favorite band to play with? Well, Keith Henderson puts on quite a show, and he’s won numerous awards for his tribute to Elvis. And all the guys in the band are excellent musicians who are really in touch with their personal style. But more than anything, the Illusions are my favorite band because they’re like family.

I only see these guys a couple of times a year, but when we do get together, we have an instant connection and a guaranteed good time. Everyone in the band is a great musician, but they’re all wonderful people as well. When we rehearse, it’s easy. We eat pizza, shoot the breeze, and then enjoy playing music together. When we perform, it’s to make people happy with our show.

In this situation, I find that I play my very best. When bandmates are positive, considerate, prepared, and open, music flows easily and sounds SO good. Keith can even “surprise” us with songs not on the list, and we’re able to confidently make them happen. We know each other, we know we’re safe, and we know how to listen and work together. And what sounds better than cooperation?

The Summerglen trombone choirs had a great show this evening! We totally packed Loco Lu’s, and all the choirs played very well. Thanks to The Chicktones, The Thursday Afternoon Guys, and the Ascension Trombone Choir for a wonderful evening of music!

All these videos were recorded on a cheap digital camera in noisy public places (mostly outdoors), and have gone through many changes in file format to get them ready for the website. So naturally, the sound quality and the picture are quite gritty. The videos have the background crackle and brash tone that you might hear on a very old LP recording. So, here are two recommendations for those who listen:

1. Listening with headphones helps mellow the tone out, and
2. Keep in mind that these videos are a somewhat abstract rendering of the Summerglen Duo. The signature sound is there, but in person we have a very different tone.

If you’re in the Raleigh area and want to hear us in person, we’re going to try to get out onto Fayetteville Street downtown this Wednesday at lunchtime (11:45 to 1:30). Maybe we’ll see you there. If not, enjoy the recordings!