Schedule of Events
June 4th
11:00 AM PST Karl Sievers and the William Adam Philosophy
The William Adam School is an approach, a philosophy, a discipline. It is based on gestalt concepts and the notion of kinesthetic responses triggered by vividly imagining the ideal sound, fueled by the breath, which is in a state of elevated energy. This is applied in a very organized fashion through a broad diet of skill sets and literature. The end result is a highly capable player with very few limitations.
12:15 PM PST Roy Poper and the James Stamp Philosophy
“The Stamp way of teaching develops the excellent mechanics that are demanded of today’s player and does so musically as well.” Stamp’s approach to teaching was to first teach you to play the trumpet correctly. The exercises associated with the Stamp method are not musical. They are intended to guide the student in developing a correct technique of tone production. Stamp believed once the mechanics are fundamentally correct, efficient musical playing will follow. The mouthpiece and trumpet are only the amplifier – the buzzing of the lips is where the sound is formed. It is extremely important to practice buzzing the lips with steady air. Take a big breath and buzz the purest sound that you can.
1:30 PM PST Jeff Purtle and the Claude Gordon Philosophy
Claude Gordon believed there is a universal way brass instruments work as taught by Herbert Clarke, whom Claude studied ten dedicated years with. Systematic practice can be personalized to change habits to work more correctly. Claude’s practice routines showed students how to progressively digest the experience and wisdom of various method books and develop the player’s skills for any style of music. Improved habits result in confidence and better music expression as range, flexibility, control, accuracy, sound, finger technique, and other skills are not a limitation. Claude believed that anyone could be a virtuoso player with correct information and a structured plan.
June 5th
11:00 AM PST Pacho Flores and El Sistema para Trompeta
Born out of “El Sistema”, Venezuela’s National system of youth musical education, “El Sistema para Trumpeta” is the logical extension of playing the trumpet like a vocalist. Dispelling any phobias and concentrating on the very basic development of sound, this approach allows the player to divorce themself from worrying about sound, range, and endurance and just play the music.
With a program running from free buzzing all the way through upper register and technique studies, “El Sisteme para Trompeta” is a modern pathway to effortless trumpet playing with a focus on making music from beginning to end.
12:15 PM PST Roger Rocco and the Chicago/Arnold Jacobs Philosophy
There are two instruments. One in the hands and one in the head. The instrument in the hands is a mirror reflecting the one in the head. I sing the notes in head as I play them. It doesn’t matter how my lips feel or how I feel. Arnold Jacobs’ philosophy included the development of an efficient and effective process for rectifying brass players’ artistic and technical deficiencies, the importance of playing with the freedom while avoiding isometric contractions, and an emphasis on the artistic aspects of brass playing as a platform for teaching.
1:30 PM PST John McNeil and the Caruso Philosophy
Carmine Caruso’s trumpet method has been used by brass players for decades. His system is based on basic principles of muscle-training through a daily routine of exercises emphasizing timing and long-setting. Brass players from all around the globe came to New York to study with this wise and gentle brass guru. Carmine was well-known as a chops “doctor,” rescuing professional trumpet players whose embouchures were no longer working for them, whether from accidents, dental issues or gradual body changes. But he also taught beginners and those who simply needed help in extending their range, endurance or accuracy. Carmine died in 1987 but his method is still being used and passed on by teachers world-wide. Foremost among them was Laurie Frink, who died in 2013. Laurie co-authored the book “Flexus, Trumpet Calisthenics for the Modern Improvisor” with jazz trumpeter John McNeil. Much of the book is based on Carmine Caruso’s innovative methods for training brass players.