NPP Clinic
The Non-Pro Player Committee is responsible for selection and recommendation of the presenter and topic for the Non-Pro/Comeback Player Clinic at ITG Conferences.
Previous ITG Conference Non-Pro/Comeback Player Clinics, Presenters and Topics:
2023 Minneapolis, Minnesota –
Daily Routines for the Active Community Musician – Joe Montelione
Joe Montelione’s session, “Daily Routines for the Active Community Musician,” focused on how someone with a nine-to-five job outside of music can create an effective practice routine on trumpet. The importance of goal setting to plan an appropriate routine was emphasized. Montelione discussed his four areas of emphasis on trumpet–sound production, motion, valve coordination, and articulation–and how to develop a routine that addresses each area, even if for a short duration. Montelione detailed the benefits of addressing all the fundamentals of trumpet, even in a fifteen-minute practice session, and encouraged audience members to take advantage of any available time to get in a practice session. (Julia Bell)
Vibrato Usage – Robert Sears
Robert Sears delivered an enthusiastic and engaging presentation on the utilization of “shimmer.” He discussed the distinctions between commercial, jazz, and symphonic styles, and categorized vibrato into three types: hand, jaw, and breath. The reasons for employing different types of vibrato included drawing attention to the musical line, creating a soaring effect, or using it as an ornamentation. Sears encouraged the audience to listen critically to the variations in speed, width, and intensity used by notable artists including, but not limited to, Louis Armstrong, Alison Balsom, Mark Bennett, Roy Eldridge, Laurie Frink, Roy Hargrove, Tine Thing Helseth, Adolph “Bud” Herseth, Matthias Höfs, Freddie Hubbard, Mark Inouye, Wynton Marsalis, Chris Martin, Ronald Romm, Phil Smith, and Snooky Young. (Joe Cooper)
2022 San Antonio, Texas –
Expanding Range and Flexibility: Trumpet Exercise; Flow Study Exercise - Jens Lindemann
Jens Lindemann began his clinic for non-professional/comeback players with a dazzling and energetic piccolo trumpet fanfare, aptly setting the tone for the remainder of this well-attended event. As Lindemann recounted some of his most influential and formative experiences with the trumpet, he also discussed many of the foundational ways in which he approaches the instrument. He discussed such topics as his personal practice routine, efficient tone production, approaches to articulation, connection to the instrument without added muscle tension, and many others. Throughout his discussion of pedagogy, Lindemann emphasized a philosophical message of intelligent practice, positivity, and perpetual curiosity. The audience was thoroughly engaged for the duration of the clinic and was encouraged to ask questions. The resulting lively dialogue was enjoyed by all. In his poignant closing remarks, Lindemann took a moment to acknowledge the legacy of Ryan Anthony. (Benjamin Hay)
2021 Virtual ITG Conference –
You Sure That’s the Right Note? (Ear-Training for Trumpeters) – James Blackwell (see NPP Video Recordings)
Multi-track Remote Video & Audio Recording – John Hackett (see NPP Video Recordings)
Tips and Tricks to Practice Efficiently – Chris Carrillo
Instrument and Mouthpiece Selection as a Player Ages – Trent Austin (see NPP Video Recordings)
Non-Pro Player Motivation and Covid-19 – John Hackett – live in-person interactive session on Zoom
Self-directed Return to Trumpet Following an Extended Absence – Thomas Zoubek (see NPP Video Recordings)
Helpful Apps & Tools for the Busy Trumpeter – Raquel Samayoa
Playing in a Community Band/Orchestra/Chamber Ensemble – Thomas Zoubek (see NPP Video Recordings)
Be in the know: Classical vs. Jazz Style and Articulation – Robert Sears (see NPP Video Recordings)
2019 Miami, Florida – Christopher Moore, Let's Get Back to Fundamentals!; Keys to Success for Every Comeback/Non-Pro Player Enthusiast (Description, Presentation, Power Point PDF)
2018 San Antonio, Texas – David Vining, Using Body Mapping to Prevent Injury and Become More Efficient
2017 Hershey, Pennsylvania – Chase Sanborn, How to Sustain Level on Limited Practice or Circuit Training for Brass Players
2016 Anaheim, California – Alan Siebert, Coming Back from Injury and Injury Avoidance
2015 Columbus, Ohio – Gordon Mathie, Music is My Life
2014 Valley Forge, Pennsylvania – Vincent DiMartino, The Golden Years of Trumpet – Maintaining Technical and Musical Skills
2013 Grand Rapids, Michigan – David Brown, Starting Over Again – The True Comeback Player
2012 Columbus, Georgia – Bryan Goff, Planning, Structuring, and Adapting to Your Comeback
2011 Minneapolis, Minnesota – Kim Dunnick, Don’t Reinvent the Wheel
2010 Sydney, NSW, Australia – Dan Hallock and Jeff Piper, Tools for Trumpet Players with Day Jobs
2009 Harrisburg, Pennsylvania – Don Roeder and Brian Evans, Growing Old Gracefully with the Trumpet
2008 Banff, Alberta, Canada – Michael Tunnell (with Gordon Mathie & Matt Byrne), Recovering from Injury
2007 Amherst, Massachusetts – Kim Dunnick, Comeback Player Basics