POKORNY IS BACK!!!

JUNE 11-16, 2010

U of Redlands

DON’T MISS IT!

FROM THE MAN HIMSELF:

Hi Troops,

               

For the third year, low brass mania takes place at the University of Redlands from June 11- 16.  This time I will be joined not only by Dr. Andrew Glendening (dean and trombone professor at the University of Redlands) and Randy Hawes (bass trombonist of the Detroit Symphony) but also by Michael Mulcahy, one of the tenor trombone colleagues in the Chicago Symphony and director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra brass section.  

               

Go to http://www.redlands.edu/x35340.asp and if the title page does not appear, search in the upper right corner for “Pokorny Low Brass Seminar” and you can see the official listings of classes, performances, etc., I can tell you now that most of the sessions are filled up in the “participant” category (mostly by non-Southern Californians!) but there is still room for auditors at this point. 

Even though this seminar has been well-publicized, I thought it would be important to mention in the last three years, Hawes and Mulcahy have placed their students in major positions in Pittsburgh, the San Francisco Symphony, the Boston Symphony and the Berlin Philharmonic.   They may have some good information for some of your students if they are willing to drive out to Redlands between June 11 - 16.

               

I should tell you of some of the performances which may be of interest to some of you as well.   Friday, June 11, I will start with a tuba recital at the Memorial Chapel on campus at the University of Redlands followed by Randy Hawes’ bass trombone recital.  

               

On Sunday night, June 13, Michael Mulcahy and Andrew Glendening will split a recital starting at 7:30 PM. 

               

On Monday, night, June 14, the four of us will play an evening of ensemble music for low brass quartet and somewhat larger.   It would be good thing to hear if you had the time.

               

Cheers, Gene

SUBJECTS COVERED LAST YEAR INCLUDED-
-The difference between 1) a bass trombone/tuba collaboration and 2)watching the first ten minutes of “Saving Private Ryan.” [Is anybody going to survive?]
-The responsibility to the orchestra from the low brass of getting the “big picture” regarding sound, balance, clarity and perspective.
-Maturity vs. the musical arms race
-Warm-ups and warm-ups that go way beyond
-Sensitivity in balancing brass ensembles and particularly an orchestral low brass section
-Untraditional ensemble skills
-What is correct vs. what is traditional (!)
-What happens in practice doesn’t necessarily work in theory (i.e. knowing not just WHAT is musical but HOW to do it)
-Our responsibility to the art and to the future of it
-The importance of clarity “out front”
-The art of listening (i.e. to finally HEAR what you have been listening to)  What!?  You mean to say that I'm NOT the most important thing on the stage right now?  The art of listening across your ensemble.
-Solos and Interpretation (i.e. getting away from fat-free, taste-free, style-free playing)
-Life and Livelihood; the balancing act
-Guacamole, trains, astronomy, Quadrant 2 and “The Search for Intelligent Life in the Modern Day Symphony Orchestra”
-Using your surroundings, and taking advantage/adjusting to your acoustics
-Yes, the bass trombone can be musical
-Exploring wide ranges of repertoire that will broaden your musical language
-Working within your means... maybe you don't need a new tuba/ bass trombone

If Randy and I can make a difference in your musical life, spend a couple days with us at the University of Redlands.  We will work hard at making phrases but we will have our share of depth charges, too.  Come on out and join the fun.