Karl Sievers, Reporter
It was a great privilege to be able to attend Patrick Addinall’s master class immediately following his inspiring performance as principal trumpet with the BBC Orchestra. He was one of the most exciting players heard all week, with a brilliance of sound and a fire in his playing that seemed to carry this world class orchestra to a higher level. 
Showing great perception in his teaching, he allowed each of three young performers to play for quite some time before passing judgement or offering his input. Once it was time to begin working, he showed a very keen ability to efficiently and simply relate to what each student needed, and had very excellent success with each very quickly. Patrick’s message was simple and basic. He insisted that each player use plenty of air, using the example of a “sigh,” and then having the student try to sigh in reverse, with similar rhythm and with similar freedom. Immediately each student’s sound was more centered, more opulent, and more accurate. He avoided addressing minutiae, addressing instead the bigger picture. With this encouragement the young subjects were far more focused and played noticeably better. His manner was quiet and nurturing, quickly putting all at ease. His playing had spoken quite strongly already, so within that context his gentle but clear style of teaching was particularly meaningful. 
