ITG 2003 - Impressions of Youth Day

Nathaniel Meyer, participant - Belmont, Massachusetts

The 2003 ITG Youth Day and Conference in Fort Worth, Texas was a truly enriching experience. Serious trumpet players from all over the world gathered on the beautiful campus of Texas Christian University to compete, learn, and most of all, play the instrument they love.

During the conference, we attended master classes, heard concerts, competed in solo competitions, and visited the huge number of exhibits. Master classes were taught by trumpet greats Allen Vizzutti, Chase Sanborn, and Jon Lewis. During these sessions, the professionals gave excellent advice and information about their specialty in the art of trumpet playing. Some of the most memorable comments were, “ the most important thing is that you express yourself in your playing,” (Chase Sanborn), and “let your trumpet playing be a touchstone for something positive… it will be something pure and beautiful, which you will do differently from anyone else.” (Allen Vizzutti). It was very inspirational to young musicians at the ITG Conference to see the dedication that professionals have towards their instrument.

The Youth Day Concert in which the TCU Wind Ensemble performed featured soloists Stoneback Sisters, Allen Vizutti, and Jon Lewis. The solo competitions were a time when goals over the past few years were fulfilled and wonderful music was made. The exhibitors spread their wares on tables in Ed Landreth Hall and all the Youth Day participants were able to try hundreds of instruments, mouthpieces, and accessories.

Caitlyn Schwarz, participant

Youth Day 2003 held on the TCU Campus was amazing! Having never been before, I did not know what to expect.

The King’s Brass was the first to perform. They entered from behind the audience and set the tone for the day. What an exciting sound!

Our first master class was with Allen Vizzutti. He stressed that we should be inspired and not intimidated by the talented trumpeters we would be listening to throughout the day. I really enjoyed all that he had to offer especially his advice on making your trumpet a positive touchstone in your life. His sense of humor was great and he was easy to relate to as he touched on topics of interest including; practice, breathing, and hitting the high notes. He also commented when you play an instrument it should be from your heart.

After a lunch break, I was able to see the Army Brass Quintet. They were fun to listen to as they played on 140 year old Civil War instruments. We were even treated to an old silent movie accompanied by their lively composition. For an encore, they had us all laughing with their sounds on homemade trumpets fashioned from hoses, funnels, and milk cartons!

Jon Lewis explained what it takes to work in the show biz arena of trumpet playing. I had no idea it took so much to record a soundtrack to a movie. Now, whenever I see a movie, I can bet that the trumpet sound I hear, will probably be Jon Lewis.

A true master of jazz, Chase Sanborn, played along with a trio on stage and showed us how easy jazz is if you know the melodies. He had great tips and told us about many helpful books that have been published for young trumpeters.

As a finale to the day, the evening concert was spectacular! We heard selections from the Stoneback Sisters. They played along with the TCU Wind Symphony. It was inspirational to see women performing with such talent. Allen Vizzutti had many high range solos and performed with the TCU Jazz Ensemble for which he wore a crazy disco suit and did the moonwalk across the stage. He ended the night with a trumpet solo and played a note way out of what I thought was the high range for trumpet. He did so many fascinating tricks with his trumpet that his playing left me speechless.

I am certainly looking forward to Youth Day 2004 in Denver, Colorado.

(more to come)