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2005 INTERNATIONAL TRUMPET GUILD® CONFERENCE
GRAND HOTEL BANGKOK, BANGKOK, THAILAND TUESDAY – FRIDAY, JUNE 21 – 24, 2005 |
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Friday, June 24 Some of the Most Difficult Passages I have Played and How I Learned Them Kari Brooks, reporter Hickman touched on many points throughout his clinic on things that should be addressed while practicing. Soft playing is something that is often overlooked by trumpeters, but is important to practice everyday. This allows you to practice with a smaller aperture and a more focused sound. To improve articulation, Hickman recommended employing “pop tones.” These sound similar to popping the hand on top of the mouthpiece, and are made by playing with bursts of air and very little sound. While doing these, he works on keeping the tongue light and towards the front of the mouth. He also recommends doing exercises that alternate flutter and single tonguing. Hickman emphasized the importance of knowing the mechanical aspects of playing as well. He explained that you must be able to both “race the car as the driver and work on the engine as its mechanic!” Knowing how your body works while playing and also the physical demands and needs of playing the trumpet will result in you being able to isolate issues in yourself and your students. As for those nasty licks that haunt us in our sleep, Hickman advises making flashcards of problem spots and then quizzing yourself daily. When you feel like you are getting them down, start to keep score. This eliminates the busy work of practicing the parts you can already play and strictly focuses on the weak spots. David Hickman discussed many useful techniques throughout his clinic that will be helpful and beneficial for practicing trumpeters everywhere.
Considering David Hickman’s long and illustrious record of achievement as both a performer and teacher of trumpet, it was appropriate that this clinic was the setting for him to be presented with the Award of Merit by ITG President Stephen Chenette, for his outstanding contributions to ITG and the world of trumpet. This award, which was voted upon by the ITG Board of Directors, is a direct reflection of Hickman’s hard work and dedication to music. He received a standing ovation from those in attendance.
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Lets face it, if we all could become world famous trumpet players without having to spend time practicing, we would do it without thinking twice…but, since life isn’t that simple, we must find smart and efficient ways to get the practicing done! David Hickman, a man who has been known to practice once or twice himself, said that playing the trumpet is like working a camera. Many things have to be focused and adjusted to make the picture perfect. The same principle can be applied to trumpet playing. From jaw position to tongue arch, everything must be working properly to produce the best sound.
