Kari Brooks, reporter

When it comes down to the wire, what do you have that will get you the job? What makes you stand out above the rest? Barbara Butler addressed these questions and more in her informative well-attended morning clinic. Barbara stated that the things a player must have to make it in music include talent, work ethic and discipline, and a strong will. These are the things that will get you to the top if you use them correctly and put in the time to develop them.

Butler named off an impressive list of former students who are currently holding principal positions in major symphonies, and said that as she was thinking last night of these students, she compiled a list of what they all had in common. These were the students with fierce determination and an incredible focus while playing. All of them were in a hurry to be good and had a very fast learning curve. And when it came time to try something new, they were the first to jump in line. Not only did they work harder than others around them, they were their own teachers much of the time. Their attention to detail and continuous effort gave them the edge they needed to succeed.

Another major issue in mastering the trumpet is confidence. Trumpet players and lack of confidence is often considered an oxymoron, but there are actually many factors that one should consider. Barbara had two major ways to teach confidence. First, you must always have a plan. Know what you're doing so you can give yourself the best possible odds for success. Secondly, be over prepared! If you have to play a high C, practice a high D. If there's a passage with a p attack, practice it at ppp. By practicing harder than the piece or performance you are required to play, then you create a cushion of confidence around yourself.

Barbara spoke from years of personal experience about these issues. Her advice and ideas were specific and clear. If you want to be great, she says, go the distance. Practice with a goal, and if you can't do something, lower that goal until you find what you can do. Then the next time you play, pick up where you left off and play it faster, or higher, or cleaner. Keep adding on until you reach your ultimate goal, and then find another.

Butler advises to keep trying every day. Every player has two options: to give up, or to keep trying. To Butler, giving up was never an option, so that left only one choice. She stated, “I've never told myself that I'm not as good as someone else.” Don't fear failure, but learn from it. At the conclusion of her clinic, Butler reminded us of one very important fact. “You are defined by what you do.” Everyone left Barbara Butler's clinic with something to think about and a challenge to work to become the best possible musician and human being possible.