Mary Bowden masterclass at Evangel University

Trumpet soloist Mary Elizabeth Bowden presented a masterclass at Evangel University on Friday, September 18, 2015.  The event was sponsored by the Springfield (MO) Symphony Orchestra, with whom she performed the Concerto for Trumpet by Alexander Arutiunian the following evening.

Four undergraduates and one high school student performed on the masterclass. Marissa Kyser and Elisa Wren, students of Dr. Grant Peters at Missouri State University, performed the Gliere Concerto and the first movement of the Halsey Stevens Sonata.  Kolby Sowell and Michael Borders, students of Tim Wootton at Evangel University, performed the Arutunian Concerto and the first movement of the Kennan Sonata.  Luke Slater, a senior at Gloria Deo Academy and student of Tim Wootton, performed the first movement of the Haydn Concerto.  

Bowden began the masterclass by giving a window into her musical journey and practice habits. Although she initially wanted to be an orchestral player, she later realized a passion for being a soloist. While she continues to have a successful orchestral career, her solo career keeps her looking for new collaborations and new ways to reach audiences. The main focus in her practice, from the first note of the day, is to make the best sound she can.  She emphasizes that one must have a clear image of how he or she wants to sound.  She uses soft “poo” attacks and lip bends at the beginning to get the “gravel” out of the sound before moving on to other aspects of playing. 

Bowden provided specific concepts and practice techniques to improve each of the student’s playing and put them on a path of higher musical achievement. She encouraged them to have a clear image of how they wanted to play, as well as make musical decisions and executing them convincingly to have the desired effect on the audience. While she provided useful practice tools for each of the students, her overall message was geared toward producing a beautiful, relaxed and efficient sound with a defined musical product in mind.

Source: Tim Wootton, adjunct professor of trumpet, Evangel University, Springfield, Missouri