Mr. Cichowicz with the Offutt Brass: SSgt Libby Barnette, SrA Shane Kibbey, SSgt Jennifer Bales, SrA Matt Erickson, and SrA Chris Moore

A1C Chris Hammiel performs a Rochut study

UNO trumpet student Jeremy Stober plays the Arutunian

Cichowicz conducts the UNL Brass Ensemble

Vince Cichowicz made his first visit to Nebraska to work with members of the United States Air Force Heartland of America Band and students from the University of Nebraska-Omaha and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Mr. Cichowicz began each morning by working with the Air Force band brass quintet, the Offutt Brass. He coached the group through several works in preparation for upcoming performances and recording sessions. His love for Russian music shone during Ewald's Quintet No. 1; he offered insights that only a person with his extensive musical experience could give. His vast pedagogical knowledge helped the group work through the technical and upper register demands of Roger Harvey's arrangement of Handel's The Harmonious Blacksmith. He also offered helpful advice in performing Eric Ewazen's Western Fanfare, Satie's Gymnopidie and Lew Pollack's That's a Plenty. During the three day coaching sessions, Mr. Cichowicz defined the elements of great performing. He related instructional and inspiring stories ranging from Fritz Reiner to Paul Hindemith to Bud Herseth. "If you rely on your musical instincts, you will never be wrong. Trust yourself!" The Offutt Brass members range in age from 25 to 40; everyone walked away better musicians and, most of all, better people for having the experience of being around such a great musician and motivator.

On September 3, Mr. Cichowicz spent the afternoon at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. The audience consisted of over 100 UNO music students, Hastings College trumpet students, Omaha Symphony members, and area professional players. He discussed the basics of good brass playing, i.e. sound concept, respiration, articulation, embouchure, and technique. Mr. Cichowicz worked with 5 students on pieces ranging from Hummel to Arutunian. One student participant commented, "I was really nervous, but once he (Cichowicz) started talking to me, it was as if we were the only two people in the room."

On September 4, Mr. Cichowicz traveled 50 miles to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. After briefly catching up with his old student and friend, UNL trumpet professor Darryl White, he began a coaching session with the USAF Offutt Brass. In the afternoon, he again lectured on the basics of brass playing. During the question and answer portion, someone asked him to describe the most important element in listening to auditions. Without hesitation, Mr. Cichowicz answered, "Musicianship". He explained that a player can have great technique and can play flawlessly, "but that's all worthless without a solid musical foundation". Afterwards, Mr. Cichowicz worked with 2 UNL trumpet students and ended with a large brass ensemble. The common threads in his comments were to focus on sound and music. "If you have the correct sound of the note in your head before you play, you'll start the note accurately and you'll play in tune."

September 5, Mr. Cichowicz spent the day with the USAF Heartland of America Band. After meeting with the band commander/conductor, Major Phil Waite, and coaching the Offutt Brass, Mr. Cichowicz led a masterclass. Besides Air Force band members, the audience consisted of area professionals and several students from the University of Nebraska-Kearney. Mr. Cichowicz displayed his outstanding pedagogical knowledge as he worked with musicians on tuba, trombone, horn and trumpet. He answered a variety of questions about breathing, articulation, quintet playing, etc. When asked about how to stay in good condition during a heavy performance schedule he answered, "You have to practice all the time. Don't try to let the job keep you in shape".

Mr. Cichowicz's wisdom, knowledge, and warmth enriched the lives of everyone who attended the clinics. We're all grateful that he took time out of his busy schedule to come to Nebraska.

On a personal note, I studied with Mr. Cichowicz in the late 80's. When I first contacted him in April about the clinics, he reminded me that he was retired and couldn't keep a very heavy schedule. Webster's dictionary defines "retired" as withdrawn from one's occupation or position; to conclude one's career. As I tried to keep up with Mr. Cichowicz during our arduous 3 days together, I tried to see the signs of his so-called "retirement". I'm still looking!

Websites:
USAF Heartland of America Band
Department of Music, University of Nebraska-Omaha
School of Music, University of Nebraska-Lincoln