Laurie McGaw, David Burkhart, Mario Guarneri, Nora King, David Champouillon

Dr. David Champouillon visited the San Francisco Conservatory of Music in early April. He was invited to present a master class and perform in a recital with his former student, Nora King, presently a senior BM in Trumpet Performance major at the conservatory.

On April 2nd, Dr. Champouillon presented a two-hour master class for the conservatory trumpet studio, starting with a performance of Purcell's Sonata for Trumpet in D. A discussion of the piece followed, focusing on authentic Baroque articulation (slur two - slur two) and the use of available practice tools in the private studio and in the practice room. Champouillon brought to the attention of the students the possibility of using the "Music Minus One" CD's in order to become more familiar with the actual orchestral parts of a piece, in contrast to using a piano reduction. He also introduced the "Smart Music" computer program. Recent improvements to this included the enhanced literature subscription, allowing the trumpet teacher and student to easy access to piano accompaniments to the majority of the solo literature.

The class then moved on to the students' opportunity to play for Dr. Champouillon. Nathan Plante performed a Gatti duet with Champouillon, the focus being on the need for knowledge of foreign terminology. Nora King performed Copland's Quiet City with the emphasis on knowing the story behind any programmatic piece being performed. Ariel Jessup performed Nestico's Portrait of a Trumpet: Champouillon's suggestions focused on adapting the sound and style to fit the genre of the piece. Austin Oliver performed Hubeau's Sonata, with comments centering on the need to flow during the lyrical passages, and applying "flow exercises and techniques" to the piece. Dr. Champouillon remarked how all of the students were well coached, well prepared, and played with big, beautiful and open sounds with a high level of musicianship. At many times, the class took the format of an open discussion between all involved, including Professor David Burkhart and Professor Mario Guarneri. The need was stressed for each student to be his or her own best teacher while practicing.

The opening piece of Ms. King's April 4th recital was Telemann's Concerto in D for Three Trumpets, who were Ms. King, Dr. Champouillon, and Mr. Laurie McGaw, the retired Associate Principal Trumpet of the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra. Also, the piece was highlighted by the fine playing of the conservatory chamber string ensemble. This performance brought together three generations of trumpeters: Dr. Champouillon studied with Mr. McGaw from 1979-1983 while a member of the United States Air Force Band of the Golden Gate, and Ms. King studied with Dr. Champouillon from 1992-1995 while a student in Ogden, Utah. At the conservatory, Ms. King has studied trumpet with Mario Guarneri and David Burkhart.

Websites:
San Francisco Conservatory of Music
David Champouillon

Source: David Champouillon