David Washburn

Washburn with masterclass particapant Natasha Feier

David Washburn, trumpet soloist on numerous Hollywood film scores and principal with the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, gave an inspiring master class at Summer Brass Institute on the evening of July 11, 2005. His sound, bright and powerful, clean and golden, always pleasing to the ear, filled Stent Hall as he demonstrated a variety of techniques to interested participants. His relaxed demeanor gave no clue that he’d flown in from Los Angeles on short notice to cover for an ailing Glenn Fischthal, scheduled originally to lead the class.

Washburn began the evening by performing a few passages from solo works he’s played in studio orchestras for television and films, including the famed "Masterpiece Theater" theme, variously attributed to Clarke and Purcell, and a track from an upcoming Zorro movie. Pulling various trumpets out of his bag, he moved easily between them as he demonstrated various styles ranging from the lyric to the declamatory and virtuosic. The audience clearly relished the opportunity to ask questions about Washburn’s work in Hollywood and in orchestras, also enjoying his illustrative demonstrations on the horn.

For the seven trumpeters who played, Washburn had a variety of insights to offer. Natasha Feier, a senior in high school who played Hovhaness’ Prayer of St. Gregory, benefited from a breathing exercise involving lifting her feet, crossed at the ankles, while sitting and playing; thus Washburn demonstrated a way to develop awareness of breath support. Participant Franklin Wade performed an excerpt from Handel’s Let the Bright Seraphim on piccolo trumpet, receiving hints from Washburn on how to ornament, and how to improve his piccolo sound. Phil Sullivan, a trumpet student recently graduated from Peabody Conservatory, performed a movement from Haydn’s Trumpet Concerto, gaining insights on accuracy and rhythmic perfection from Washburn’s demonstration. Pete Schiller, an NEC student, said he appreciated the osmosis of Washburn’s radiant sound and precise command of articulation. Some performers learned about the greater ease of playing from a template (gained via practice of scales and studies), preferable to attempts to decipher passagework note by note. With casual grace, Mr. Washburn impressed upon participants the importance of becoming at home with the horn, and of the possibilities opening up through mastery of vital techniques.

Trumpeters enjoyed the chance to hear from David Washburn in addition to the excellent instruction imparted all week by Bay Brass trumpeters Jim Dooley and David Burkhart, along with visitor Kale Cumings. As usual, Bay Brass coaches inspired participants to perform splendidly on various quintets - all the Ewalds were performed, along with the Arnold, Thompson, and an array of others. Twelve large brass ensembles performed, and Fellowship participants had an exciting opportunity to perform side by side with professionals during the Bay Brass performance at Memorial Church on the Stanford University campus. The Bay Brass performance, before a full house, ended with a standing ovation. We look forward to further artistry from the Bay Brass and notable guests during SBI 2006; for information and application, please visit the website linked below.

Links:
Summer Brass Institute
Washburn bio page at UCI