Institute gallery

Herseth performs the Haydn, accompanied by a brass ensemble

L-R: Dooley, Herseth and Fischthal

Herseth teaching Sandra Laverty ...

... and Scott Cook

L-R: Jonathan Ring (horn, SF Symphony), Herseth, Burkhart

The fourth annual Summer Brass Institute and Festival offered bountiful opportunities for the many trumpeters who attended, anticipating the chance to work with Adolph ‘Bud’ Herseth and the Bay Brass. Launched with a performance by Bay Brass professionals—joined in select works by Fellowship recipients from among the participants—in the resonant Stanford Memorial Church, the weeklong institute provided ten quintets and eight large ensembles with plenty of rehearsal and coaching from 9 to 5 each day. Located on the campus of Menlo School, a private school located on the Peninsula of the Bay Area, about 30 minutes south of San Francisco, the Festival events attracted skilful, enthusiastic participants and interested audience. The Bay Brass, a thirteen-member ensemble including leading players from five Bay Area orchestras, served as faculty members, including trumpeter and ITG member David Burkhart, professor of trumpet at the San Francisco Conservatory; James Dooley, principal trumpet, San Jose Symphony; and Glenn Fischthal, principal trumpet for twenty-eight years with the San Francisco Symphony.

Bay Brass trumpeter Glenn Fischthal engaged participants in his master class, “The Lyric Art of Trumpet” starting with a performance of Bach’s Jauchzet Gott in Allen Landern with a singer to showcase the lyric quality of this music. His signature feats followed, as he performed from memory many passages from the symphonic repertoire in conjunction with performances by participants who sought his commentary. Finally, participants were invited to try Mr. Fischthal’s assortment of trumpets.

Adolph Herseth arrived with his usual energy and aura of greatness; he gave a master class rich with sage advice, witty anecdotes, and musically inspiring demonstrations. He began the class by performing Haydn’s Adagio from the Trumpet Concerto, accompanied by an ensemble of brass players in a unique arrangement. On the next evening, he joined Bay Brass trumpeters in a set of trios for his “85th birthday” concert; he also offered an inspiring master class, and taught most of the Institute’s nineteen trumpeters in private lessons, along with coaching a symphonic section class in rehearsal of Mahler 5. Everyone remarked on his musicianship, extensive orchestral experience, clever wit and lively anecdotes, and his ability to offer a wealth of advice consistently focused on musical interpretation. His presence added an unmistakable frisson to the Festival’s usual high energy.

Plentiful demonstrations, extra lessons, and a trip to the San Francisco Symphony to hear faculty members in action formed part of the fabric of daily life for participating brass players, including Californians and musicians from as far away as Hong Kong and Argentina. After hours spent rehearsing specific music selected during the week, participants performed in a large ensemble concert, conducted by Jeff Budin and Vicky Greenbaum; in the Herseth Birthday Concert; and in a chamber music concert at the Festival’s conclusion.

For information about the Summer Brass Institute and Festival in summer 2007, please visit the website.

Website:
Summer Brass Institute and Festival