Improving Your Brass Techniques

For
Jazz and Traditional
Performance
Vince DiMartino-November 7, 2016

The instruments we play are tools. Our minds are musical instruments.
Either left undeveloped disables our ability to improve and contribute
musically now and in our future. All plans for our learning must consider
this for the true success of our experience and, in the long run, will
determine the our value to our music groups and our lives. All works are a
combination and coordination of mind and body, creating an artful
presentation.

Physical
1) Breathing and Blowing in Rhythm
a) Ho inward-Ha outward (trumpet) as if using a balloon
b) Use mouthpiece with leadpipe to set up correct balance-resistance
c) Long tones based on this concept
d) Insist on everything being done in rhythm-it is the coordinator of
ALL activity in music.

2) Flexibility first and reinforce this every day!

a) Do band or class warm-ups that promote smooth movement
between notes-moving long tones!
b) Copy the style of ALL instruments you hear in the ensemble. We
need to know how to make MANY sounds on our instruments.

3) We should be ready to be tested any day and held them accountable for
our assignments.
a) Have frequent challenges for chairs based on techniques and
musical attributes you would like for them to master.

Musical
1) Listen to assigned YouTube and Spotify examples of your music. Your
teacher does not have time to do this in class.

2) Every person should know what is happening in a piece. Music

teaching is not only to create performing musicians but people who
understand what they are playing and hearing. Be ready to be called on at
random to instruct the class on what is important at that point in the piece.
Some Trumpet Playing Musicians To Know

Traditional Jazz

Timofey Dokshitzer Louis Armstrong

Maurice Andre Roy Eldridge
Armando Ghitalla Harry James
Phil Smith Dizzy Gillespie
Adolph Herseth Chet Baker
William Vacchiano Miles Davis
Allen Vizzutti Freddie Hubbard
Matthais Hofs Bill Chase
Hakan Hardenberger Maynard Ferguson
Rafael Mendez Lee Morgan
Tom Stevens Bobby Shew
Ole Edward Antonsen Conti Condoli
Ludwig Guttler Doc Severinsen
Mark Gould Jon Faddis
Dave Hickman Wynton Marsalis
Tony Plog Clark Terry
Niklas Eklund Cootie Williams

Some Ensembles To Know

Chicago Symphony Duke Ellington Orchestra

New York Philharmonic Miles Davis Quintet
The Summit Brass Bill Evans Trio
Dallas Wind Symphony Art Blakey Band
Eastman Wind Ensemble John Coltrane Band
Philip Jones Brass Ensemble Stan Kenton Band
Canadian Brass Count Basie Orchestra
American Brass Quintet Thad Jones-Mel Lewis
Summit Brass Gil Evans Orchestra
Boston Symphony Chick Corea Band
Berlin Philharmonic Dizzy Gillespie Band
London Symphony Harry James Band
Washington Winds Fletcher Henderson Band