Reasoning behind this CD..........

Introduction

The genesis of this CD-ROM project cannot precisely be pinpointed. Having prepared orchestral excerpts for the past 15 years while studying with some of the leading experts in this area, I have known for quite some time that a Daily Routine is critical for developing consistency in performance. What has struck me as odd, however, is the fact that very few players have attempted to compile a precise account of their highly individualized routine. The failure to do so, in fact, has caused many unfortunate and unnecessary difficulties. This CD will hopefully remedy this problem and serve to be a very useful aid to the orchestral trombonist.

The nature of orchestral playing in the present climate demands perfection. The proliferation of recordings and studio wizardry therein has resulted in audiences and conductors expecting the impossible. While good-paying jobs become scarcer and more competitive, the trombonist coming closest to perfection will inevitably find him or herself the winner at audition time. The attention, then, is focused on maintaining the position and gaining tenure. As of late, tenure has become less and less of a guarantee and the scrutiny under which the player falls is inhuman. It is imperative that the player prepare himself or herself for perfection by developing confidence through consistency. Consistency is attained only by doing things correctly. The wonderful Buddy Baker described this "circle of success":

CORRECTNESS breeds CONSISTENCY breeds CONFIDENCE

The Daily Routine outlined on this CD will breed correctness by encouraging the development of muscle memory and by alerting the player to the onset of potentially problematic habits. While most players of accomplishment have a routine that has worked thus far in their musical lives, I have witnessed many routines that simply ignore or pay only passing reference to critical technical and musical facets of trombone playing. The mind is forgetful. Players may simply forget to include certain exercises into their routine for months at a time. Without fail, this aspect of their playing will deteriorate. Only when this deterioration is blatantly obvious do they revert to the timeworn exercises that kept them in performance-ready condition. This very often happens to the exclusion of yet some other exercise which had been proving beneficial. It's a vicious cycle that this CD will eradicate.

By using this CD, the player will be assured of touching upon every aspect of performance. The Daily Routine herein is a framework for success. As the player feels weakness in one particular area, they are encouraged to spend more time with this. They may safely spend less time on their stronger areas. By adhering to the Routine, they will be able to notice how strong and weak areas are in constant flux. What felt great last week may not go very well today. All areas are dealt with, however, and no weak area goes unapprised for months, or even days. Over the course of time, all areas develop sufficiently so that the overall level of performance reaches its highest possible quality.

It is clear that the player in a major symphony orchestra will require such a degree of consistency. Just as demanding, however, are the requirements of the modern freelance trombonist. As I mentioned earlier, the big jobs are becoming more scarce and the competition more fierce. Sadly, the odds simply do not favor the aspiring orchestral auditionee. Too many factors are at play, and even some exceptional performers will find themselves having limited success at auditions. This leaves a great many trombonists jobless. Luckily, a very good living can be made by the freelancer. Some degree of salesmanship is require, as well as the ability to identify and connect with an audience, both physically and musically.

With the proliferation of technology, our audiences will be exposed to more and more music and will become better-educated listeners and consumers. This has led to a rise in demand for good music. Such demand will grow exponentially in our lifetime. Regional orchestras in many parts of our country are healthy and fiscally solid. Some are not, of course, but as awareness and education on the part of listeners evolves, the situation should continue an upward trend. Business savvy on the part of these orchestras, too, is a critical factor to their survival. As audiences become more educated, their tastes will become more refined and their expectations higher. Orchestras will need to provide a very good product indeed to satisfy these discriminating patrons.

These trombone jobs, too, will operate under the tenets of supply and demand. Only the most consistent and reliable players will find steady work with regional orchestras. The level of musicianship and expertise will steadily climb. It is absolutely imperative that the freelancer develop confidence and proficiency in performance. The only means of doing so will be a firm grasp of fundamentals and a disciplined approach to doing things correctly on the trombone. This is accomplished with the Daily Routine.

Yet a third option for today's trombonist lies in the incredible potential nestled in the Internet. A thorough knowledge and application of this global technology may provide enough of an audience for a trombonist to make a comfortable living. Indeed, it's already being done.

Comments? Questions?