Finding inspiration: Look to the stars
by Dr. Charles P. Conrad
Education Director, Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra
Music Director, Indianapolis Youth Wind Ensemble
Music Director, Indiana Wind Symphony.
It started when I was a boy
When I was a young boy, my father came home one day with an old cornet. I don't recall if it was
won in a poker game or was partial payment for a television repair, but I was thrilled when he gave it to me.
At the time, I really liked a group called the Tijuana Brass, which was led by trumpeter Herb Alpert, and my
first instinct was to try to play along with their recordings.
After a while, I could play all of the trumpet parts by memory, and I found a recording of a trumpeter named
Al Hirt, who showed me a different level and style of playing, and who let me know what could be done in the high register.
When I finally got around to asking for an audition to play in the sixth grade band at my school, most of the players there
had already started the preceding summer. My band director was taken aback that I played so well in the high range without fear of
hurting my lips or having my head explode!
Going to live concerts
At the end of sixth grade, I went to a concert at Arlington High School to see a trumpet soloist from the Tonight Show
named Doc Severinsen. His technical command was astonishing, and his ease at playing in all registers of the horn must
have moved the horizon back several hundred yards for me. I knew I wanted to do what I just heard him do.
You see, I wasn't scared of learning the trumpet. I was inspired by greatness and I wanted more than anything
to play just like they did.
I was pretty lucky, too. Doc Severinsen came to Arlington High School twice more while I was there, and so did
many of the other great soloists of the day, including trumpeters Bud Brisbois and Marvin Stamm, trombonist Urbie Green,
low brass soloist Rich Matteson, and several others. Great players came to my hometown and I didn't waste a single
opportunity to hear them in person.
Listen and learn
Unfortunately, I don't see soloists appearing very often with high school bands these days, so if you want to get
inspired about your music, start by listening to CDs of great hornplayers like Barry Tuckwell or Herman Baumann or Gregory Hustis.
And by all means, go to where you can hear great ensembles and great performers live in concert. Attend a concert
of your local symphony orchestra or city band. Take a road trip to Indianapolis or Chicago to visit a summer festival
like Conner Prairie or Ravinia.
Get going and get inspired!
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