Trumpet Dynamics is now Brass Mastery.

This is the short version of the transition and what to expect in the future!

TLDR: We're hugely broadening the audience, and even hugelier narrowing the breadth of topics discussed.

Our esteemed guest, Jim Olcott, is someone whose work I've long admired. He's the retired professor of trumpet at Miami University of Ohio, the founder of Triplo Press, and the musical director of the Twin Cities Trumpet Ensemble. His extensive background in trumpet music promised an enriching conversation.

In this episode, we touched on several fascinating topics:

• The Intersection of Music and Life: Jim provided his balanced and insightful views on how music should weave into our lives.
• Changing Perspectives with Age: We discussed how our viewpoints and priorities evolve as we grow older.
• The Essence of Performance: I was curious about Jim's thoughts on the purpose behind performing - whether it's to inspire, to enrich, or something else entirely.

For those interested in diving deeper into Jim's world, our show notes at trumpetdynamics.com/olcott, which contain links to some of his recent recordings.

Jim candidly admitted that he might not be at the peak of his playing abilities compared to his younger years. However, I assured you, dear listener, that his performance remains outstanding, reflecting the nuanced reality of aging in the arts.

This episode is a beautiful blend of personal stories, professional insights, and even some music for you listening pleasure at the very end. With my wife Sana adding adding a few of her thoughts in the middle, it's the perfect way to get your mind focused on making some great music!

This is more than just a podcast episode; it's a journey through the realms of trumpet music, teaching, and the art of living a life deeply intertwined with music.

A few highlights from this episode:

1. Twin Cities' Musical Opportunities: The episode begins with a discussion at 05:00 about the benefits of moving to the Twin Cities, highlighting the abundant playing opportunities and the community's generous spirit in music.
2. Passion for Playing and Teaching: At 09:50, there's a reflection on the joy of playing, teaching, and the aspiration to inspire others, as well as the importance of camaraderie among musicians.
3. Age and Its Effects on Musicians: At 15:00, the conversation turns to how aging inevitably affects musicians differently, impacting their physical abilities.
4. The Orchestra as an Instrument: A unique perspective is shared at 16:45, where the orchestra is described as an instrument in itself, offering a collective musical experience.
5. Visualizing Music: At 19:45, the technique of visualizing dramatic scenes to enhance musical performance is discussed.
6. Inspiring vs. Enriching Audiences: Ronald Romm's teachings on the profound difference between inspiring and enriching audiences are explored at 22:15.
7. Self-Concept in Musicians: A deep dive into the complex nature of self-concept among musicians occurs at 28:40, emphasizing how it's shaped by perceptions rather than reality.
8. Maurice Andre's Lessons on Trumpet Playing: At 34:35, lessons from Maurice Andre highlight the distinction between impressive and elegant trumpet playing.
9. Triplo Press's Founding and Publication Process: The founding of Triplo Press and the criteria for vetting new pieces for publication are discussed at 39:30.
10. The Book of Life: At 47:45, there's a philosophical exploration of the four essential actions to be included in the 'Book of Life.'
11. Learning from William Vacchiano:...

In this podcast featuring the great Rex Richardson, various facets of his life and career are explored, providing insights into his journey and philosophy as a musician:

1. Anthropology Degree (03:00): The podcast reveals Rex's unexpected academic background with a degree in anthropology from Northwestern University. This segment discusses how his studies in anthropology have influenced his music career.
2. Founding Rhythm and Brass (06:30): The origins of the musical group Rhythm and Brass, which Rex helped establish, are discussed.
3. Connections with Audiences (08:10): Rex talks about the relationship between audiences and abstract compositions, exploring how listeners interact with and interpret more complex pieces.
4. Commitment to Musical Mastery (10:45): The conversation touches on the ability of audiences to recognize a musician's dedication to mastering their craft, emphasizing the importance of commitment in music.
5. Meaning of Virtuoso (14:00): The true essence of being a virtuoso is discussed, going beyond technical skills to include emotional depth and artistic expression.
6. Expression in Music (16:00): Rex shares his views on the musician's role in expression versus emoting, highlighting the distinction between conveying emotions and deeper artistic intentions.
7. Audience Takeaways (17:45): He expresses his desire for audiences to appreciate more than just the technical aspects of his performances, aiming to leave them with a deeper, more meaningful musical experience.
8. Multiphonics (22:00): The podcast includes an educational segment on multiphonics, demonstrating Rex's expertise in this advanced brass playing technique.
9. Early Challenges (25:50): Rex reflects on his initial struggles with the trumpet and shares insights on how to maximize efficiency in learning and playing the instrument.
10. Balancing Schedules (27:30): He discusses how he manages a demanding schedule that includes both constant travel and a full-time teaching role.
11. Rex's Varied Roles (31:45): It turns out that there are people with Rex's name out there, one of whom is the current mayor of Long Beach, CA and another who is a prominent real estate professional!

Resources mentioned:

Trumpet Dynamics episode with Paul Merkelo

Trumpet Dynamics episode with Chris Botti

About the Guest:

"A startling display of virtuosity...This was something very different, played by a performer of rare gifts indeed." -- 4barsRest.com, in a review of Rex Richardson's performance at the 2013 World Music Championship in Kerkrade, Netherlands

Renowned as champion of new, genre-busting music featuring the trumpet as a solo voice, Yamaha Performing Artist Rex Richardson was named the 2008 Brass Herald International Personality of the Year, has been called “One of the finest virtuosos of our time” (Brass Herald, 2018).

A veteran of the acclaimed chamber ensemble Rhythm & Brass, jazz legend Joe Henderson's Quintet and Sextet, William Russo's Chicago Jazz Ensemble, and the world-renowned Brass Band of Battle Creek, his hundreds of soloist appearances include festivals and ensembles on six continents, such as the Phoenix Symphony and Thailand Philharmonic Orchestras, the U.S. Army Field Band and Tokyo Symphonic Winds, England's Fodens Brass Band, and the U.S. Air Force's Airmen of Note Jazz Ensemble.

His latest CD Freedom of Movement: 21st Century Trumpet Concertos was released to critical and public acclaim, and named...

You may recall that a few weeks ago, I played a couple of interviews with the great Vinny Ciesielski. He's a wonderful person and has been a mainstay for years in the Nashville music scene. Vinnie really acquitted himself well in the podcast, so much so that I thought it would be interesting to see what would happen if I were to give him the reins for an interview on this podcast!

What you'll hear in this episode:

-Mike shares his founding origins on trumpet in the Nashville area...04:30

-Successes and pitfalls breaking into the Nashville scene in the late 1970's...09:45

-Mike and Vinnie discuss equipment for varying situations...19:05

-The worst things often lead to the best things...22:30

-How "overuse syndrome" nearly derailed a boatload of "natural talent"...29:15

-Serve the music, and remember just because you have it doesn't mean you need it...37:00

-The spirituality of the practice of music within and without...41:30

-What Mike would teach his teenage self...52:00

-Plus whatever your discerning ears deem worthy of your time and interest...

Resources mentioned:

Trumpet Dynamics podcast episodes with Vinnie Ciesielski

The Way of the Peaceful Warrior

About the Guest:

Attending Towson University in Maryland, Vinnie Ciesielski majored in music performance on trumpet, which he has played professionally for over 50 years.

Since coming to Nashville in 1992, Vinnie has played on thousands of recordings with artists such as Lyle Lovett, Travis Tritt, Tracy Byrd, Smokey Norful, Tanya Tucker, Glenn Frey, T.D. Jakes, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Bad Company, Gregg Allman, Kirk Franklin, Queen Latifah, Yolanda Adams, Donnie McClurkin, Israel Houghton, Demi Lovato, Grace Potter, Delbert McClinton, Alison Krauss, Taylor Swift, The Clark Sisters, Thomas Rhett, Nuno Betencort, Marcus Scott (Tower of Power) Steven Tyler, Vince Gill, Michael McDonald, Keb Mo, Johnny Taylor, Bobby Blue Bland, Via Con Dios, Martina McBride, Don Was, Zac Brown Band, and many more.

He has performed live with artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Gladys Knight, Kid Rock, Keith Richards, Jimmy Buffett, Paul Simon, Sting, Tony Bennett, Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Kenny Rogers, Shelby Lynne, The Temptations, The Four Tops, The O’Jays, Aretha Franklin, Percy Sledge, Shawn Colvin, Eddie Floyd, Booker T. and the MGs, Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Bob Hope, Frankie Valli, Sheryl Crow, Adrian Belew, Bruce Hornsby, Michael McDonald, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Nettles and The Beach Boys.

He has also appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,, Late Night with David Letterman, Conan O’Brien, Jimmy Kimmel, Good Morning America, The Today Show, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, CBS New Years Eve Bash, The Road, SoundStage, Disney and Universal TV specials, Nashville Now, Music City Tonight, Austin City Limits, Grand Old Opry, Rosie O’Donnell, Ellen’s Really Big Show, Crossroads, The Dove Awards and The Stellar Awards. Vinnie has performed on numerous Radio, Internet, TV and Movie soundtracks and Trailers. He has also performed with the Nashville Symphony, Chattanooga Symphony, Orchestra Kentucky, Nashville and Knoxville Jazz Orchestras.

Well known in the performance and recording community, Vinnie’s resume includes work on over 6,000 recording sessions, 50 Grammy-nominated and 25 Grammy-winning recordingsand dozens of Stellar and Dove Award nominated and winning recordings. Vinnie has also been the horn arranger on multiple Grammy, Dove and Stellar nominated and winning recordings.

Thank you for joining us on "Trumpet Dynamics" – telling the story of the trumpet, in the words of those who play it....

Have you ever heard the saying, "Love is what drives the world"? It’s a phrase we encounter often, but have you ever connected its essence to something you're deeply passionate about?

In this episode featuring the great Nathaniel Mayfield, we'll dive deep into this concept, and what we uncover might surprise you!

A trumpet is nothing more than a simple piece of plumbing. But when we breathe life into it, it becomes intimately personal, a vessel for our emotions, a conduit through which we pour out the deepest sentiments of our heart.

When you play or engage in your craft, whatever it may be, it’s not just about the technicalities; it's about the love and soul you invest into it. Every note, every brushstroke, every word – they become extensions of your essence, speaking your unique language of love.

So, ask yourself: when you delve into your passion, are you truly connecting with it? Are you letting it be a bridge to something larger, something divine?

Can you feel that energy, that love, coursing through you, making every act of creation a testament to your connection with the universe?

Your journey as a trumpeter, or whatever craft you may pursue, is filled with challenges. But imagine facing every intricate detail, every hurdle you overcome with an overwhelming embrace of love.

Not just as a fleeting emotion, but as a driving force that propels you to evolve, learn, and express in ways you might not have thought possible before.

Isn’t that the beauty of love? In every aspect of your life, when you let love be the guide, your experiences transform. You discover resilience in tough times, glean wisdom from setbacks, and above all, unearth the profound purpose behind your passions.

So I ask you to ponder this: are you allowing love to navigate your journey? Is it truly your guiding star?

When we allow love to influence our choices, shape our experiences, and redefine your reality, it could very well be the secret to unlocking your ultimate potential.

Here are a few highlights you'll hear in this episode with Nathaniel Mayfield:

-Music is a spiritual journey, and it doesn't matter how much we're involved with it...04:10

-Nate's personal journey with trumpet, from young boy to the present...06:00

-"I don't care about winning competitions; I just want to enjoy music"...10:30

-"You feel like a part of you is missing"...14:10

-Everything we do as it pertains to music is done out of love...17:50

-Serendipitous callings back to trumpet...20:45

-The love of trumpet was dissipated by The Grind of competing and touring...24:30

-Maturity leads to how you self-identify as it pertains to music and trumpet...31:50

-Nate describes in detail his recent psychedelic journey in Tijuana...36:00

-Reconciled previous destructive behavior from trumpet playing...01:01:00

-What might a Nate Mayfield "trumpet comeback" look like?...01:02:30

-Trumpet is our first love, which is why so many feel disillusioned by it...01:06:30

-Plus whatever your discerning ears deem worthy of your time and interest...

Thank you for joining us on "Trumpet Dynamics" – telling the story of the trumpet, in the words of those who play it.

For more captivating episodes and exclusive content, visit our official website at trumpetdynamics.com. There you can dive deeper into the interviews, discover additional resources, and connect with your fellow trumpeters.

Also be sure to subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast platform, and even leave a rating and review. It really helps with the visibility of the show.

Until we meet again, may your fingers be fluid, your breath unimpeded, and your chops ever fresh.

Play hard!

**Many thanks to the great

What are borders but mere lines imagined by politicians to separate and divide human beings?

And just as borders between states and countries are rather arbitrary, so are the borders we put on certain instruments, even entire genres of music.

Paul Merkelo stopped in to the Trumpet Dynamics Central Headquarters to discuss his collaboration with the great Wynton Marsalis on a brand new concerto written for trumpet that is making waves in the trumpet world and beyond.

Wynton's new concerto not only pushes the finest players to their utmost limits as performers, but it transcends many of the arbitrary boundaries that have been placed upon the trumpet, and even ethnic and national identities related to music.

Paul was honored by being asked to help bring this piece into the public consciousness, and in this episode, he shares his experience of being included in the esteemed group of trumpeters who are premiering the piece around the world. The interview includes a detailed description of the process of preparing and allowing to see the light of day a piece of music that we expect will be part of the standard trumpet repertoire, regularly called upon by orchestras the world over, in due time.

We even managed to sneak in a hat tip to elephant sounds and horse whinnies, so you're going to want to hang out until the very end of the episode!

What you'll hear in this episode:

-How Paul was chosen to premiere Wynton's concerto in Canada...03:30

-The moment Paul stepped on stage to premiere the piece...06:30

-"Like jumping out of an airplane"...13:20

-We've got to build the repertoire by crossing musical borders...15:45

-You can't simply play with technical precision; you must play musically...18:30

-The "perfect" performance redefined...23:25

-The very long process of preparing for The Day of the performance...28:10

-Balancing the prep and practice with family and obligations to the day job...36:45

-Efforts to get the word out about the concerto...40:30

-How to make an elephant call with a trumpet...46:30

-Plus whatever your discerning ears deem worthy of your time and interest...

Resources mentioned:

Paul Merkelo's website

Gershwin's World on Medici TV featuring Paul Merkelo

A Conversation with Rafael Payare, Wynton Marsalis and Paul Merkelo

Trumpet Dynamics episode with Scott "Horse Whinny Maestro" Moore of the Memphis Symphony

About the Guest:

Paul Merkelo has been hailed as ‘the new Maurice André’ by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, and is recognized as ‘a spectacular soloist... a most impressive master of his instrument’ (Montreal Gazette) who ‘knows no limits’ (Der Spiegel online - Germany) with ‘unusual lyrical gifts’ (Gramophone). Principal trumpet with the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal since 1995, he has been featured frequently with the OSM, including tours to South America and at the Lincoln Center in New York, and is the first member of the orchestra to be invited to record a debut solo album with the orchestra (French Trumpet Concertos - Kent Nagano).

In 1999, he was appointed Canadian musical ambassador to China for the inauguration of the Montreal Park in Shanghai, and as soloist with the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra in a national telecast. Merkelo made his New York...

Larry Meregillano has been performing on the trumpet professionally since he was 15 years old.

In that time, he has performed all over the world, performing in the background, in the foreground, and everywhere in between.

As you can imagine, he needed to develop a great deal of endurance in order to meet the demands of his profession, playing lead in the Disneyland Band, leading cruise ship bands, and much more.

His experience and knowledge led to him creating the The Compression Training System (CTS), a tool that is taking the brass world by storm, and changing the way thousands of players approach their craft and improving their range and endurance.

I wanted to get Larry on the show to discuss the CTS, its founding origins, how it works, how it benefits any type of player. And while this might sound like an infomercial, I humbly suggest the info shared in this episode favors the "info" more than the "mercial".

Enjoy the episode!

What you'll hear in this episode:

-Larry shares some of his travel and performing adventures!...01:45

-Why major stars wear a "mask" when among the public vs. their private selves...04:15

-The trumpet has somehow managed to remain relevant in pop culture over time...06:15

-The greats don't need to mimic or compare themselves to other great players...09:45

-Fear of success, and why we're terrified of creating something truly unique...11:55

-The basic science behind the The Compression Training System (CTS)...16:45

-Compression described as it relates to playing trumpet...20:30

-What's going on inside the mouth is the "missing link" when it comes to trumpet pedagogy...26:40

-How the CTS enables trumpeters to utilize "progressive overload training" as incorporated by professional weight lifters...31:00

-How the CTS works in improving ranger, power and endurance...36:20

-Plus whatever your discerning ears deem worthy of your time and interest...

Episode sponsor:

Odd-Meter Technical Exercises by Michael Hengst: Original exercises and adaptations of your favorite exercises, all in 5/8 and 7/8 time.

Resources mentioned:

The Compression Training System (CTS)

About the Guest:

Larry Meregillano is a Eclipse artist/clinician. He started his professional career playing in big bands in San Diego in the early 1970’s. In 1976, he was hired to play in Tom Ranier’s Show band at Disneyland.

A year later, Mr. Meregillano joined the gospel group Truth and soon after went on to perform and tour with The Bill Gaither Trio. While traveling and recording with The Bill Gaither Trio, he also recorded with Sandi Patti, David T, Clydsdale, Ron Huff, Don Marsh and many others.

In 1980, Larry returned to California and became the lead trumpet player for the world-famous Disneyland Band. In the late 1980’s, Larry was hired to play in the PTL Television Orchestra with Jim and Tammy Faye Baker. From there he joined Princess Cruise lines as Musical Director.

After many years, Mr. Meregillano moved to Orlando, Florida, where he performed with many bands at Walt Disney World, MGM Studios, Epcot Center, Universal Studios and Pleasure Island. He has also been the Musical Director and performer for many cruise lines including the world-famous Queen Elizabeth 2.

Larry has toured with the Temptations and The Four Tops, and has been a sideman for Rosemary Clooney, Joe Williams, Jack Jones, Bob...

John Daniel's ears must have been ringing throughout the month of September as several guests, including Del Lyren, Bobby Medina, Vinnie Ciesielski and others mentioned him on the podcast in this last month.

So I decided it was time to reach out and see if we could schedule a podcast!

John was game, and we ended up having a terrific discussion on Gestalt theory as it pertains to trumpet (a first on the podcast), the unique qualities of the cornet vs. the trumpet, recollections of the early days of the amazing Brass Band of Battle Creek and much more.

Enjoy the interview, and be sure to check out John's book Special Studies for Trumpet!

What you'll hear in this episode:

-John's beginning struggles on trumpet as a kid...03:00

-What is "gestalt" theory as it pertains to trumpet?...05:45

-About John's upcoming album featuring Bb and soprano cornet...08:30

-Unique characteristics of playing Bb vs. soprano cornet vs. trumpet...12:00

-Memories playing alongside the great Peter Roberts!...15:40

-There's no "right way" to play and teach a brass instrument...20:00

-A rare discussion on pedagogy here on the podcast lol...25:00

-Memories of the early days of the Brass Band of Battle Creek...33:20

-Cultural differences in cornet v. trumpet and how the BBBC has helped popularize the genre...38:45

-Moving on from a top-flight academia gig and preparing for the new album release!...41:10

-A profoundly different experience playing trumpet v. cornet...49:00

-Plus whatever your discerning ears deem worthy of your time and interest...

Resources mentioned:

John's website and "Special Studies for Trumpet" book

Trumpet Dynamics Facebook group

About the Guest:

John Daniel is the Professor of Trumpet at Lawrence University. He received the Specialist in Music degree from the University of Michigan, Master of Arts in Music from the University of Iowa, and Bachelor of Music from Ball State University. His primary teachers were David Greenhoe, Richard Giangiulio, and Armando Ghitalla. Mr. Daniel previously held tenured positions at Penn State University and Abilene Christian University. While attending the University of Michigan on full scholarship, he won the graduate concerto award and was principal trumpet of orchestras in Ann Arbor and Saginaw, Michigan.

Mr. Daniel served as principal trumpet with the San Angelo Symphony Orchestra and Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra for nine years and has performed with the San Antonio Symphony, Pennsylvania Ballet Orchestra, Palm Beach Opera, New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, and Music at Penn’s Woods Orchestra, as well as on Broadway for revivals of Annie Get Your Gun and Gypsy. He has played recitals in Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, throughout South Korea, the Eastman School of music, the Julliard School, and throughout the United States.

As a jazz musician he has appeared with Lionel Hampton, Bill Watrous, Wycliff Gordon, Marvin Stamm, Vinnie DiMartino, Phil Woods, Ernie Watts, the Nelson Riddle Orchestra and many others. Mr. Daniel released A Calling in 2004, a jazz CD featuring his compositions and is featured on a 2006 Mark Masters release, Karel Husa Trumpet Concertos. The Husa CD was on the entry list to be nominated for a Grammy Award in the category “Best solo with orchestra” and “Best classical recording”. He has been a member of North America’s finest brass band, the Brass Band of Battle Creek, since 1993. He plays Schilke trumpets, flugelhorn and cornets exclusively.

Thank you for joining us on "Trumpet Dynamics" – telling