Recital Prep, Part 1 - Programming

     This post begins a series on recital preparation that starts with picking your program, and ends with the performance.
     As I mentioned in my post on "Priorities in Performance," I place a very high priority on audience enjoyment.  This begins with deciding which pieces to play.  During your student years, it's very important to cover many of the standards in the repertoire, and your teacher will help you pick your program.  So, you have less freedom, and the audience might not get as much consideration in the process.  Still, I think most performers want the audience to enjoy their playing, so this should factor into your decision-making.

Kiss Me, Kate!

     This week I'm playing in the pit for WCU's production of the Cole Porter musical Kiss Me, Kate.  I always enjoy working in the pit when I get a chance; it's different than what I do most of the time, and it presents new and interesting challenges.  Plus, I get to play great music!  In this case, I get to "get my big-band on," which is a style we horn players don't get to play very often.

The Horn in 'Pop' Music

        Below is a list of 'pop' songs that have prominent horn parts.  Along with each artist and title, I've included a link to YouTube where you can hear the song.  The times in parentheses indicate where the prominent horn part begins.  If there’s no time indicated, the horn plays at the very beginning and/or throughout the recording.

Scales Practice Chart

     Here's a handy practice chart to help you stay organized when practicing your scales with a tempo goal in mind. You can check off or color in the boxes as you are able to play each scale at each tempo.

Priorities in Performance

     When you're performing in front of people, your first responsibility is to the audience, then to the composer. So, if the composer wrote something that you can't play without diminishing the experience for the audience, then change it, leave it out, or something! (sorry, composers) Nobody likes to watch/hear someone struggling with their instrument.  You have a responsibility to those people who have taken precious time out of their lives (which they'll NEVER get back) to come hear you play.  No pressure...

SEHW 2011

     The 2011 Southeast Horn Workshop was this past weekend in Boone, NC on the campus of Appalachian State University.  My students and I had a great time!  A big thank you to the hosts, Karen Robertson and her students, for putting on a top-notch event.