The June 2006 featured artist of the month is Gary Peterson.

Gary joined the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra as principal trumpet in 1999 after serving in the same position with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. He also teaches trumpet at the Grieg Academy (University of Bergen).

Post a question for Gary.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: MyAuditions,

Just curious, how did you wind up playing overseas? Was it by choice or just the opportunity presented itself?

Thunderlips,

I had not originally sought a job overseas, but as you say the opportunity just presented itself.

I had recently finished my studies in Boston, and I received a telephone call from an old school colleague and friend who was playing in the Singapore Symphony. He asked if was interested in auditioning for the principal trumpet position which was coming open. I said yes, and he said that he would mention it to the Music Director, Lan Shui. I didn't hear anything for several months and I called him back to see if the job was still available. He said that he would mention it to Shui again. Several days later I received a call from Lan Shui asking if I could come to Singapore to play Mahler's Fifth, and an informal audition in a few weeks. Shui had also studied in Boston and had heard me play about six or seven years earlier, so he had some idea of my playing style.

Suddenly I was in Singapore and was offered the position at the end of that week. There were many great players in the orchestra and I learned an immense amount in a short period. Those same players helped me to prepare for my audition and my first trial period in Bergen, when that particular opportunity presented itself as well.

The previous holder of my chair in Bergen, Jack Sutte, currently plays in the Cleveland Orchestra. And when I heard that he had won the job there, I contacted him to ask how he liked Bergen and if he thought it was a good job. He said it was a great job, and he gave me the phone number of the personnel manager. Having my position in Singapore made it much easier to be taken seriously in Bergen, and I was informed that there would be auditions in one week and that I could send a tape of all of the excerpts if I would like. I scrambled to put a tape together in just a few days (with much help from my friends), as my tape had to arrive in Bergen by the time of the audition in order to be considered. I was eventually offered a three-week trial, then a half-season, and then the job.

I am very happy playing in Bergen. It is a wonderful orchestra, and I have a brilliant trumpet section to play in. There are many fantastic orchestras in Europe and all over the world. And there are great opportunities presenting themselves all of the time. The more people that hear you play, then the greater chance of getting that telephone call. If the call doesn't come, then sometimes you have to pick up the phone and dial first!

Incidentally, we have auditions in the fall for two positions in the brass section: Principal Trombone and Tutti Horn, so there are two more great opportunities presenting themselves to the right people!

Sorry to be long-winded, but it isn't such a simple question to answer!

Gary

Hi Gary, Alvin Trask here again from LSU. Not sure if you got my first message. Having a little techky trouble with my auditions. Glad you are doing well man. I am playing in the Washington, DC area. and Prof. of trumpet and Jazz at Montgomery College. Also check out my website www.alvintrask.com Looking forward to hearing from you.
Peace,
Alvin Trask

Hey Alvin. It is great to hear from you! Nice website and great sound clips. I sent you a PM with my details...I am currently on tour in Toronto (Paris next week) so my responses may be a bit slow... Have a great time at ITG and say "Hello" to James West for me.
cheers, Gary