Hello all,

Sorry for the delay in posting...the site was acting funny when I posted the first time and I thought that the message and audio file didn't even go through. I happend to be browsing around today and saw that it did, in fact, make it onto the forum.

Didn't realize iTunes was using MP4 format, which explains why most of you can't play the file...I've converted my selection to MP3 format, which should make it work fine. It's attached to this post.

Thanks again for taking the time to listen!

Greg

01_Halsey_Stevens_Sonata_I._Allegro_(mp3).mp3 (544 Kb, 21 downloads)

Hi Greg,
Thanks for posting. I like the lightness and energy in your rhythm very much. Your style creates a nice "happy" feeling, for want of a better word. The only weakness I notice is in the consistency of your articulation, especially in the low register. Listen to your excerpt and you will hear it (maybe you already realize that). I think that you can spend a lot of energy to really bring the low register up to the quality of the high. I mentioned some excercises on one of the tuba excerpts before, and you can try that on this as well. In addition, work on some pedal "C's". A harmon mute with the stem extended can help get a start on that. Try to play the pedal C with a bright sound, in tune, and with a clear articulation. Then once it's good, try to get the same feeling without the mute (You can also try this on an Eb trumpet and then work down chromatically, or on a flugelhorn or cornet with a deep mouthpiece). This can train your chops to deal easily with the log G in the Halsey Stevens. I went through an embrouchure change with James West back at L.S.U. many years ago. The change clarified my sound and my upper range, but my low range was a mess. I had to focus my energy both on my low notes and on my ppp playing. It's hard work, but I know that it can be done successfully.

Good luck!
Gary Peterson

I would like to echo Gary's comments. You have to make those low notes come out without effort. Right now they sound a little hard for you. You can never do enough buzzing on the mouthpiece either. If you can nail it on the mp, you'll crush it on the horn.

JM