Fanfare for the Common Man

[trjeam]

Any of you guys ever play this?? I was just wonder if the trumpet part was challenging and what you guys thought of the piece and trumpet part.
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Jorge Ayala Jr: Trumpeter/Producer
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[trickg]

I've played it on several occasions and where I don't think that technically it is very difficult, the thing that gets you is balance and intonation within the ensemble, only a part of which you can control. Intonation can be tough if you are having a hard time with the range. It's a great fanfare if done right though.

Just my two cents.
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Patrick Gleason
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"95% of the average 'weekend warrior's' problems will be solved by an additional 30 minutes of insightful practice." - PLP

[OCTA-C]

Played the Big Band Jazz version of this last year in lab and concert. I don't remember the arranger but it was awesome sounding with a fullsize band (nonsymphonic). There are several tempo changes and rythms going on at the same time. It's an easy read but you have to keep track of the timing. I got goose-bumps every time we'd go into it!
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Jay S.

"May the good sound be yours!"

"Always remember to blow into the proper end of the horn!"-circa. 1900 (Harry Gardoon)

[B_Starry]

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do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God

[plunkett]

The only problem with the piece is that "pesky" A over the staff - it's very difficult to keep in pitch across the section (especially if abilities vary widely). Suggestion: use the 3rd valve for the A - it seems to give more consistency. It's a great piece.

Last time I played it in a concert we (2 of us) used piccolos and it sounded pretty good.

Pat

[budfan]

I've been lucky enough to play Fanfare for the Common Man several times. Its a great piece of music and very inspiring. The challenge is in getting a good balanced section sound and of course the intonation as well. Works great for large brass ensemble as well.

[Pedro]

Patrick, Brian and Budfan have summed it well in stating that the challenge is in the balance and intonation across the ensemble. It is a piece that really does increase your awareness and sensitivity to ensemble playing.

[SHS_Trumpet]

I started practicing it in 6th grade about halfway through the year, my parents tell me it was painful back then, I'd only been playing 4 months. I had a little trouble hitting the c's all the time but it masn't to bad for a first year student. I love the song now I look through it alot if I want to work on the flidness of my slurs. Listen to the section on this one, it's easy to play a little off pitch and ruin it, trust me......
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Andrew Fowler
MYNWA
"90% of trumpet music is below high C"

[_Don Herman]

I really like that piece. Haven't played it since HS/college days, though... A band I was with back then did an arrangement similar to ELP's to start the second set. I was also soundman, and we opened the set with dim red lights on stage and just a few bass drum licks (booooom...boom, boom...). Then, I played the opening fanfare from the sound board at the back. Not only was it exciting to the audience, if I missed I could quickly duck and hide under the sound board, popping up a second later sans horn and looking behind me for the trumpet player who messed up... Made more than one person drop a drink on the opening lick. (No, not because I messed up!)

I agree with the rest that keeping the ensemble's intonation solid is the trick, especially starting and holding the notes (starting dead on together, and holding the pitches spot-on, then letting go at the same time so the sound just rings around the hall).
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Don Herman/Monument, CO
"After silence, that which best expresses the inexpressible, is music." - Aldous Huxley

[a441]

Want a real challenge???? Play the entire Copland 3rd Symphony. The fanfare is the opening of the 4th movt. (i think) and IT'S UP A STEP!!!! And the rest of the symphony is a chop killer!! Probably one of the most taxing symphonies I've ever played!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[_Don Herman]

Hi a441,

I recall playing part of the 3rd a long time ago; I don't recall it being that bad save the fanfare which opens the last movement (3rd? 4th? I dunno' either -- have to pull the old LP and look!) I doubt we did the whole thing, though remember what seemed like an interminable wait for the strings to finish the slow section... Could you refresh my memory -- I recall a lot of interplay among the brass parts; is it an endurance thing? (It'll be a shame to admit how much better my endurance was in HS than today... )

Thanks!

Ever curious - Don
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Don Herman/Monument, CO
"After silence, that which best expresses the inexpressible, is music." - Aldous Huxley

[hpkhilma]

During the 2002 Olympic Winter Games here in SLC, I had the privilege of performing this piece in a concert that featured my orchestra, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, the U.S. Army Herald Trumpets and guest conductor John Williams. Performing Copland's 'Fanfare' with the Herald Trumpets was one of many hilights in the program. The piece is quite challenging and as others have posted, intonation across the entire section is critical. I also found it to be pretty taxing on the chops but that may have been simply because we were playing all sorts of brassy stuff like Bugler's Dream, 2002 Olympic theme, theme from "The Cowboys" and many others.

P.S. If you haven't heard them, make some time to check out the U.S. Army Herald Trumpets. They totally rock!

Kevin Hilman

[_trumpetgod_02]

Hey,
Probably one of my favorite songs ever. In my opinion Copland's best piece. But that is my style of what I like. Anyways, surprisingly I have never had the chance to play it, but would love the opportunity.
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