Chris Gekker's ITG Article

Pat · Veteran Member Joined: 18 Nov 2001 Posts: 396

For those of you who get the ITG Journal take a look at Chris Gekker's article in the latest journal entitled "Progression" in which he discusses the vitures of truly progressive improvement and the pitfalls of trying to push the envelope too far too fast. Gekker describes a fairly gifted student who he believed was prematurely tackling the Tomasi concerto, and who, perhaps had a history of taking on works that were somewhat beyond his abilities. Gekker says that the student, although technically proficient, had developed an "edgy and brittle' style to his playing, rather than making the pieces sound easy and confident. He then quotes Vincent Penzerella as saying no audience wants to hear a trumpet player who sounds like he is struggling through a piece.
Gekker then suggests how he believes students should progress through the etude books so they can be approached from a position of strength and confidence.

I think alot of ambitious young students and alot of us old comeback players may have the tendency to want to go too far too fast. Elsewhere on the forum Pat Harbison said trumpet playing is not for the impatient. Here is another reason why.

[ This Message was edited by: Pat on 2002-06-27 14:07 ]

Nicholas Dyson · Posted: Thu Jun 27, 2002 2:08 pm Post subject:

Excelent thinking! Thank you for the heads up Pat!
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Nicholas Dyson
Ottawa, Canada

B_Starry · Posted: Fri Jun 28, 2002 7:17 am Post subject:

_________________
do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God

Blutch · Posted: Thu Jul 18, 2002 7:23 am Post subject:

Brian and others,

Do you know about the ITG Journal CD-ROM?

20 years of Journals on a searchable CD-ROM in PDf format. It was the free CD to members last year. Much easier than looking through a pile of old Journals.

It is still available for purchase through the ITG. Email: treasurer@trumpetguild.org to inquire.

B

B_Starry · Posted: Fri Jul 19, 2002 7:46 am Post subject:

_________________
do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God

Derek Reaban · Posted: Sun Aug 03, 2003 3:02 pm Post subject:

In addition to the "Progression" article that Chris Gekker wrote for the ITG Journal, he has authored some wonderful articles related to organizing your practice day. Please check out "Summer Practice" and "Notes on Practicing" at Ole's web site (towards the bottom of the page):

http://www-it.hive.no/oj/musikk/trompet/practice/

I have had some wonderful email conversations with Chris, and I am just amazed at how well organized he is with respect to Time Management. He certainly helped me sort out a better way to approach my daily practice. With his suggestions as a springboard, I have been able to add a definite spark to my practice day through varying the material I look at on a daily basis. There are also many great pedagogy concepts sprinkled through these articles that are extremely valuable, my favorite being this one: While discussing the Clarke Technical Studies he says that by playing extremely softly you are "connecting with your instrument on an extremely relaxed level." He goes on to say, "Form follows function. If, on a daily basis, you establish a very efficient, relaxed approach to playing the trumpet, you will eventually become a trumpeter that can, on a daily basis, play the trumpet in a relaxed, smooth, and expressive manner."

There are some other really good articles at Ole's site that are worth reviewing too.

Enjoy!
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Derek Reaban
Tempe, Arizona
Tempe Winds / Symphony of the Southwest

308WIN · Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2003 4:05 pm Post subject:

I've known Chris since '89 when he was my teacher in my undergrad days. He is truly a wonderful teacher/player and just one hell of a great guy. His books are very well thought out and have helped many (including me). I consider myself very lucky to know him. If anyone ever gets a chance to study with him DO IT!

R