"BETWEEN TUBAS AND EUPHONIUMS...FEDOR SHAGOV" (МЕЖДУ ТУБАМИ И ЭУФОНИУМАМИ) (РУССКАЯ ВЕРСИЯ)

Привет всем вам. Для меня большая честь и удовольствие иметь возможность взять интервью у молодого российского тубиста, уже зарекомендовавшего себя как один из самых востребованных в своей стране, и познакомить с ним весь мир.

Я искренне благодарю вас за вашу дружбу, ваше время и сотрудничество с этим проектом по проведению интервью.

Без лишних слов, давайте начнем.

• Имя и фамилия: Фёдор Шагов

• Какой(ие) инструмент(ы) Вы используете? Тубы в строе F, Es, Bb

• Какой маркой и моделью вы пользуетесь? B&S 3100 WG JBL Classics, Bb Meinl-Weston Fafner MW195/2-OGB. 

• Какие мундштуки вы используете:

         Для эфной тубы я использую мундштук PT-85 и Jerome Wiss «Roland Szentpali».  На бейной тубе я играю на 1AA. 

Давайте поговорим о вашем образовании:

• Когда и где вы начали изучать тубу или эуфониум? 

Я начал играть на теноре в детской музыкальной школе имени В.Блажевича в Москве.

• В каком возрасте? 

В 8 лет

• Какие причины или обстоятельства побудили вас изучить этот инструмент? 

В школу с концертом приехал духовой оркестр. 

Меня впечатлило звучание оркестра, музыканты разрешили потрогать инструменты, это привело меня в восторг. Больше всего мне понравился тромбон, захотелось научиться играть на каком-нибудь из этих инструментов. Я уговорил родителей отвести меня в музыкальную школу.

• Кто был вашим главным учителем? 

Профессор Андреас Мартин Хофмаер, который не нуждается в представлении и профессор Александр Казаченков, солист оркестра Большого театра России.

Moscow Symphony Brass

Что касается вашей ПРОФЕССИОНАЛЬНОЙ ЭКСПЕРИЕНЦИИ

Пожалуйста, дайте нам краткий отчет о Вашем опыте работы в качестве солиста, участника камерных ансамблей, оркестра, группы и т.д.

• В оркестре и/или оркестре:

Государственный духовой оркестр России (2014-2017 год)

 Симфонический оркестр Москвы «Русская филармония» (2016-2017)

 Государственная Академическая Симфоническая Капелла России под управлением Валерия Полянского с 2017 года по настоящее время.

Медные ансамбли: 

Я играл во многих ансамблях как приглашенный артист.

На постоянной основе играю в ансамбле «Брасс-солисты России» под управлением Владислава Лаврика.

В джазовом ансамбле «Boom Brass Band»

В 2020 году я основал квинтет «Moscow Symphony Brass» и мы стали победителями самого престижного конкурса в России. Сейчас готовим программы для сольных концертов.

Сольные концерты: 

Я играю очень много сольных концертов в городах России, выступаю с симфоническими и духовыми оркестрами, а так же с моей супругой, пианисткой Кариной Шаговой. В начале января состоялся мой дебют с органом в Кафедральном Соборе г.Калининград, из-за пандемии пришлось играть два сольных концерта в один день. Это было интересно.

Так же несколько раз удалось поиграть концерты за рубежом, одними из ярких впечатлений остались концерты в филармонии города Баден-Баден с симфоническим оркестром.

Сольное выступление с оркестром в Большом зале Московской консерватории

О вашем ОРХЕСТРА-ЭКСПЕРЬЕНЦИИ:

• Расскажите нам о своем опыте доступа к позиции оркестра, которую вы занимаете в настоящее время: 

   Меня пригласили сыграть конкурс в оркестр Капеллы. До этого несколько лет я проработал в духовом оркестре и один год в симфоническом.

• Как прошел процесс отбора? 

Конкурс проходил в два дня, состоял из трёх этапов. Первый этап - исполнение программы с концертмейстером, на втором были оркестровые трудности. Третий этап – проба в оркестре.

• Какие работы и/или оркестровые соло были обязательными в тестах?

М.Мусоргский «Быдло» из «Картинок с выставки»

Г.Малер Симфония №1,3 часть

Р.Вагнер Увертюра к опере «Нюрнбергские Майстерзингеры» С.Прокофьев Симфония №5

Р.Вагнер «Полет Валькирий»

Д.Шостакович Симфония №5

• Были ли какие-нибудь работы по свободному выбору? Что это было? 

Нет, не было.

В другом смысле:

• Как ваша текущая работа в оркестре?

На данный момент у нас идут постановки опер Дж.Верди «Фальстаф» и «Риголетто», С.Рахманинов Симфония №2, К.Орф «Кармина Бурана».

 До пандемии были проделаны две большие работы: Р.Штраус «Альпийская симфония» и Д.Шостакович 4 симфония.

• Вы комбинируете его с другой музыкальной группой? 

Помимо работы в оркестре я преподаю тубу и ансамбли медных духовых инструментов в Московском государственном колледже музыкального исполнительства им.Ф.Шопена и в Академии джаза, а так же играю в брасс-ансамблях и даю сольные концерты.

XVI Международный конкурс имени П.И. Чайковского, с моей супругой Кариной Шаговой

• Какие рекомендации вы бы дали будущим тубистам, претендующим на место в оркестре?

Обязательно изучать оркестровые трудности, играть их под метроном, чётко соблюдать динамику и штрихи, написанные в нотном тексте, слушать хорошие записи и пробовать играть под них. 

Изучаю другие источники информации.

Здесь, в Испании, в некоторых центрах Эуфониум считается инструментом, который должен иметь свою специализацию, а с другой стороны, некоторые считают, что, как инструменталист, нужно знать и владеть Тубой и Эуфониумом.

• Не могли бы Вы высказать свое мнение по этому вопросу и как бы Вы подошли к этому вопросу в интересах образования и подготовки, адаптированного к необходимой специализации, которая в настоящее время востребована во всем мире?

В России есть несколько исполнителей на эуфониуме, но нет преподавателей-эуфонистов, это не является самостоятельным предметом. Дети в музыкальной школе начинают играть на теноре или баритоне, по мере взросления переходят на тромбон или тубу. Я считаю, что специальность эуфониум необходима, так как этот инструмент пользуется всё большей популярностью в мире и она должна стать самостоятельным предметом. Но нет ничего плохого и в том, чтобы тубист владел разными инструментами, это расширяет кругозор. Я играю на эуфониуме, трубе и тромбоне.

• Как вы видите учение о тубе и эвфонии сегодня и в будущем?

Надеюсь, что эуфониум станет отдельной специальностью во многих странах. Для этого нужны профессиональные преподаватели, именно эуфонисты, а не тубисты или тромбонисты.

• Пожалуйста, расскажите нам что-нибудь еще, что, по вашему мнению, может быть интересно по этой теме.

 Нужны пособия, школы, репертуар. А в последнее время актуальной проблемой являются живые уроки, лицом к лицу. Их очень не хватает.

Давай поговорим о твоей ТЕХНИЧЕСКОЙ ЭКСПЕРЬЕНЦИИ:

• Расскажите нам, в каких школах вы преподавали (приглашенный профессор, курсы, мастер-классы и т.д.).

Я много езжу по городам России с мастер-классами, а также веду курсы повышения квалификации для преподавателей. У меня есть приватные ученики из Китая, Америки и Европы.

Я являюсь преподавателем образовательного центра Юрия Башмета.

Мои ученики и студенты

• Как вы организуете свои занятия и тему в целом?

Так как время мастер-класса ограничено, я сразу заостряю внимание на самых заметных проблемах и даю несколько способов их решения.

• Как долго продолжаются твои занятия? 

Урок с моими студентами длится один час два раза в неделю, а так же ещё по часу на ансамбль и оркестровые трудности.

• Считаете ли Вы важным для студента делать публичные презентации во время учебы? Если да, то сколько раз вы считаете это уместным и в каком возрасте или классе - элементарном, профессиональном, более высоком?

Да, безусловно. Концерт – неотъемлемая часть нашей профессии. Очень важно научиться взаимодействовать с публикой, суметь «донести» максимум из возможного на данный момент. Я считаю, что нужно выступать на концертах в любом возрасте.

Важная часть учебной программы курса стандартизирована и основана на идее, что студент мастеров только репертуар, иногда в ущерб репертуару больших групп (оркестр и группа), когда на самом деле большинство Туба и Бомбардино студенты будут учителя и / или членов группы и, в меньшей степени, оркестр в случае Тубас.

• Как, на Ваш взгляд, следует решить эту проблему? Насколько важно, по Вашему мнению, включить в программу курса изучение и освоение оркестрового репертуара?

В период обучения студент должен учиться всему, независимо от того, что он выберет в дальнейшем. Придя работать в колледж, первым делом я попросил ввести в учебный план предмет «изучение родственного инструмента» и «оркестровых трудностей».

Это важно, так как при устройстве на работу без подготовки к прослушиванию человек оказывается в стрессовой ситуации.

Мой фестиваль "Аура Тубы"

• Если бы вам пришлось выбирать в качестве студента (в гипотетической ситуации), было ли бы у вас предпочтение между студентом Тубы и студентом Эуфониума ?

Вероятно я бы предпочел тубиста, так как я в недостаточной степени владею репертуаром для эуфониума.

О твоей дневной работе.

• Над каким типом репертуара Вы в основном работаете?

Над классическим репертуаром.

• Какие разминочные упражнения вы используете?

Я использую разнообразные упражнения для разыгрывания, включающие в себя игру длинных нот, работу над техникой, штрихами, гаммы и этюды. 

С моей супругой Кариной и моим профессором из России Александром Казаченковым.

РАЗГОВОРЫ НА ТЕХНИЧЕСКИЕ ТЕМЫ:

• Не могли бы Вы высказать свое мнение о различных понятиях звука и о том, какие характеристики определяют его, артикуляция, типы инструментов, литература, если считается важным влияние языка и музыкальной традиции на звук и как на нем играть?

Звук - это наш голос и он должен «родиться» в нашей голове. Я достаточно долго искал свой звук и добивался его воплощения в реальности. На мой взгляд фантазия и воображение являются одними из самых основных моментов в становлении звука.

Что касается штрихов и артикуляции, то они зависят от музыки, которую мы играем, от стиля, эпохи, композитора. Стаккато Баха отличается от стаккато Шостаковича, а музыка эпохи барокко от романтизма.

• Расскажите нам немного о приготовлении тубы и/или эвфония и мундштуков, а также расскажите о своих впечатлениях и вкусах конкретного производителя и почему?

Если разговаривать об эфных тубах, то мне очень комфортно и удобно играть на инструментах фирмы B&S. У них очень красивый и нежный звук.

Что касается бейных инструментов, то здесь я отдал предпочтение Bb Meinl-Weston Fafner 195/2. Туба обладает очень глубоким, объёмным и насыщенным звуком, нет проблем с интонацией.

Вы признанный исполнитель в своей стране.

• Пожалуйста, расскажите нам об истории наших инструментов в Вашей стране.

В последние 20 лет в России всё чаще играют на тубах известных мировых производителей, особенно тубы строя F. У нас есть свой Санкт-Петербургский завод, где выпускают тубы Es и Bb. В профессиональных оркестрах всё же используются тубы Bb западных представителей.

Мой портрет в концертном зале "Зарядье"

В ЗАКЛЮЧЕНИИ:

• Как Вы считаете, по Вашему опыту, разнообразие исполнителей, инструментов и возможность обучения в различных специализированных учебных заведениях становится однородным в уже созданных исполнительских центрах? (Пример: русский, американский, немецкий, английский и французский).

В каждой стране своя школа, культура, традиции. Большую пользу приносит международное общение и обмен опытом. Но всё же если все будут одинаковы, это перестанет быть интересным.

Федор, для меня большая честь и удовольствие рассчитывать на ваш опыт, сотрудничество в этой серии интервью и вашу искреннюю дружбу.

Большое спасибо и наилучшие пожелания.

Большое спасибо за это интересное время!

Большие объятия.

"BETWEEN TUBAS AND EUPHONIUMS...FEDOR SHAGOV" (ENGLISH VERSION)

 Hello everybody. It is for me an honor and a pleasure to be able to interview a young Russian tuba player already established as one of the most relevant in his country and to make him known to the world.

I sincerely thank you for your friendship, your time and your collaboration with this interview project.

Without further ado, let's begin.

• Name and surname: Fedor Shagov

· What instrument / s do you use?

Tubas in F, Es, Bb.

· That make and model are the tools you use:

B&S 3100 WG JBL Classics, Bb Meinl-Weston Fafner MW195/2-OGB. 

· That manufacturer and model are the / s nozzle / s you use:

I use the mouthpieces PT-85 and Jerome Wiss «Roland Szentpali» for F tuba. For Bb tuba I have 1AA. 

Let's talk about your EDUCATION:

· When and where their studies or tuba euphonium started?

I started to play baritone at the music school of V.Blazhevic in Moscow.

· At what age?

At the age of eight.

With my best professor Andreas Martin Hofmeir and my wife Karina

· What reasons or circumstances led him to study this instrument?

The brass band came to the elementary school with a concert.

I was impressed by the sound of the orchestra, the musicians allowed me to touch the instruments, it delighted me. Most of all, I liked the trombone, I wanted to play on one of these instruments. I asked my parents to take me to a music school.

· Who were your main teachers?

Professor Andreas Martin Hofmeir, who needs no introduction, and Professor Alexander Kazachenkov, soloist of the Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra of Russia.

As for his PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

Please leave us a little account of his experience as a soloist, a member of chamber ensembles, orchestra, band, etc.

· In Orchestra and / or Band:

State Wind Orchestra of Russia (2014-2017)

Moscow Symphony Orchestra "Russian Philharmonic" (2016-2017)

The State Symphony Capella of Russia, conducting by Valery Polyansky (2017 to now days)

My ensemble “Moscow Symphony Brass”

· Metal sets:

I have played in many ensembles as a guest artist. On a regular basis, I play in the ensemble "Brass Soloists of Russia" conducting by Vladislav Lavrik. In the jazz ensemble "Boom Brass Band” In 2020, I founded the Moscow Symphony Brass quintet and we won the most prestigious competition in Russia. Now we are preparing programs for solo concerts.

· Solo concerts:

I play a lot of solo concerts in Russian cities, perform with symphony and brass orchestras, as well as with my wife, the pianist Karina Shagova. At the beginning of January, I made my debut with the organ in the Kaliningrad Cathedral. Due to the pandemic, I had to play two solo concerts in one day. It was interesting. We also managed to play concerts abroad several times, and the concerts at the Philharmonie of Baden-Baden with the symphony orchestra were one of the brightest impressions.

Solo performance with orchestra in the Great Hall of Moscow conservatory

About your ORCHESTRAL EXPERIENCE:

• Tell us your experiences to access the orchestra place you currently occupy:

I was invited to play on the audition in the State Symphony Cappella of Russia. Before that, I worked in a brass band for several years and in the symphony orchestra for one year.

• How was the selection process?

The competition was held in two days and consisted of three stages. The first stage was the performance of the program with the concertmaster, on the second stage were the orchestral excerpts. The third stage was an audition in the orchestra.

• What works and / or orchestral solos were there as mandatory in the tests?

F Tuba:

M.Mussorgsky “The Pictures at an Exhibition”

G.Mahler Symphony 1, the third movement

R.Wagner Overture to the opera “The Nuremberg Meistersingers"

R.Wagner Einleitung zum dritten Akt der Oper “Lohengrin”

In orchestra

Bb tuba:

S.Prokofieff Symphony 5

R.Wagner “Ritt der Walküre”

D.Shostakovich Symphony 5, 

D.Shostakovich Symphony 7 (2 movement).

• Did you take any work of free choice? Which was?

No, it has not.

In another sense:

• How is your current work in the orchestra?

At the moment, we are staging operas by Giuseppe Verdi "Falstaff" and "Rigoletto", S. Rachmaninoff Symphony No. 2, K. Orff "Carmina Burana". 

Before the pandemic, two big works were done: R. Strauss's "Alpine Symphony" and D. Shostakovich's "Symphony 4".

• Do you combine it with another musical group?

In addition to my work in the orchestra, I teach tuba and brass ensembles at the Chopin Moscow State College of Musical Performance and the Jazz Academy, as well as play in brass ensembles and give recitals.

• What recommendations would you give future Tubistas aspiring to an orchestral position?

It is necessary to study the orchestral excerpts, play them under the metronome, clearly observe the dynamics and strokes written in the musical text, listen to good recordings and try to play under them.

My festival “The Aura of the Tuba”

Treating OTHER TOPICS OF INTEREST.

Here in Spain, in some centers the Euphonium is considered to be an instrument that should have its own specialization and, on the other hand, some believe that, as an instrumentalist, one should know and master the Tuba and Euphonium.

• Could you give us your opinion on this and how you would approach this topic in the interest of education and training adapted to the necessary specialization that is currently required worldwide?

In Russia, there are several performers on the euphonium, but there are no teachers-euphonists, this is not an independent subject. Children in music school begin to play the tenor or baritone, and as they grow older, they switch to the trombone or tuba. I believe that the specialty euphonium is necessary, since this instrument is becoming increasingly popular in the world and it should become an independent subject. But there is nothing wrong with a tuba player owning different instruments, it expands the horizons. I play euphonium, trumpet, and trombone.

• How do you see the tuba and euphonium teaching today and with a view to the future?

I hope that euphonium will become a separate specialty in many countries. For this requires professional teachers, exactly the euphonium players, but not the tuba players or the trombone players.

• Please tell us anything else that you consider of interest on this topic

We need manuals, schools, and a repertoire. And recently, the actual problem is live lessons, face to face. They are sorely missed.

Let's talk about your EXPERIENCE IN TEACHING:

· Tell us in which learning centers you have taught classes (visiting teacher, courses, master classes, etc.)

I travel a lot around the cities of Russia with master classes, and also      conduct advanced training courses for teachers. I have private students from China, America, and Europe. I am a teacher at the Yuri Bashmet Educational Center.

· How do you organize your classes and the topic in general?

Since the time of the master class is limited, I immediately focus on the most noticeable problems and give several ways to solve them.

My pupils and students 

· How long are your classes?

The lesson with my students lasts one hour twice a week, as well as another hour for the ensemble and orchestral excerpts.

· Do you think it is important for a student to make public presentations during their years of study? If so, how many times do you consider it appropriate and at what age or grade? Elementary, Professional, Superior?

Yes, absolutely. The concert is an integral part of our profession. It is very important to learn how to interact with the public, to be able to show the maximum possible at the moment. I believe that you need to perform at concerts at any age.

An important part of the course curriculum is standardized and based on the idea that the student masters the repertoire alone, sometimes to the detriment of the large group repertoire (Orchestra and Band), when in fact the majority of Tuba students and Bombardino are going to be teachers and / or members of a band and, to a lesser extent, of an orchestra in the case of the Tubas.

· In your opinion, how should this problem be addressed? How important do you think it is to include learning and mastery of the orchestral repertoire as part of the course curriculum?

During the study, the student must learn everything, regardless of what he chooses in the future. When I came to work at the college, the first thing I asked to introduce the subject of "learning a related instrument" and "orchestral excerpts" into the curriculum. This is important, because when applying for a job without preparation for the audition, a person finds himself in a stressful situation.

With my wife Karina and my professor in Russia Alexander Kazachenkov

· If I had to choose as a student (in a hypothetical situation), would you have a preference between a Tuba student and a Euphonium student?

 I would probably prefer a tuba player, since I don't have enough knowledge of the euphonium repertoire.

About your DAILY WORK.

· What type of repertoire do you mainly work in?

Over the classical repertoire.

· What warm-up exercises do you use?

I use a variety of exercises for playing out, including playing long notes, working on techniques, strokes, scales and etudes.

XVI International Tchaikovsky competition, with my wife Karina Shagova

TALKING ABOUT TECHNICAL ISSUES:

· Could you give us your opinion on the different concepts of sound and what characteristics define it, the articulation, the types of instruments, the literature, if the influence of language and musical tradition on sound is considered important and how to play?

The sound is our voice and it must be "born" in our head. I've been looking for my sound for a long time and I've been trying to make it a reality. In my opinion, fantasy and imagination are among the most basic moments in the formation of sound. As for the strokes and articulation, they depend on the music we play, on the style, the era, the composer. Staccato of Bach is different from the staccato of Shostakovich, and the music of the baroque is different from of the music of the romanticism.

· Tell us a bit about the manufacture of Tubas and / or Euphoniums and mouthpieces and tell us about your experiences and tastes of a particular manufacturer and why?

If we talk about tubas in F, for me is very comfortable to play B&S instruments. They have a very beautiful and gentle sound.

As for the B flat tuba, here I preferred Bb Meinl-Weston Fafner 195/2. The tuba has a very deep, voluminous and rich sound, there are no problems with intonation.

You are a recognized interpreter in you country.

Please tell us about the history of our instruments in your land.

In the last 20 years, Russia has increasingly played the tubas of well-known world manufacturers, especially the tubas in F. We have our own St. Petersburg’s factory, where produce the tubas (Bb, Es). In the professional orchestras still use the Bb tubas of Western representatives.

My portrait in the famous Hall of Moscow

IN CONCLUSION:

· In your experience, do you think the diversity of performers, instruments and the opportunity to train in various specialized schools is homogenizing in interpretive centers already established? (Example: Russian, American, German-Austrian, English, etc.).

Each country has its own school, culture, and traditions. International communication and exchange of experience are of great benefit. But still, if everyone is the same, it will cease to be interesting.

Fedor, it´s a big pleasure and an honor to count on your experience,  collaboration in this series of interviews and longtime friendship.

Thank you very much and my best wishes.

A big hug.

"ENTRE TUBAS Y BOMBARDINOS...PATRICIO COSENTINO" 2ª ERA

Hola a todos.

Hoy les traigo una nueva entrevista audiovisual. Esta vez con el primer invitado que tuvo este proyecto de entrevistas. Colega y hermano al cual le agradezco su disposición para re-abordar temas y hablar de otros nuevos de gran interés para los tubistas y los bombardinistas.

Probando Tubas en AETYB Madrid 2018

Aqui les dejo el enlace a su primera entrevista en la ya algo lejano 2012 y les invito a ver y reflexionar con esta nueva entrega.

Sin más disfruten de la entrevista y les invito a seguirme en el blog. 

No dejen de seguir las próximas  entrevistas y artículos en mi blog.

Saludos a todos. 🤙🏾🤙🏾🎶🎶🥃🥃🇨🇺🇪🇸 

"TRA TUBE ed EUFONI...WOLFGANG RABENSTEINER"

Ciao a tutti. È un piacere per me potervi avvicinare a questo grande e pluripremiato suonatore di tuba italiano che ringrazio per l'amicizia e la collaborazione in questo progetto di intervista.

Spero e desidero che la sua esperienza vi piaccia tanto quanto piace a me.

Senza ulteriori indugi, iniziamo

Nome e cognome:

Wolfgang Rabensteiner

Con il Python Tuba

• Quale strumento / quali strumenti utilizzate?

Bassotuba e "Pythontuba"

• La marca e il modello sono gli strumenti che usate:

• Bassotuba in Fa: Rudolf Meinl 5/4 
• Contrabass Tuba in Sib: Melton Fafner 
• Bassotuba in Mib: Miraphone Ambassador 
• Python in Fa: Miraphone
• Python in Sib: Miraphone

• Il produttore e il modello del bocchino che usate:

• Per il Bassotuba in Fa: JK Exclusive 5E
• Per il Tuba in Sib: Perantucci PT 48+ e 50+ 
• Per il Bassotuba in Mib: Miraphone TU27

Parliamo della tua EDUCAZIONE:

• Quando e dove sono iniziati i loro studi di bassotuba?

• 2004 - 2007 Diploma presso il "Conservatorio statale di musica E. F. dall'Abaco" a Verona da prof. G. Gatti
• 2007 - 2011 Laurea magistrale da prof. Andreas Hofmeir presso il Mozarteum Salisburgo (Master of Arts)
• 2011-2012 Corso di specializzazione da prof. Michael Pircher presso il conservatorio "C. Monteverdi“ a Bolzano

• A che età?

Prima di iniziare con il bassotuba mi sono laureato con la tromba a 18 anni. All’età di 21 anni ho iniziato a suonare il bassotuba (nel 2003)

• Quali ragioni o circostanze le hanno portato a studiare questo strumento?

Questa storia fa un po‘ ridere. Ero in montagna con i miei amici. Ci siamo portati dietro anche gli strumenti per suonare un po‘. Mio amico tubista mi ha chiesto di tenere un attimo suo strumento e così ho preso l‘occasione e l‘ho suonato. Ero sorpreso del bellissimo suono e il “feeling“ e mi sono innamorato subito. Il giorno dopo ha iniziato la mia vita da tubista.

• Chi erano i suoi insegnanti principali?

Oltre a prof. Gatti, prof. Hofmeir e prof. Pircher con cui mi sono laureato ho avuto diversi insegnanti con cui sono riuscito a migliorare ancora di più facendo degli masterclass. Alcuni di loro erano:

• Jens Björn Larsen
• Michael Lind
• Sergio Carolino
• Øystein Baadsvik
• Finn Schumacker
• Rex Martin
• James Gourlay
• Roland Szentpali
• Alexander Puttkamer
• Josef Steinböck
• Markus Theinert
• Jürgen Wirth
• Shoichiro Hokazono
• Stefan Ambrosius
• FabienWallerant

Per  quanto  riguarda  la  sua  ESPERIENZA PROFESSIONALE:

Ci lascia un piccolo resoconto della sua esperienza come solista, membro di formazioni cameristiche, orchestra, banda, ecc.

• In Orchestra e/o Banda:

• Orchestra "Tonkünstler Niederösterreich" (Austria)
• Philharmonisches Orchester Augsburg (Germania)
• Orchestra "RSO Wien" (Vienna-Austria)
• La Verdi Orchestra Milano (Italia)
• Scala di Milano (Italia) (idoneità all‘audizione)
• Orchestra Haydn di Bolzano e Trento (Italia)
• Symphonic Winds (Italia)
• Nationales Jugendblasorchester Österreich (Austria)
• Bläserphilharmonie Mozarteum Salzburg (Austria)
• Tanzorchester Music Motion (Italia)

• Brassband:

• European Youth Brass Band Belfast 2006
• Brass Band Frener Reifer Pfeffersberg (Primo premio presso il Brass Band European Contest a Birmingham nel 2007 e Stavanger nel 2008)
• Brass Band Fröschl Hall (Primo premio del campionato austriaco nel 2017)
• Brass Band Wipptal (Primo premio presso il Brass Band European Contest in Perth nel 2014 e primo premio del campionato italiano nel 2019)
• Brassband R.E.T.

 

Concorso Europeo di Brassband 2018 in Utrecht

• Concerti da solista:

• 2009 Tournée con la Brassband Frener Reifer Pfeffersberg
• 2009 Prima esibizione del "Concerto für Tuba und Orchester" di Hermann Pallhuber presso "7. Internationalen Musiktagen Vöcklabruck"
• 2009 Solista del "Landesblasorchesters Tirol" nel "Kongresshaus Innsbruck"
• 2009/2010 Solista del "Intermusica Orchesters Birkfeld"
• 2009 Tournée con l’orchestra "Symphonic Winds"
• 2010 Solista del "Orchestra Giovanile della Valle d’Aosta" condotta da Stephanie Praduroux
• 2011 Solista della "Brixner Bläserharmonie"
• 2012 Solista del "Ensembles Brass Gala"
• 2014 Tournée con la "Brassband Überetsch"
• 2016, 2017 e 2018 Tournée con la "Brass Band Wipptal"
• 2016 Tournée con l’orchestra "Sonoton Orchester" della Val Gardena
• 2016 Tournée con l’orchestra "Symphonic Winds"
• 2017/2018 Tournée con la "Brass Band Fröschl Hall"
• 2018 Solista della „Stadtmusikkapelle Amras“ (Congress Innsbruck)
• 2018 Special Guest presso "5 Jahre Brass Buebe" Festival

• Premi di concorsi da solista

• Primo Premio "Borsa di Studio" Accademia Filarmonica di Verona 2007
• Premio speciale “Marco Allegri” al concorso dei migliori diplomati d’Italia 2008 “XIIa rassegna musicale migliori diplomati dei conservatori e degli istituti musicali pareggiati d'Italia” in Castrocaro Terme (Vorsitz: M° Monaldo Braconi)
• Primo premio al concorso per Bassotuba delle università musicali tedesche a Linz (presidente: Wilfried Brandstötter)
• Secondo premio presso il “3° Concorso Internazionale per ottoni Valle d`Aosta” 2010 (presidente: Gene Pokorny) in Italia
• Vincitore “Gold Award” presso “International Competition and festival for soloists and chamber music groups Svirel” a Stanjel (Slovenia) 2011 (presidente: Øystein Baadsvik)
• Premio speciale presso “1st Albert Mamriev International Music Competition” a Braunschweig 2011
• Premio speciale per il finale "13th Osaka International Music Competition" a Vienna 2012
• Secondo premio presso "13th Osaka International Music Competition“ in Giappone 2012
• Finalista presso ITEC ("Internationale Tuba and Euphonium Konferenz") 2012 a Linz
• Qualificato per il "TIM Wettbewerb" ("Torneo Internazionale Di Musica") 2014 a Parigi

• Quali esercizi di riscaldamento usa?

Durante il mio percorso, soprattutto durante al preparazione per i concorsi da solista, ho scoperto che suonando i brani solistici e studiando più ore al giorno non è necessario fare degli esercizi di riscaldamento specifici, perché già nei brani si possono trovare scale, esercizi di tecnica, flessibilità, articolazione e dinamica e tutti i registri dal grave al acuto, etc...

Provare altri argomenti di interesse.

Qui in Spagna, in alcuni centri si ritiene che l'Euphonium, sia uno strumento che dovrebbe avere una propria specializzazione e, d'altra parte, alcuni ritengono che, come strumentista, si debba conoscere e padroneggiare la tuba e l'eufonio.

• Potrebbe darci la sua opinione in merito e come affronterebbe la questione nell'interesse di un'educazione e di una formazione adeguata alle necessarie competenze richieste oggi?

Da noi in Alto Adige ogni trombonista laureato suona automaticamente anche l‘Euphonio. Ma credo che l‘Euphonio ha più caratteristiche in comune con il bassotuba, pensando solo ai cilindri che il trombone non ne ha. Anche il flusso d'aria è più simile a quello per bassotuba che a quello per trombone. Per me l‘ Euphonio è un piccolo bassotuba. Credo che come tubista hai dei vantaggi che rendono lo studio del Euphonio più facile. Però considerando tutto sono dell'opinione che l‘Euphonio è uno strumento per sè e sarebbe sbagliato credere che un tubista è in grado di suonare l‘Euphonio in automatico. Di conseguenza è assolutamente necessario, soprattutto nel livello professionale, studiare l‘Euphonio come strumento per sè e laurearsi proprio con l‘Euphonio e non come secondo strumento con un altro strumento principale.

Coll‘ orchestra "La Verdi" Milano

Parliamo della sua ESPERIENZA DI INSEGNAMENTO:

• Ci dica che cosa insegna nei centri di apprendimento (professore a tempo pieno, visiting professor, corsi, lezioni, ecc.)

Credo che durante una lezione non bisogna mai avere una routine, perchè si lavora con individui. Ogni uno ha delle esigenze diverse e risponde in maniera diversa agli consigli dati.

Cerco di comprendere i mei studenti e trovare una soluzione individuale per ogni uno.

Nella maggior parte dei casi funziona facilmente, ma in certi casi può essere difficile e faticoso comprendere lo studente e trovare una via adatta. Cerco di insegnare ogni studente in maniera diversa. È molto importante sapere la motivazione dello studente e sapere che interessi ha per il suo futuro musicale per dargli la direzione giusta e dargli il migliore aiuto.

• Come organizza le sue lezioni e la materia in generale?

Come già detto non ho uno svolgimento fisso, però cerco di coprire tutti i settori. Cerco di accogliere ogni studente al punto dove sta e cerco di farlo migliorare nelle sue esigenze. L‘ importante è sapere gli obbiettivi dello studente e sostenerlo.

• Quanto durano le sue lezioni?

La durata delle lezione varia e dipende se sto insegnando bambini, adulti o gruppi; se sto insegnando musicisti amatoriali, studenti o professionisti. Dipende anche se la lezione è una lezione settimanale o se è una lezione specifica per la preparazione per un concorso o concerto importante. Ma innanzitutto dipende quanto lo studente è in grado di dare e apprendere.

• Ritiene importante che gli studenti facciano delle apparizioni pubbliche durante i loro anni di formazione? Se sì, consiglia quante volte lo ritiene opportuno e di quale età o corso. Elementare, professionale, superiore?

Fare delle apparizioni pubbliche è molto importante. Non è necessario fare un concerto professionale. L‘importante è suonare davanti alla gente, indifferentemente se si suona davanti ad amici, famigliari o una sala piena di gente, perchè suonare davanti ad altri è sempre una situazione diversa come suonare a casa da soli e bisogna esercitarsi a farlo.

La difficoltà più grande è essere in grado di dimostrare il proprio livello anche davanti ad altri e per quello è importante farlo regolarmente, indifferentemente dall'età e dal livello.

Una parte importante del curriculum del corso è standardizzata e si basa sull'idea che gli studenti padroneggiano il repertorio da soli, a volte a scapito del repertorio dei grandi gruppi (Orchestra e Banda), quando in realtà, la maggior parte degli studenti Tuba ed eufonio saranno insegnanti e/o membri di una banda e, in misura minore, di un'orchestra nel caso di Tuba.

• Secondo lei, come si dovrebbe affrontare questo problema?

Cerco di non creare diverse categorie. Parliamo sempre di musica, indifferentemente se il musicista suona in un'orchestra, ensemble o come solista. C'è sempre un palco scenico e il pubblico e noi decidiamo cosa prova il pubblico.

Credo che sia importante conoscere certi programmi standardizzati durante il percorso di studio, perchè hanno anche un valore didattico. Dall‘altra parte però è anche importante che ogni studente abbia le sue libertà di scegliere programmi al suo gusto.

• Quanto pensi sia importante includere l'apprendimento e la padronanza del repertorio orchestrale come parte del currículum del corso?

Credo che sia importante per ogni studente o musicista aver suonato al meno un minimo di passi d'orchestra per la sua crescita musicale, anche se lo studente/musicista ha scelto di fare altro nella sua vita musicale.

Se uno non ha interessi di suonare in orchestra consiglio di specializzarsi di quello che ha scelto.

• Se potessi scegliere (in una situazione ipotetica) tra uno studente di Tuba o Euphonium, chi preferisce?

Se potessi scegliere, sceglierei uno studente di bassotuba. Io mi sono laureato di bassotuba, e per quello posso dare più consigli a un tubista che a uno studente d‘Euphonio.

Promozione

PARLANDO DI QUESTIONI TECNICHE:

• Potrebbe darci la sua opinione sui diversi concetti di suono e quali caratteristiche definiscono, articolazione, tipi di strumenti, letteratura, se l'influenza del linguaggio e della tradizione musicale nel suono e nel modo di suonare è considerata importante?

Il concetto di suono varia molto in ogni paese. Non si può dire cosa sia giusto o sbagliato, è solo una questione di gusto.

Durante il mio percorso di studio ho avuto la fortuna di poter suonare in diversi paesi e diversi orchestra. Così ho conosciuto dei mondi diversi della interpretazione del suono. Già la scelta degli strumenti varia da un paese all’altro. Per esempio in Italia il basso tuba in Fa e Do e molto più usato, rispetto alla Germania e Austria; lì si usa il basso tuba in Fa e Sib. Gli strumenti con il sistema Perinet sono molto più usati in Italia che in Germania.

In Germania e Austria si cerca di suonare con un attacco chiaro e diretto, mentre in Italia questo modo "tedesco" sembra già aggressivo.

Esempi come questi esistono parecchi, ma sarebbe troppo elencarli tutti.

• Parlaci un po' della sua esperienza di bocchini per tuba:

Un bocchino è sempre un compromesso. Non esiste un bocchino che aiuta per tutto. Un bocchino buono dovrebbe aiutarmi a risolvere le mie difficoltà. I due criteri più importanti nella scelta del bocchino per me sono:

- devo sentirmi bene e devo trovarmi bene con il bocchino

- Il suono mi deve piacere. Non sarò mai contento con un bocchino se non mi piace il suono, anche se mi aiuterebbe a suonare tutto tecnicamente.

• Raccontaci le tue esperienze e i gusti di un particolare costruttore e perché?

Esistono tanti costruttori e belli strumenti diversi. Ogni strumento ha delle caratteristiche diverse. Mi piace tanto il suono morbido e rotondo dei bassotuba Meindl, la brillantezza dei bassotuba B&S, ma anche la leggerezza dei basso tuba Miraphone, per nominare solo alcuni.

Lo strumento è come un partner che ti dovrebbe aiutare in ogni fase di vita.

Wolfgang. Lei è il creatore del curioso Python Tuba made in Germany con il marchio Miraphone.

Miraphone Python Tuba

• Può dirci cosa l'ha portata a immaginare questo strumento? 

Nel 2013 è nata l‘idea di creare uno strumento per suonare in banda. L‘idea era di creare uno strumento che garantisce più libertà nel movimento e abilisce di suonare direttamente verso il pubblico come la tromba e il trombone.

• Com'è stato il suo processo di fabbricazione?

Avendo avuto questa idea mi sono riferite a Peter Oberrauch, titolare della manifattura strumentale a Bolzano e in collaborazione abbiamo creato il primo prototipo in Sib. All'inizio questo strumento era pensato più come strumento da divertimento, ma negli ultimi anni è stato migliorato in collaborazione con il costruttore "Miraphone" e nel 2016 è stato costruito il primo

"Python“ in Fa per un tournée per solita e orchestra sinfonico. Adesso il "Python" in Fa è in vendita e disponibile per tutti.

È stato elaborato anche un "Python" in Sib.

con il Prof. Michael Pircher (professore dell‘ Univesitá di Musica a vienna)

• Quanto è stato utile e qual è stata la sua richiesta?

Il "Python" è uno strumento che si può usare in tutti i settori musicali. Un grande vantaggio è la possibilità di muoversi meglio e sentire meno il peso dello strumento.

Un altro vantaggio è che la campana si rivela verso il pubblico e non in alto come un bassotuba normale. A causa di questa caratteristica il suono del "Python" e molto più presente. In più si riceve molto più attenzione perchè l‘apparizione di questo strumento è speciale.

Patricio Cosentino,Elke Niedermüller ( Pianista - Mozarteum Salzburgo) e me

IN CONCLUSIONE:

• Nella sua esperienza, pensa che la diversità degli esecutori, degli strumenti e la possibilità di formarsi in varie scuole specializzate si stia omogeneizzando in centri interpretativi già istituiti? (Esempio: russo, americano, tedesco, inglese e francese)

Credo che si sta omogenizzando tutto ed è un andamento che non si riesce a bloccare. È anche un effetto positivo se si riesce a conoscere diversi modi e accettarli, però è molto importante che ogni paese, istituzione, orchestra e strumento, etc... si mantengono le sue caratteristiche e tradizioni.

Wolfgang, è un grande piacere e un onore poter contare sulla tua esperienza, sulla tua collaborazione in questa serie di interviste e sulla tua amicizia.

Grazie mille e i miei migliori auguri. Un grande abbraccio.

Ti ringrazio per l‘intervista. È stato un onore farlo.

Era molto interessante per me farmi dei pensieri per questi argomenti.

Grazie mille e un forte abbraccio 

Wolfi

"BETWEEN TUBAS and EUPHONIUMS...JEFF BAKER"

Hi. For many people, today's interviewee is a well-known tuba player and teacher in the USA. For others, outside of those lands, they may not even know him and this last is something we wish to remedy.

It is a pleasure for me to be able to bring you closer to this brilliant American tuba player whom I thank for his friendship and collaboration in this interview project.

I hope and desire that you enjoy his experience as much as I do.

Without further ado, Let us begin.

· Name and surname:   Jeff Baker

· What instrument / s do you use?

Tuba, Contrabass Trombone, Cimbasso, Euphonium

· That make and model are the tools you use:

Meinl Weston 2165 CC tuba

¾ Rudy Meinl CC tuba

Alexander F tuba

Adams F tuba

Meinl Weston Cimbasso

Holton Bass Trombone

Adams E1 Euphonium

· That manufacturer and model are the / s nozzle / s you use:

Stofer Geib Mouthpiece

Laskey 30H Mouthpiece

Thein MCL contrabass trombone mouthpiece

Schilke 59 bass trombone mouthpiece

Griego BB1 euphonium mouthpiece

Let's talk about your EDUCATION:

· When and where their studies or tuba euphonium started?

I joined the band program when I entered middle school (6th grade).  That first year, I was in a class with other first-year trombones, euphoniums, and tubas.  I also played tuba in a jazz band that rehearsed in the evenings.

· At what age?

I began playing tuba at the age of 11 and trombone at the age of 14.

· What reasons or circumstances led him to study this instrument?

One of my earliest music memories was when the Dallas Symphony Orchestra Brass Quintet came to my elementary school.  The tuba player was Ev Gilmore and I knew that’s what I wanted to play.  There was an after-school orchestra program at my elementary school, I began playing the cello in this program when I was 8 years old.  At the age of 10, I switched to contrabass and when I was 11 and entering middle school, I switched to tuba.

· Who were your main teachers?

I have had many great teachers throughout my musical studies, but my two primary tuba instructors were Don Little and Ted Cox.  I was fortunate to have the opportunity to study with students of Arnold Jacobs and Harvey Phillips.

As for his PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

Please leave us a little account of his experience as a soloist, a member of chamber ensembles, orchestra, band, etc.

· In Orchestra and / or Band: 

I perform regularly with the Dallas Opera on tuba, cimbasso, and bass trombone.  I have also performed with many of the orchestras in the area including the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, the Ft. Worth Symphony Orchestra, and the Dallas Winds.

· Metal sets:

I have very little Brass Band experience, it is not popular in this part of the country.  I have performed with the Texas Star Brass Band.

· Solo concerts:

I perform recitals every year and have been a soloist with bands and orchestras in the US and Brazil.    

With the Tatuí Conservatory Orchestra. Conducting James Gourlay

About your ORCHESTRAL EXPERIENCE:

• Tell us your experiences to access the orchestra place you currently occupy:

I played in the opera orchestra as a substitute musician for a couple of years before serving as a long-term (full-season) substitute when Don Little retired from the orchestra.  Our music director retired during this time as well, and it wasn’t until the new music director’s second season that a tuba audition committee was created.

• How was the selection process?

I was fortunate that I was able to rehearse and perform with the Dallas Opera for almost 4 seasons before the audition committee was created.  Through a unanimous vote among the committee and the music director, they offered me the permanent position in lieu of a traditional audition.  

• What works and / or orchestral solos were there as mandatory in the tests?

There was not an audition list, but by the time the committee met to discuss my permanent acceptance, I had performed a variety of works within the orchestra, many with little or no time to prepare.  I was called for Tristan und Isolde the day before the first rehearsal and I was called for Verdi’s La Traviata (on cimbasso) less than a week before the first rehearsal.  We performed a number of classics and family concerts, a rarely-performed 12-tone opera by Dominick Argento, a unique chamber opera called Death and the Powers, along with a variety of other productions by Puccini and Verdi.  

It was on opening night of Strauss’ Salome that the personnel manager and the audition committee met with me to let me know the position was mine.  The music director was sitting on the front row for most of those rehearsals and later told me that he was listening intently to my playing during Salome to help finalize his decision.   

In another sense:

• How is your current work in the orchestra?

The orchestra performs approximately 20 weeks out of the year, during those weeks, it is very busy.  It is not uncommon to rehearse and perform on many different instruments within the same week.  A typical week is 20 hours of rehearsals and performances.    

• Do you combine it with another musical group?

I used to freelance around the metroplex and play a variety of gigs, but I don’t have the time anymore.  I have a full-time teaching position at a university in the area and a young family.

• What recommendations would you give future tuba players aspiring to an orchestral position?

Listen to recordings, buy scores, and learn the music.  It’s okay to practice the excerpts, but if you don’t know the music, the committee will figure that out very quickly.

• Be nice to people, it doesn’t matter how well you play if nobody likes you.

We don’t get many opportunities in life, you must be prepared to step into a position and immediately be successful.  If you wait until the opportunity and then begin preparing, it’s too late.  I spent years studying opera music and preparing for an opportunity like the one I had.  I bought a cimbasso mouthpiece and practiced Verdi excerpts on my F tuba long before I ever had a chance to play in the opera orchestra, I went to orchestra and opera concerts regularly, I practiced excerpts on bass trombone, and I took every band and orchestra audition that I could.

 

With my partners of the Dallas Opera Orchestra.

Treating OTHER TOPICS OF INTEREST.

Here in Spain, in some centers the Euphonium is considered to be an instrument that should have its own specialization and, on the other hand, some believe that, as an instrumentalist, one should know and master the Tuba and Euphonium.

• Could you give us your opinion on this and how you would approach this topic in the interest of education and training adapted to the necessary specialization that is currently required worldwide?

I think there must be a balance.  If a school has the students and the finances to support both a tuba and euphonium teacher, that’s great, but that’s very rare.  I have always played multiple instruments, so I feel I have a unique perspective when it comes to teaching and I encourage my students to study multiple instruments for this reason.  While tuba and euphonium are similar, a teacher will be more effective if they understand the nuances of both instruments through their own personal experiences.  I am happy that I can teach and play both instruments at my university.

• How do you see the tuba and euphonium teaching today and with a view to the future?

In the USA, there are more tuba and euphonium jobs now than ever.  In the Dallas area, it is possible to make your entire living from teaching tuba and euphonium private lessons.  I think this is wonderful, we’re also seeing many musicians challenging composers to write more difficult repertoire.  Sergio Carolino and Roland Szentpali come to mind, these musicians have created a paradigm shift that ultimately raises the level for all musicians.

Let's talk about your EXPERIENCE IN TEACHING:

· Tell us in which learning centers you have taught classes (visiting teacher, courses, master classes, etc.)

I have been a faculty member at Texas A&M University-Commerce, Cameron University, and the University of North Texas.  I have taught masterclasses throughout the USA and Brazil and online as well.

· How do you organize your classes and the topic in general?

Regarding masterclasses, this all depends on where I am teaching, who I will be teaching, and how much time we have.  I focus on fundamentals, mainly tone, breathing, and ear training.  I have also presented clinics on college preparation, audition preparation, and performance anxiety.

· How long are your classes?

Private lessons are one hour in length, masterclasses are usually two hours in length.  If a student that I don’t work with on a regular basis wants a lesson, we will usually go a little longer than a standard lesson.

· Do you think it is important for a student to make public presentations during their years of study? If so, how many times do you consider it appropriate and at what age or grade? Elementary, Professional, Superior?

Absolutely.  We are performers and many people are not comfortable with sitting in the spotlight.  Only through experience can we master our doubts and fears.  I encourage my students to perform early in their career and often.  I like for my performance majors to perform a recital each year they are in school.  My music education majors are required to perform one recital before graduation, but I encourage them to do more.

An important part of the course curriculum is standardized and based on the idea that the student masters the repertoire alone, sometimes to the detriment of the large group repertoire (Orchestra and Band), when in fact the majority of Tuba students and Bombardino are going to be teachers and / or members of a band and, to a lesser extent, of an orchestra in the case of the Tubas.

· In your opinion, how should this problem be addressed? How important do you think it is to include learning and mastery of the orchestral repertoire as part of the course curriculum?

I encounter students that only want to work on excerpts.  Harvey Phillips and Arnold Jacobs both believed that if a tubist only practices band and orchestra music, they will be limited as a musician. We must study all great musicians and aspire to perform all types of music at a high level. 

I think if we only practice solo literature, we will also be limited as a musician and the reality is most tuba players do not earn their living as a soloist.  There needs to be a balance and the student should be willing to learn as much music as they can from many styles and genres.  

· If I had to choose as a student (in a hypothetical situation), would you have a preference between a Tuba student and a Euphonium student?

No, I have no preference, they are both musicians and the goals are the same.  An ideal student for me is curious, hard-working, and willing to try new approaches.

With the Contrabass Trombone

About your DAILY WORK.

· What type of repertoire do you mainly work in?

My repertoire varies throughout the year.  During months where I perform with the opera orchestra, I am focused on what we will be performing.  If I am preparing for a recital, I may not play my 6/4 CC tuba and spend extra time on bass trombone and F tuba.  

I have a variety of etudes and solos on my music stand at home, this is the type of music that will help force you to maintain a high-level of playing.

· What warm-up exercises do you use?

I play different instruments every day, I don’t always warm up on my 6/4 CC, in fact, I haven’t played it in a while!  Regardless of the instrument that is in my hands, I am trying to create a consistent sound throughout the low, middle and high range, and I am trying to ensure that I am in tune in all keys.  I play a lot of flow studies and songs in all key signatures.  

Long tones are always beneficial, so are scales and arpeggios.  I used to play a specific routine, the same exercises every day in the same order.  While I believe that is useful for younger musicians, I now play what I feel I need for each day.  If my connections are not smooth in my flow studies, I play more lip slurs or possibly switch to a different instrument that requires more attention in the area I am trying to fix.  I do this a lot with tuba and cimbasso because the cimbasso requires much more air and control.  I will often play ear training exercises on bass trombone which will help my intonation on euphonium.    

TALKING ABOUT TECHNICAL ISSUES:

· Could you give us your opinion on the different concepts of sound and what characteristics define it, the articulation, the types of instruments, the literature, if the influence of language and musical tradition on sound is considered important and how to play?

Regarding sound, I believe that a student must have a strong idea of what they want to sound like.  We model or mimic others, in the same way that babies learn to talk from hearing their parents.  Depending on the instrument, ensemble and the repertoire, my ideal sound models are Michael Lind, Warren Deck, Floyd Cooley, and Brian Bowman.

I’m fortunate to perform with singers, I try to take a singing approach in my own studies and it is the cornerstone of how I teach musicians.  We have to communicate with the audience, like a great singer.

The influence of language is something I also discuss with my students, we perform German, Italian, and English songs and often discuss how the text relates to our articulation and breathing.  We should mimic singers in articulation and phrasing.  We should be creative and expressive storytellers.

· Tell us a bit about the manufacture of Tubas and / or Euphoniums and mouthpieces and tell us about your experiences and tastes of a particular manufacturer and why?

My first CC tuba was an Alexander and that influenced me in many ways.  There is no other sound like an Alex, it’s beautiful and despite its 4/4 size, a well-played Alex can be heard easily inside any ensemble.   Handmade instruments like Alexander, Rudy Meinl, and Adams use thinner metal since there are not any machines used to form the parts.  I think this thinner metal allows the instrument to respond better, it also allows me to play softer with more control, which is much more difficult than playing loud.

I have a variety of equipment that allows me to adjust my sound and presence depending on the repertoire.  For example, my trombone colleagues prefer that I play bass trombone on La Boheme, but for other works by Puccini, I use cimbasso.    

I use medium-sized mouthpieces on all my instruments, I feel that I have more control, more endurance, better intonation, and it requires less air to create an ideal sound.

You are a recognized interpreter in you country.

Please tell us something about the history of our instruments in your land.

The tuba sound in the United States has changed over the last 30 years.  Americans used to perform on 4/4 rotary tubas, much like Roger Bobo, Chester Schmitz, and Ron Bishop.  Large 6/4 piston tubas became popular in the late 1980s and early 1990s primarily due to the success of Arnold Jacobs and Gene Pokorny in the Chicago Symphony.  My Meinl Weston 2165 is a copy of a 6/4 Holton, like the one Floyd Cooley used in the San Francisco Symphony.  It was made famous by Warren Deck in the New York Philharmonic and now there are numerous versions of 6/4 piston CC tubas available.  I don’t know that this is good or bad, it’s mainly just a change in what tuba players wanted which led to many new models and styles.

In the United States, beginner tuba students learn BBb tuba first.  I encourage all of my university students to learn CC tuba, I feel this makes them a more effective musician and teacher if they understand BBb and CC.  I do not requre them to own a CC tuba and if they prefer BBb, I am happy to support them.  There are some fantastic BBb tubas available and many of the top tuba players in Europe don’t own a CC tuba.  I do believe that CC tuba responds better than BBb, probably due to the shorter length of tubing, moreover, currently in the United States, there are more professional-level CC tubas available.

Tuba/Euphonium studio at Texas A&M University-Commerce in the Music Building's Concert Hall with the adjunct tuba teacher Dr. Ken Drobnak and an adjunct euphonium teacher Brian Davis.

IN CONCLUSION:

· In your experience, do you think the diversity of performers, instruments and the opportunity to train in various specialized schools is homogenizing in interpretive centers already established? (Example: Russian, American, German, English, French).

Of course, how could it not be?  Music education in Germany is quite different than in the United States, the same could be said for most countries.  If you are not from Germany but travel there to study, you must do what they tell you in the style they tell you.  Politics, history, economics, and how the arts are valued at a national level all affect these varied styles of pedagogy and performance. 

In our lifetime, I think we have seen, and will continue to see, more diversity and acceptance due to a more interconnected world created by the internet.  Youtube videos, zoom lessons, digital concert subscriptions, this is all wonderful and allows for a wider acceptance of ideas.  This can also be a way to educate our students on different approaches to music.  When I am working on Berlioz excerpts with a student, I encourage them to find recordings of French orchestras and French conductors.  There are many fine recordings by the Montreal Symphony with Charles Dutoit conducting, these sound very different than the Chicago Symphony.  When we are preparing Wagner excerpts, my students must listen to German recordings, Bayreuth sounds very different than the New York Philharmonic.     

Jeff, it´s a big pleasure and an honor to count on your experience,  collaboration in this series of interviews and friendship.

Thank you very much and my best wishes.

A big hug.

Thank you for inviting me to participate Harold, stay safe and I look forward to seeing you when we can all get together again!