Oberlin Trumpet Institute, 2006

Oberlin Conservatory offered its first Trumpet Insitute in the summer of 2006 led by Roy Poper and Arto Hoornweg. The week and a half long institute focused on teaching the brasswind methods of James Stamp, efficient tone production, and effective practice habits. The 28 participants ranged in age from high school students to players already holding advanced degrees in music. The class was fortunate to include five of Arto's students from the conservatory in Utrecht.

Each day began with a warm-up session led by Roy and Arto followed by individual lessons until lunch. An afternoon class was held daily in which various aspects of trumpet playing were discussed. Topics covered included articulation, extending the upper and lower registers, sound, and breathing. The professors and students played exercises to work on efficiently executing each of the skills discussed in class.

Evening sessions consisted of master classes in which the participants were encouraged to perform pieces that they have prepared. This gave each participant a chance to utilize the trumpet-specific techniques taught in class and lessons in order to make music. James Howsmon, professor of accompanying at Oberlin, was available to rehearse and perform pieces during these evening sessions. Each performance was followed by comments from the class and brief coachings from Roy and Arto.

The institute featured two guest clinicians over the course of the week. Professor Howsmon spoke to the class about working with accompanists (both student and professional) and how to maximize the reults when working with a pianist. Ken Larson, trumpet faculty at Interlochen Arts Academy and owner/creator of BrassWerks. Ken spoke about choosing an instrument, proper care and maitenance, and customizable options from independent instrument makers. He also spent time working with individuals, making minor adjustments and repairs to participants' instruments.

Two off-campus outings were also offered: a recreational trip to Ohio's famous rollercoaster park Cedar Point, and a trip to Blossom, summer home of the Cleveland Orchestra. The Orchestra performed the overture to Don Giovanni by Mozart, Rachmaninov's Second Piano Concerto, Don Juan by Richard Strauss and Respighi's Pines of Rome. It was an excellent opportunity to hear one of America's finest orchestras play difficult repertoire featuring a world-class trumpet section.

Participants were able to perform on any of three recital programs that showcased their talent and hard work. Programs for each recital can be found here: Recital 1 | Recital 2 | Recital 3.

Photos from the institute are also posted online.