Practice, practice, practice. Band students have been told this time and time again. Presidio Brass, a professional brass quintet from San Diego, drilled this lesson during a clinic with area high school band students.
Marmaton Valley, Humboldt and Iola band students gathered in the Bowlus Fine Arts Center band room Thursday morning to hear music and learn more about playing from Presidio Brass.
Scott Sutherland started the quintet eight years ago. The group has traveled to 40 states, Canada and China. They enjoy teaching students along the way.
“We try to couple our performances with clinics,” Sutherland said. “So please pick our brains.”
Each performer brings a unique story and talent to the group. Some of the members teach at colleges, one played for Broadway shows and cruise ships. The performers all knew they wanted to be musicians at different ages.
“We can all remember the moment we had the light bulb go off in our head,” Dr. T.J. Tesh said.
Members passed along some helpful tips.
“We want to give you practicing tools you can use,” Tesh said. “You don’t have to prove a point in the practice room.”
The first tip is the “slow-it-down tool.” Tesh said playing a song slower can help students master difficult notes.
The second tip is the “simplify tool.” If a piece proves too difficult, he suggests playing only a couple notes of the song. This way the student can master that portion of the song and slowly move forward.
“Also dedicate time to practice,” Tesh said. “If it’s possible, try to get a private instructor.”
The performers took time to answer questions.
Susan Raines, Bowlus executive director, asked what the group’s favorite part of being in the quintet was. They all agreed that performing was what they enjoyed most.
“Performing is where my heart is,” Mike McCoy said.
Jeff Harrigan said clinics like the one at the Bowlus remind him of when he was in school and was inspired to play.
“I really like doing clinics,” Harrigan said. “We could be changing lives and not even know it.”
In the afternoon the band students rehearsed with Presidio Brass and also performed with them later that night.
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
