Author Archives: Dale
How literature got me into music
As we look back on our lives we can all identify those pivotal moments – decisions or events – that led us in a completely new and often unexpected direction, and essentially changed our lives. For me, one of those … Continue reading
Posted in Crazy Coincidences, Game Changers, Life
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Serendipity in Sackville
How a series of coincidences led to me finding a long-coveted trombone recording. Continue reading
Posted in Crazy Coincidences, Trombone
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From spare to spotlight
Years ago, while in junior high school, I graduated from a ‘pea-shooter’ trombone to a large-bore Conn 88H with an F-attachment, which I took with me to high school. I don’t know where my band teacher found it – probably … Continue reading
Posted in Life, Trombone
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Brass Instrument Repairs
A collection of resources (articles and ‘how-to’ videos) to help the school music teacher find good information quickly and easily. Continue reading
Posted in Tip Jar
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Brass Teaching Materials
Free brass technique handouts: warm-ups, drills, exercises, etc. Continue reading
Posted in Pedagogy
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Discovering Takashi Yoshimatsu
I have a friend who, when he played percussion in the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, sent me a CD (Chandos 9960) of works by the Japanese composer Takashi Yoshimatsu. It contains his Symphony No. 4, Atom Hearts Club Suite No. 1, … Continue reading
Posted in CDs, Composers, Trombone
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Blow-air-o: Practice Strategies for the trombone solo in Ravel’s Bolero
The trombone solo from Ravel’s Bolero is one of the most challenging excerpts in the entire orchestral repertoire, and one of the few excerpts that is required on every single orchestral trombone audition. This solo passage, lasting just 17 measures … Continue reading
Posted in Music, Pedagogy, Tip Jar, Trombone
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