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Andy Tichenor is a St. Louis based commercial and lead trumpet player, and just won the audition for principal trumpet with the MUNY, a local Broadway style theater in the St. Louis area.

JN: Andy, get us up to speed. What’s going on in your world?

AT: Well, I’ve been on a national tour of Dirty Dancing, a stage production of the movie we all know, for the last 2 years. After it’s over in 2 weeks, I’ll be back at home getting ready to take on the MUNY job. Basically ready to be off the road, and back at home gigging, teaching, etc.

JN: This podcast is about stories. To get us into the right frame of mind, I want to start the interview with what you consider to be one of your worst moments as a performer.

AT: Of course, we all have moments like that, but there’s one in particular that you could call a “teachable moment.” I was hired to play lead trumpet for a recreation of the Frank Sinatra, Count Basie show at the Sands Hotel in Vegas. It was a very iconic recording, kind of a match made in heaven with Sinatra and Basie. This is really well known music so I’ve played all these tunes many times in my life.

The circumstances around this gig were kind of sad. My father had just passed away a few months prior, a few months after having a massive stroke. I had been caring for him and that was really all I was doing. I thought that maybe this gig would be a good way to get going again as a performer after dealing with that for so long.

The problem is that I had barely touched the horn in going on 4 months. So to put it mildly, it didn’t go well. I did okay for maybe the first 15 minutes, but the show was very challenging physically. It’s Count Basie music, followed by a long set of Frank Sinatra’s music.

So, 15 minutes into the show, I’m completely shot physically. And to make matters worse, the other trumpet players in the section aren’t really up to the task either. I tried to pass one of the charts to the guy next to me, asking him to help me out, and he passed it right back to me. I had no help. It was a very lonely feeling. It got to the point where I was laying out, taking things down an octave. It was kind of embarrassing.

The teachable moment in all of this is no matter what’s going on in my life, I need to keep in touch with the horn. We all get busy with life, but I’ve made it a point to find any opportunity I have to do any kind of trumpet related activity I can. Even if it’s sitting at a red light, doing some kind of lip firmness exercises. Even a few minutes of mouthpiece buzzing.

It sounds so obvious. You take 4 months off the horn and try to jump back into a big show like that is a mistake. But the important thing is what I’ve learned from the experience. I do something related to trumpet every single day, even if it’s just a couple of minutes. So hopefully there’s some good that comes out of this, as unpleasant as it was.

JN: It seems to me like just the act of doing something every day won’t necessarily get you ready for a big gig like Sinatra and Basie, but it’s going to just keep your head in the game.

AT: I benefit greatly from just 20 minutes of practicing. I’m just that much better off down the road. It’s always better than nothing.

JN: So why wouldn’t those guys take the first part and help you out?

AT: I think there’s just a reputation that preceded me of being a strong player. That’s all well and good, until you legitimately need help.

Jazz Trombonist Harry Watters travels nationally and internationally as a Jupiter Artist. His numerous Summit Records releases include the popular Love Songs and the three critically acclaimed Brothers discs with trumpeter Ken Watters.

After graduation from the University of North Texas, Harry spent four years touring and recording with the renowned Dukes of Dixieland. While working at night on Bourbon Street, a sleep-deprived Watters attended the University of New Orleans by day, serving as the graduate assistant to Professor Ellis Marsalis.

Watters has performed with Doc Severinsen, Al Hirt, Pete Fountain, Erich Kunzel, Kevin Mahogany, Wycliffe Gordon, Lou Rawls, Maureen McGovern, Bill Watrous, Carl Fontana, Jiggs Whiggam, James Moody, Peter Erskine, Conrad Herwig, John Fedchock and the Boston Brass. In addition, Harry has appeared as a featured soloist with the Syracuse Symphony, the Baton Rouge Symphony, the Louisiana Philharmonic, the Tulsa Pops, the West Virginia Symphony, the University of North Texas One O'Clock Lab Band, the Janacek Philharmonic, the Moldovan Festival Orchestra and the U.S. Army Orchestra.

Harry is married to violist and keyboardist Holly Watters of the U.S. Army Strings. They reside in Alexandria, Virginia with their three children Harry V, Katherine the 1st & Lady Caroline.

THREE KEY TAKEAWAYS

Have a sense of detachment in evaluating your playing. Don't be emotionally involved.

Memorize the music as much as possible.

Visualize a phenomenal performance. (Harry practiced for a couple of hours on the stage the night before his audition for the Army Blues.)

(Bonus) Don't have "flowery hands."

HARRY'S WORST MOMENT AS A PERFORMER

"In 1990, at the University of New Orleans, I had my master's recital. I also performed with the Dukes of Dixieland 6 nights a week. I was just stretching myself too thin. My concentration level was not the highest. The recital was disappointing because I didn't play up to my standards."

QUOTABLE QUOTES

"I don't give myself permission to play anything until I've slowed it way down and prepared adequately."

"I had to have that experience in order to be more effective and efficient with my practice."

"You care by not caring."

"Effortless mastery is the ultimate goal."

 

THE HOT SEAT

Q: It’s 5 minutes before you go on stage for an important performance… What are you doing?

A: Virtual practicing until the moment I go on stage. Tuning with the ensemble if I'm a soloist. Drinking water. Always have the mouthpiece to the lips so I can feel that physical contact.

Q: What’s the best performance-related advice you've ever received?

A: I had a lesson with someone and he said, "Harry, just play."

Q: Can you share one tip for our listeners to help deal with stage fright? (Physical, mental, etc.)

A: Just remember this is a mere snapshot of your progress as a musician.

Q: What’s a non-musical activity that contributes to your success as a musician?

A: Being a parent. Showing your kids that playing music with the small amount of time you have is very powerful. Also makes you more effective and efficient in practicing.

Q: Imagine you’re on stage. It’s the end of the performance and the audience is on its feet, applauding. They don’t want any more and they don’t want any less. Everything is perfect. What have you just done?

A: The next gig is my dream gig.

Barry Bauguess is one of North America’s most sought-after Baroque trumpet concert and recording artists. He is currently Guest Principal Natural Trumpet of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and has served as principal trumpet with Apollo’s Fire, The Portland Baroque Orchestra, Atlanta Baroque Orchestra, Opera Lafayette, Indianapolis Baroque Orchestra, and the Magnolia Baroque Festival Orchestra. Barry also frequently appears with other ensembles including Chatham Baroque, Tafelmusik, Tempesta di Mare, Folger Consort, Washington Bach Consort, American Bach Soloists, and was a member of Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra for fourteen years. He has been a Kulas Visiting Professor in the Historical Performance Program at Case Western Reserve University and  the Baroque trumpet instructor for the Baroque Performance Institute at Oberlin Conservatory.

In addition to his performances and recordings, Barry has given masterclasses and lecture/demonstrations for Cleveland Institute of Music, Toho Gakuen School of Music, Florida State University, UNC School of the Arts, BYU Idaho, Appalachian State University, East Carolina University, Maryland Early Brass Festival, Historic Brass Society and University of Northern Illinois.

THREE KEY TAKEAWAYS

Some things aren't difficult unless you tell yourself it's difficult.

Rehearse everything for the upcoming season every day as soon as the schedule is released.

Clear your calendar for gigs that are really demanding so you can focus on just that.

BARRY'S WORST MOMENT AS A PERFORMER

While at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, Barry had a major "clam" on an entrance on live TV. His colleague left a couple of clam shells on his stand the next day. He used a different trumpet just for the live TV performance.

THE HOT SEAT

Q: It’s 5 minutes before you go on stage for an important performance… What are you doing?

A: Standing back stage, talking to my colleagues.

Q: What’s the best performance-related advice you've ever received?

A: If the pay's the same, play second.

Q: Can you share one tip for our listeners to help deal with stage fright? (Physical, mental, etc.)

A: Just concentrate on the music. Relax and breathe. Breathe will help you relax and play.

Q: What’s a non-musical activity that contributes to your success as a musician?

A: Bicycling and tennis both help with breathing and body awareness.

Q: Imagine you’re on stage. It’s the end of the performance and the audience is on its feet, applauding. They don’t want any more and they don’t want any less. Everything is perfect. What have you just done?

A: I'd play with all my early music colleagues in St. Mark's Cathedral in Venice, Italy and we've played Bach's Mass in B Minor.

Recognized as an “exhilarating, very versatile trumpet performer and educator" (Jose Sibaja, Boston Brass), John Maurer graduated as the trumpet graduate assistant at the Penn State University with his master’s degree in Trumpet Performance as well as receiving his bachelor's degree in Music Education with a concentration in Trumpet Performance from Millersville University. John has performed in various venues around the world and conducted a number of residencies and masterclasses in many renowned colleges and universities in the United State of America.

THREE KEY TAKEAWAYS

Put the Music first.

Never have a "Plan B."

When you're invested in something, you'll take it more seriously.

JOHN'S WORST MOMENT AS A PERFORMER

Played at a wedding with some friends in college. They weren't prepared and didn't do a very good job. Had to start things over, apologize to the crowd, etc.

JOHN'S BEST MOMENT AS A PERFORMER

Master's Recital at Penn State University. Was in a great state of mind, had prepared and executed very well.

QUOTABLE QUOTES

"Bringing your A game has to be your Plan A. If you have a Plan B, you'll always fall back on it."

"Just take a deep breath and make a beautiful sound."

"Life is not about music. Music is about life. So make sure you have one."

THE HOT SEAT

Q: It’s 5 minutes before you go on stage for an important performance… What are you doing?

A: Just relaxing and getting ready for the gig.

Q: What’s the best performance-related advice you've ever received?

A: Listen, take a deep breath, make a beautiful sound, and put the music first.

 

Q: What’s a non-musical activity that contributes to your success as a musician?

A: Outdoor adventures. Hiking, biking, etc. I tell my students, "Life is not about music. Music is about life. So make sure you have one."

Q: What is one thing your baby has taught you about being a better musician?

A: Time management.

Aalics Bronson is a native of Louisville, KY and currently resides in New York City. He is the bassist for the Jean Marx Express.

THREE KEY TAKEAWAYS

If you don't feel nervous, it's your ego fooling you.

The stage is your home.

Music is all around us, in everything we do.

AALICS' WORST MOMENT AS A PERFORMER

In the early days of his career, played at the Spiral, a famous venue in New York City. Three songs into their set, the sound guy said into the mic, "Get off the stage, you guys suck."

QUOTABLE QUOTES

"Before a performance, Jean Marx and I just sit in the room where we're going to play and get acclimated to what the room is trying to tell us."

"Music is a battle, so enjoy it."

THE HOT SEAT

Q: It’s 5 minutes before you go on stage for an important performance… What are you doing?

A: Holding a bass, just playing.

Q: What’s the best performance-related advice you've ever received?

A: Video tape yourself. Watch what you do and learn how to do better.

Q: Can you share one tip for our listeners to help deal with stage fright? (Physical, mental, etc.)

A: Tell yourself that the stage is your home.

Q: What’s a non-musical activity that contributes to your success as a musician?

A: I just embrace the outdoors, reality, and hear the music in everything around me.

Q: Imagine you’re on stage. It’s the end of the performance and the audience is on its feet, applauding. They don’t want any more and they don’t want any less. Everything is perfect. What have you just done?

A: Playing in my home, Louisville, KY, with friends and family in attendance, with Prince (RIP). Playing Cross.

Nick Mainella is an active jazz musician and saxophonist in the Boston area. He also runs the 10 Minute Jazz Lesson Podcast where he has cultivated a community of aspiring jazz musicians from all over the world to tune in every week and benefit from a short jazz lesson. Nick has been teaching and playing music for over 20 years and has set out to make his mark on the new digital landscape for musicians. Nick plays with several Boston area based ensembles including the Soggy Po' Boys, Jazzsputin, Our Big Band, and his own ensemble. You can find and connect with Nick at 10minutejazzlesson.com or nickmainellamusic.com.

THREE KEY TAKEAWAYS

Sometimes keeping your cool when you struggle as a performer is a victory.

Feeling comfortable as a performer is a process, not an event.

Taking care of yourself physically is as important as preparing musically.

NICK'S WORST MOMENT AS A PERFORMER

"I was asked to sit in with a pretty famous group in Boston. I had been warned by some friends that they like to test new people by playing the most difficult chart in their book, at crazy tempos.

"I didn't listen. I thought I would be okay. When they called me up, they took out the hardest chart they could find, and had me solo for 5-6 minutes. I fell flat on my face."

QUOTABLE QUOTES

"After I screwed up in the worst way imaginable, the guys in the band were still really cool to me. In fact, they asked to play with them again."

"I used to get really bad stage fright to the point I almost couldn't play my instrument. But I kept at it, and eventually I began feeling comfortable in my own skin as a performer."

"I begin to feel nervous when the scene is unfamiliar."

THE HOT SEAT

Q: It’s 5 minutes before you go on stage for an important performance… What are you doing?

A: I'm just hanging around, enjoying the people I'm about to step on stage. The looseness transfers when you get on stage.

Q: What’s the best performance-related advice you've ever received?

A:  By the time you step on stage, you're either prepared or your not. So don't get into your own head. When you overthink your performance, you'll get yourself into trouble. Rely on your preparation so that you're not thinking, you're just doing.

Q: Can you share one tip for our listeners to help deal with stage fright? (Physical, mental, etc.)

A: Just keep doing it. You may need to suffer through some bad performances, but it will go away. Just keep performing and you'll eventually feel completely natural.

Q: What’s a non-musical activity that contributes to your success as a musician?

A: Exercise and sleep.

Q: Imagine you’re on stage. It’s the end of the performance and the audience is on its feet, applauding. They don’t want any more and they don’t want any less. Everything is perfect. What have you just done?

A: I love playing with my band called The Soggy Po Boys. This is one of the most fun bands I've ever played with. The comment I always get from the audience is, "We can tell you really had fun up there." Anytime we get that feeling, it's because we've all had a blast performing.

Graham Breedlove

Jazz Times magazine writes: "Breedlove has chops...and is the leader of a tight, forceful band". The International Trumpet Guild's Journal raves, "...one of the most exciting trumpet players on the planet!" Graham’s compositions have been featured on NBC’s Today show, Food Network’s Emeril Live and the Washington Post has called it “...terrific...with luminous, fine-grained autumnal harmonies...”. Currently a trumpet soloist with the Army Blues in Washington, DC, Breedlove has performed with The Saturday Night Live Band, Ray Charles, Ramsey Lewis, Doc Severinsen and Mariah Carey. Breedlove has appeared on over 200 recordings, including back-to-back Grammy winning CDs in 2004 and 2005, and his own CD “Coming Home”, available on iTunes and at Amazon.com.

THREE KEY TAKEAWAYS

Warming up is of the utmost performance. Being prepared physically is essential to being prepared mentally.

For every hour a musician spends in the spotlight, there are countless hours spent in the shadows, doing the little things required to be successful.

If you're just doing what you know you do well in the practice room, chances are you're not getting any real work done.

QUOTABLE QUOTES

"You can't control a lot of things, but you can control how much you prepare."

"You can fool just about everyone at some point, but you can never fool yourself."

THE HOT SEAT

Q: It’s 5 minutes before you go on stage for an important performance… What are you doing?

A: Closing my eyes, visualizing what it will take to be successful for however long I'll be on stage.

Q: What’s the best performance-related advice you've ever received?

A: Preparation is a choice.

Q: Can you share one tip for our listeners to help deal with stage fright? (Physical, mental, etc.)

A: Same answer. Anxiety stems from not feeling prepared, or expecting to struggle with certain things. The more prepared you are, the more convinced you'll be that you can be successful.

Q: What’s a non-musical activity that contributes to your success as a musician?

A: Mountain biking and woodworking.

Q: Imagine you’re on stage. It’s the end of the performance and the audience is on its feet, applauding. They don’t want any more and they don’t want any less. Everything is perfect. What have you just done?

A: I always love playing in the Kennedy Center. I want to exceed people's expectations with my performance. I love playing trumpet so much, it really doesn't matter who I play with!

Paul Merkelo is principal trumpet with the Montreal Symphony. He is currently preparing for the world premiere of Jim Stephenson's "Martha Uncaged" at the Academy of the West in July, 2017.

https://paulmerkelo.bandcamp.com/releases

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/baroque-transcriptions-trumpet/id147684655

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

THREE KEY TAKEAWAYS

A young and cocky approach led to Paul almost quitting trumpet.

It took several years to feel comfortable again after a year off from the orchestra.

Trust that the work you've done is sufficient to get the job done when the time comes to perform.

PAUL'S WORST MOMENT AS A PERFORMER

"About 13 years ago, I had a situation with my chops that made me think it was the end. We had just opened the season with a TV broadcast. My chops felt so tight, I had limited flexibility. I remember sitting in a gas station in tears calling the orchestra's personnel manager and telling him I needed some time off. That turned out to be a complete season off the orchestra.

"I took a lot of time off and began relearning how to play trumpet. I considered quitting playing and just teaching. But hearing a lot of great young players as a teacher motivated me to find my way back to the horn. To this day, there's not a day that I don't think about that moment."

QUOTABLE QUOTES

"You have a limited amount of good notes per day." -- John Aley

"You have to recognize what your talents are and trust that they'll come through so that you don't have to abuse yourself while you're practicing and performing."

THE HOT SEAT

Q: It’s 5 minutes before you go on stage for an important performance… What are you doing?

A: Chilling out. I'm seated in my chair, breathing slowly. Perhaps some chit chat with colleagues, but I'm visualizing a successful performance. I'm excited about the performance.

Q: What’s the best performance-related advice you've ever received?

A:  Back to the trust issue. We want to test our licks, you have that little guy on your shoulder telling you you can't do it. But trust that the work you've done is enough to get the job done.

Q: Can you share one tip for our listeners to help deal with stage fright? (Physical, mental, etc.)

A: Don't be afraid to fail. It's not totally about you. It's about the music. When you've done the work, it's about telling the story of the music.

Q: What’s a non-musical activity that contributes to your success as a musician?

A: Sports, both watching and doing. It's a great stress reducer and teaches me a lot about playing at a high level.

Q: Imagine you’re on stage. It’s the end of the performance and the audience is on its feet, applauding. They don’t want any more and they don’t want any less. Everything is perfect. What have you just done?

A: The Montreal Symphony did a show at Carnegie Hall two nights in a row. The first night wasn't a great performance, but the second night was fabulous. It felt like it wasn't me playing. I didn't miss any notes, but it just felt like so much fun!

Roger is famous for having turned down a Pink Floyd gig. He's the founder of Freedom for Musicians, an online platform for musicians and artists to maximize the potential to monetize their musical skills.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

THREE KEY TAKEAWAYS

The perils of "youthful arrogance."

There's nothing more important to your performing career than your integrity.

For every failure, there's a moment of redemption.

ROGER'S WORST MOMENT AS A PERFORMER

"It was wrapped up in youthful arrogance. I had an audition in front of the brass musicians of the London Symphony for a scholarship sponsored by the LSO. I knew I had practiced it enough, although my teacher said differently. I had never rehearsed it with a pianist. AS it went from bad to worse, I was clamming up, my palms were becoming sweaty and I was looking right into the eyes of Maurice Murphy, one of my heroes on the trumpet.

"As we got to the slow section, Maurice walked up to me and said, 'I think we'll stop here.' I had serious issues with performance anxiety after that for several months."

QUOTABLE QUOTES

"I've had more fun sharing the story as to why I didn't play with Pink Floyd than the gig would have been."

"Prepare, Prepare, Prepare. The moment you think you're prepared, start preparing."

THE HOT SEAT

Q: It’s 5 minutes before you go on stage for an important performance… What are you doing?

A: Checking, checking, checking. My music, my trumpet, my valves, myself. I also visualize the performance beginning to end, and it's perfect.

Q: What’s the best performance-related advice you've ever received?

A:  Concentrate on the sound. If the sound is horrible, no one wants to hear you. Make it look easy.

Q: Can you share one tip for our listeners to help deal with stage fright? (Physical, mental, etc.)

A: Prepare, prepare, prepare. And when you think you've prepared, start preparing. The moment you think you've got it put together is when you're most prone to make mistakes.

Q: What’s a non-musical activity that contributes to your success as a musician?

A: Sport. Playing and watching. The discipline required to play sports can teach a lot to musicians.

Q: Imagine you’re on stage. It’s the end of the performance and the audience is on its feet, applauding. They don’t want any more and they don’t want any less. Everything is perfect. What have you just done?

A: I'm at Royal Albert Hall at the BBC Proms. I'm playing the Arutunian trumpet concerto in front of 3,000 people. It's gone stunningly well. All those people that were in that terrible audition years ago are looking at me, saying, "Well done, Roger."

Greg Spence is an Australian trumpeter, an author and the founder of Mystery to Mastery, an online platform dedicated to removing the mysteries of successful musical performance.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

 

THREE KEY TAKEAWAYS

Relearning new physical techniques can be very stressful psychologically because old habits are hard to break.

Just say "No." Know your limits and don't take gigs you're not prepared to do.

Expectation. Intention. Preparation.

GREG'S WORST MOMENT AS A PERFORMER

"One time I received a call from a friend of mine who was unable to play a gig which included Penny Lane with the famous piccolo trumpet solo. I said no, but he kept asking and I finally said I would do it. The music they gave me was written in the wrong key. I prepared as much as I could in a very short time. The band is playing it way too fast. Needless to say, I didn't play it very well. It was really embarrassing.

Lessons learned from this moment: Greg ended up playing the rest of the gig and was later praised for his professionalism under the circumstances.

QUOTABLE QUOTES

"If you expect to play beyond yourself on the gig, you're going to be disappointed. You'll have moments like that, but you can't plan on it."

As soon as the sound is in your mind, the conscious mind can't bombard you with the doubt and chatter. It can't focus on two things at once.

THE HOT SEAT

Q: It’s 5 minutes before you go on stage for an important performance… What are you doing?

A: Try to play a little bit. Sit down with a glass of water. Have a look at the book, going over tricky parts in my mind.

Q: What’s the best performance-related advice you've ever received?

A:  Focus on the music.

Q: Can you share one tip for our listeners to help deal with stage fright? (Physical, mental, etc.)

A: Prepare. Play in front of people as much as you possibly can.

Q: What’s a non-musical activity that contributes to your success as a musician?

A: Golf and bikram yoga.

Q: Imagine you’re on stage. It’s the end of the performance and the audience is on its feet, applauding. They don’t want any more and they don’t want any less. Everything is perfect. What have you just done?

A: Last December, I did a presentation at the Midwest Clinic called "Disspelling Brass Playing Myths." Everything went great. People loved it and really appreciated. I said everything I wanted to say in a confident and fun way. I played a little bit to demonstrate concepts but it was great. Everything went according to plan.