September 29, 2023

Gestalt Theory for Trumpeters, the Profound Qualities of the Cornet vs. Trumpet, Memories From the Premier Brass Band in America and More with John Daniel

1 hour 5 minutes

John Daniel's ears must have been ringing throughout the month of September as several guests, including Del Lyren, Bobby Medina, Vinnie Ciesielski and others mentioned him on the podcast in this last month.

So I decided it was time to reach out and see if we could schedule a podcast!

John was game, and we ended up having a terrific discussion on Gestalt theory as it pertains to trumpet (a first on the podcast), the unique qualities of the cornet vs. the trumpet, recollections of the early days of the amazing Brass Band of Battle Creek and much more.

Enjoy the interview, and be sure to check out John's book Special Studies for Trumpet!

What you'll hear in this episode:

-John's beginning struggles on trumpet as a kid...03:00

-What is "gestalt" theory as it pertains to trumpet?...05:45

-About John's upcoming album featuring Bb and soprano cornet...08:30

-Unique characteristics of playing Bb vs. soprano cornet vs. trumpet...12:00

-Memories playing alongside the great Peter Roberts!...15:40

-There's no "right way" to play and teach a brass instrument...20:00

-A rare discussion on pedagogy here on the podcast lol...25:00

-Memories of the early days of the Brass Band of Battle Creek...33:20

-Cultural differences in cornet v. trumpet and how the BBBC has helped popularize the genre...38:45

-Moving on from a top-flight academia gig and preparing for the new album release!...41:10

-A profoundly different experience playing trumpet v. cornet...49:00

-Plus whatever your discerning ears deem worthy of your time and interest...

Resources mentioned:

John's website and "Special Studies for Trumpet" book

Trumpet Dynamics Facebook group

About the Guest:

John Daniel is the Professor of Trumpet at Lawrence University. He received the Specialist in Music degree from the University of Michigan, Master of Arts in Music from the University of Iowa, and Bachelor of Music from Ball State University. His primary teachers were David Greenhoe, Richard Giangiulio, and Armando Ghitalla. Mr. Daniel previously held tenured positions at Penn State University and Abilene Christian University. While attending the University of Michigan on full scholarship, he won the graduate concerto award and was principal trumpet of orchestras in Ann Arbor and Saginaw, Michigan.

Mr. Daniel served as principal trumpet with the San Angelo Symphony Orchestra and Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra for nine years and has performed with the San Antonio Symphony, Pennsylvania Ballet Orchestra, Palm Beach Opera, New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, and Music at Penn’s Woods Orchestra, as well as on Broadway for revivals of Annie Get Your Gun and Gypsy. He has played recitals in Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, throughout South Korea, the Eastman School of music, the Julliard School, and throughout the United States.

As a jazz musician he has appeared with Lionel Hampton, Bill Watrous, Wycliff Gordon, Marvin Stamm, Vinnie DiMartino, Phil Woods, Ernie Watts, the Nelson Riddle Orchestra and many others. Mr. Daniel released A Calling in 2004, a jazz CD featuring his compositions and is featured on a 2006 Mark Masters release, Karel Husa Trumpet Concertos. The Husa CD was on the entry list to be nominated for a Grammy Award in the category “Best solo with orchestra” and “Best classical recording”. He has been a member of North America’s finest brass band, the Brass Band of Battle Creek, since 1993. He plays Schilke trumpets, flugelhorn and cornets exclusively.

Thank you for joining us on "Trumpet Dynamics" – telling

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