"Advice to Young Players" (Théo Charlier, 1926)
Posted: Thu Apr 11, 2024 2:01 pm
Taken from 36 études transcendantes for trumpet, 1926:
1. In an orchestra, be attentive and do not speak whilst a piece is being played (except when absolutely necessary).
2. Keep your instrument in perfect playing order and choose mutes which do not distort the sound in any part of the range.
3. Do not practice loudly while the orchestra is warming up; especially avoid going through passages in the work to be played -- this is in bad taste.
4. Do not turn pages noisily, especially when the orchestra is silent.
5. Be in your seat in time and, during rehearsals, go out as little as possible.
6. Pull the slides out gently with the valves lowered so as not to cause the compressed air to pop.
7. Do not blow noisily down the instrument to drain it of moisture. Gentle, more prolonged blowing is much more effective.
8. Tune and adjust your instrument before beginning. When playing in a concert, check whether the temperature of the hall differs from that of the dressing room. Remember that heat pushes up pitch and cold reduces it and tune the instrument sharper or flatter accordingly.
9. If you are going to play an offstage part, remember that the instrument will sound fainter and lower in pitch in the distance. So make a test in advance, to see at what volume and pitch you need to play.
10. Count bars carefully and always be aware of printed cues. Whilst errors can be made in counting bars, cues can always be trusted.
11. Follow the indications of the conductor. Be alert and prepared to adapt to required changes in balance or phrasing. Be prepared to diminish or increase your volume as part of a team.
If you follow these suggestions your work will be well regarded.
1. In an orchestra, be attentive and do not speak whilst a piece is being played (except when absolutely necessary).
2. Keep your instrument in perfect playing order and choose mutes which do not distort the sound in any part of the range.
3. Do not practice loudly while the orchestra is warming up; especially avoid going through passages in the work to be played -- this is in bad taste.
4. Do not turn pages noisily, especially when the orchestra is silent.
5. Be in your seat in time and, during rehearsals, go out as little as possible.
6. Pull the slides out gently with the valves lowered so as not to cause the compressed air to pop.
7. Do not blow noisily down the instrument to drain it of moisture. Gentle, more prolonged blowing is much more effective.
8. Tune and adjust your instrument before beginning. When playing in a concert, check whether the temperature of the hall differs from that of the dressing room. Remember that heat pushes up pitch and cold reduces it and tune the instrument sharper or flatter accordingly.
9. If you are going to play an offstage part, remember that the instrument will sound fainter and lower in pitch in the distance. So make a test in advance, to see at what volume and pitch you need to play.
10. Count bars carefully and always be aware of printed cues. Whilst errors can be made in counting bars, cues can always be trusted.
11. Follow the indications of the conductor. Be alert and prepared to adapt to required changes in balance or phrasing. Be prepared to diminish or increase your volume as part of a team.
If you follow these suggestions your work will be well regarded.
