WCTF & Other Acronyms
As I write this, I am flying south from West Chester, PA, where I’ve just participated as a guest artist and exhibitor at the West Chester Trumpet Festival, presented by the local chapter of the International Trumpet Guild (ITG). Organized by performer and WCU professor JC Dobrzelewski (Dr. D) this is the third year annual WCTF. What a great weekend this has been! Attendees had their ears filled with performances and clinics presented by Bobby Shew, Randy Brecker, Brian Bond, Bryan Appleby-Wineberg, Chase Sanborn, James Ackley, Joey Tartell, Langston Fitzgerald and Scott Belck. High notes, low notes, fast notes, slow notes, written notes, improvised notes, even a few missed notes (not many!) were all on display, as well as a unique presentation by Bob Malone and Wayne Tanabe from Yamaha, demonstrating how small changes in the instrument audibly affect the sound. In between each performance or clinic, participants headed into the exhibit room to browse a large selection of horns, music and accessories. The Saturday night concert featured the WCU wind ensemble with guest soloists, and the Sunday night concert featured the big band with guest soloists, culminating in five of us wailing away on Clifford Brown’s trumpet anthem, Joyspring.
Conferences like this one are an incredible opportunity to share thoughts, knowledge and music with our musical brothers and sisters. They are also an intense social experience. World-class players mingle with students and amateurs, sharing a strong common bond: the love for their instrument and respect for those who play it. The display of virtuosity and musicality will leave your jaw agape. It is inspiring and a little bit humbling. Everyone comes away charged up with energy and renewed enthusiasm for our shared passion.
Whatever your instrument, there is an organization like the ITG dedicated to it. I urge you to join—they usually offer very modest student membership fees—and attend one of the annual conferences. Once you do, you’ll be hooked!
Next stop for me: San Antonio for TMEA (Texas Music Educators Association)
TTFN!
ITG: International Trumpet Guild
www.trumpetguild.org
ITA: International Trombone Association
www.ita-web.org
ITEA: International Tuba Euphonium Association
www.iteaonline.org