Performing Etudes, Volume 2 - Trumpet

These etudes are dedicated to Melvyn Broiles, former principal trumpet of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra.  Mel was a master at inspiring and motivating students.  At lessons he would perform entire etudes with impressive artistry, power, and finesse.  In addition to his dazzling playing, he offered blunt but effective words of wisdom.

On one occasion he drew an equation and then made two comments that I'll never forget:

• A great trumpet player equals BRAINS plus BLOW.  With both, you will go twice as far.
• If there's no pizzazz in your practice room, you can't expect it to be there on stage.
  

MUSICAL INSPIRATION is just as vital as right thinking and efficient breathing.  With all three, you can go three times farther!  Performing in the practice room makes performing on the stage a lot more dramatic and a lot less traumatic.

-- Phil Collins

Philip Collins retired in 2007 after 31 years as Principal Trumpet with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and Cincinnati Pops Orchestra. Prior to that he was Principal Trumpet with the National Arts Centre Orchestra of Ottawa, Canada, and a member of the Cleveland Orchestra. He is a graduate of the Eastman School of Music and the Cleveland Institute of Music.