Last night I was privileged to attend a mini-recital and masterclass by Mr. Ronald Barron, retired principal trombonist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. I'm not sure quite sure where to start about my experience but to sum it all up I came away from it with a deep sense of appreciation.
The evening began with Mr. Barron playing two pieces. In this modern age of rigid idealism in trombone playing, Barron played with a fine touch to beautiful music making. With the guidance of a few fine teachers in the Houston area (Bob Walp and Thomas Hulten in terms of this subject), I have realized that my own personal playing and overall outlook to music has turned greatly academic and "proper". In comes Ronald Barron, and though his performance was far from being "perfectly impressive" I could not stop smiling while he was playing and I was in awe of how relentless his efforts of making music were. I had to breath in deeply and exhale because I almost felt like every phrase he played lifted off layers of baggage I had built over the years. No he didn't always have the ideal sound or articulation (according to some) but it isn't about what is ideal...even if it is totally wrong.
Musicians inspire audiences with strong, heartfelt art.
This is something I tend to forget...and I've always been someone who was considered to be a more "musically inclined" person from peers and colleagues.
At the end of the masterclass, Mr. Barron answered our questions and hearing him speak about his time in Boston and everything he went through...the journey he took was truly the journey of an artist. He spoke on some compelling topics on conductors, soloists, and how to reach audiences and generation with music...after all he said you got the sense that music wasnt only his career...music was something that came in and out of his body like wind...it was truly a part of his life.
After a class like this with such an interesting man, I could only imagine how wonderful his experiences might have been over forty years. I hope that when I play in an orchestra, I can always realize that it is an unbelievable blessing.
As I was compiling my music for the upcoming audition I am taking masterpieces were blaring in my head as I flipped through each page. Mahler's 3rd and 5th, Schubert's 7th, Tannhauser...etc.
I can remember hearing these and falling in love with them every time I hear them and to be on stage to play them...I'm afraid I might cry out of pure ....whatever it is that is beyond ecstasy.
"a little thought to follow"... I will have to get to this later as it is about time for a short nap followed by a serious work out!
-James
