Research Description:

I have compiled listings of articles and bought numerous method books on brass pedagogical approaches via various journals, periodicals and the Internet. However the greatest aspect of my research was to meet, hear and speak with many of the foremost brass authorities in not just the United States but throughout the world.

In May, I attended the International Trumpet Guild Conference in Richmond, VA with Dr. Davis who was president of this nearly 7000-person organization from 1995-97. Two of my UF peers, Carly Johnson and Julie Glaser, also attended. What an eye-opener to really see and hear these players perform and speak! Of course we were fortunate to attend the masterclass of Mr. Vincent Cichowicz, the former Second Trumpet of the Chicago Symphony who is considered the master trumpet teacher in the sworld. He came to visit us in December on the UF campus.

November took me to Bad Säckingen, Germany with Dr. Davis to attend the Euro-ITG Trumpet Days. I met many American, European, Russian, and Ukrainian trumpet players and teachers. This was a more intimate conference where we "talked trumpet" together at meals, heard wonderful performances and lectures (including Dr. Davis) of very young prodigies to the most well-respected trumpet historian, Dr. Edward H. Tarr. The Trumpet Museum in Bad Säckingen was another facet of brass history to which I was exposed. I even performed the trio, Tres Méndez' , on the lecture/recital of Dr. Del Lyren who is the authority on the music and performance of Rafael Méndez. Carly Johnson and I had the opportunity to sit in on a trumpet lesson with Dr. Tarr at the Schola Cantorum in Basel, Switzerland which Dr. Davis arranged for us.

Reading the numerous pedagogical approaches, different methodologies of brass playing became so much more "real" when seeing and hearing the words from the true masters in person. What a great experience I have had through the UF Undergraduate Scholar Program.