ITF2004 Thoughts

Hi Steven!

Thanks for a fantastic time at the ITF. Everything was just perfectly organized! It was a joy and an honour to perform and listen to all these master trombone players.

Ludwig Nuss

This was a terrific week of inspiring performances! Far too many highlights to list, but I heard sounds to soothe every taste and most every musical inclination. It was really overwhelming at times. Made everybody want to run home and practice, I imagine. These festivals are really a MUST if you''re a serious student of the instrument, by the way. I know they can be expensive to attend and time off can be tough, but vow to attend every 3 years at least. Your batteries will inevitably be re-charged. You''ll leave with new sounds in the head and new heights of spiration. You''ll try new equipment, see new sheet music, exchange ideas with some of the very best, make new friends, reunite with old friends.....whew!!! See y''all in New Orleans. Congrats on a job very well done, indeed.

Tom Gibson

Many members expressed that this may have been the most musically satisfying event that they have ever experienced, and they are drooling over their anticipated trip to New Orleans. Should be a big one!

Nathaniel Brickens

Hello, I have just returned from the 2004 ITF which I must say was an exhilarating experience. The performances were superb and the clinics and workshops outstanding. It was wonderful to be a part of the entire experience and to rub shoulders with some of the greatest trombonists of the day. I look forward to attending again next year and hopefully will bring a few along with me.

Howard Knapp

I just wanted to tell you how pleased I was to get the opertunity to exhibit at the ITF 2004. From an exhibitors point of view, I found this one of the best run shows I've done. Well Done!

John Stork

Congratulations on great Festival. Both Irene and I really enjoyed it.

David Buckley

Dear Steven,

I want to compliment you on a job well done for ITF 2004. I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to speak with you in person, but every time I saw you, you were moving rapidly with a serious look on your face, making sure everything was done right. In any event, it was a most stimulating four days indeed. I hope that you're enjoying a bit of time off now.

From my point of view as a nonacademic amateur/semiprofessional fanatical bass trombonist, the ITF was again (ITF 2002 was my first and only other ITF) downright inspirational in providing brilliant and varied performance and great learning opportunities. I have to say that the faculty and other performers were most gracious with their time. I had many great conversations with them.

The high point in terms of performance had to be the concert given by the Haroz duo. Intensely and unremittingly beautiful it was.

The only negative I can think of is that events tended to run overtime, making it difficult to get to the next event on time. That wasn't your fault, but it was a problem at times.

Thanks again for the good work. I have a very strong suspicion that you're underpaid for what you do for us.

Dave Dahlgren

It was a very well organized festival with fantastic artists, wonderful attendees and a dynamite support staff, all in an absolutely beautiful location. It was a pleasure to attend and be a part of it. Thanks!

Tony Baker

This festival was the absolute most incredible experience. Having the opportunity to completely surround yourself with Trombone was one of the best musical experiences I have ever had. And being around some of your Trombone hero's only heightened the excitement. Every single performance and clinic was truly outstanding. So much learning took place from all of them, but for me personally, I learned so much from just watching the professionals perform. Truly an inspiring festival, and I can't wait to go in 2005!

Dan Watt

ITF was amazing, and fun! Got to try some sweet horns, some Greenhoe-ized Conns, some amazing Kanstul bass trombones. Also got to play on Thein large-bore alto (.522/547!!!), C bass trumpet, Harwood bass, and F and BBb contras. Contras were fun, but not for me, even if they were affordable. Slide positions on the F got me totally twisted, that horn is an inline F, D, Bb, and flat Ab, with a normal bass bone slide, so only 4-5 positions. Brandt Attema sounded amazing on it, though. The BBb contra takes more air than even the largest tuba I've ever played. Fun to shake the room with a pedal Bb, though! Loved the new Xeno large-bores from Yamaha, and also liked playing the German-style tenor, although I'd love to try that without the valve sometime. Got to toot a bit on the new Shires valve, super even tone and response going back and forth from valve to open, and a straight shot, no bends when not engaged, very clever design.

As far as players, the Philly section rocked, as did Brandt Attema playing contra excerpts with the Rochester Phil section. Kiril Ribarski brought down the house, amazing speed and range, not that super-clean American tone/technique, but lots of gypsy soul. An honest standing ovation from all brought him back for 2 encores.

Sam Burtis' group was hot-blooded, full-tilt, and pedal-to-the-metal. Most of the soloing was by Gary Valente, who is loud and raucous, but at the same time he is pouring his guts out on every note. Total soul and passion. Reinaldo Jorge was my favorite with Sam's group. Where some guys might tap their foot to keep time, he did a mambo step!

American Classic Quartet showcased their virtuosity, ably anchored by Charlie Vernon on the bottom. I thought that they over-reached, though, with the programming, doing 3 world premieres, with very little rehearsal time. Rhythmic precision and ensemble sometimes left a bit to be desired.

The Xeno Quartet, with Al Kay, Peter Sullivan, Tom Brantley, and Doug Yeo were amazing. I loved Al's quartet version of the theme from the Defaye Deux Danses. Al and Tom both turned the most remarkable shades of maroon by the end of it, but no strain was evident in their sound.

Loved the Upstate NY Choir, especially the selections from Carmina Burana, and the joint efforts of Spiritus and NYS Baroque on period instruments showed a kinder, gentler trombone concept.

Got to meet loads of folks from the OTJF, and Trombone-L!

Big fun!

Walter Barrett

ITF Recap

Photos

ITF Photos
Brazilian Trombones Perform at the Barbecue