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Trumpet Celebrity Interviews

[ a celebration of the artistry of ALL styles of Trumpet ]





B E R T   T R U A X



Bert Truax was Second Trumpet of the Dallas Symphony from 1976-2000. He began playing the trumpet at the age of seven under the tutelage of Joseph Alessi, Sr. He later studied with James Stamp, Tom Stevens, and Bill Adam. At the Curtis Institute of Music he studied with Gilbert Johnson and Frank Kaderabek.

In 1986 he was invited by audition to play Second Trumpet with the Philadelphia Orchestra for the first half of their 1986-87 season.

A published composer, Truax's works are recorded on Crystal Records. His three movement Fantasy for Trumpet and Orchestra was commissioned by the Dallas Symphony for then Principal Trumpet David Bilger. Bilger has also performed the third movement with the Philadelphia Orchestra. Joseph Alessi premiered a commission from the International Trombone Association in 2000. Other commissions have included works for the trumpet section of the West Point Band .




T H E    I N T E R V I E W. . .



Would you like to add your web address /email at this point?

Yes: email: btruax@sbcglobal.net Website: www.berttruax.com


Was your family background musical?


NO

What made you decide to play trumpet?

When I was 7 years old, I went to a nieghborhood party with my parents. The son in the household played trumpet, but didn't want to play for the party. The instrument fascinated me, and when I saw it lying on a bed upstairs, I picked it up and started playing it. It was love at first sight.

At what age did you start?

I started taking lessons when I was 8 years old.

On leaving your education, have you always been a full time musician?

Yes

Describe your early experiences of semi / pro work.

While attending the Curtis Institute of Music, I won the audition for Second Trumpet in the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.(1976)

Who were your teachers?

Joseph Alessi Sr.; Bill Adam; Tom Stevens; Gilbert Johnson; James Stamp


What Orchestral experience have you had?

23 years as Second Trumpet with the Dallas Symphony; Played Second Trumpet with the Philadelphia Orchestra in the fall of 1985. Currently Principal Trumpet of the Richardson Symphony with Anshel Brusilov

What session (Jingles / TV) experience have you had?

Occasional session work in Dallas


What small group / ensemble experience have you had?

Played with the Dallas symphony Brass Quintet for 22 years. Currently playing in a freelance quintet

Other playing experiences?

Recently played with the Orchestra of Tenerife, Spain. Active freelancer in the Dallas/ Fort Worth area.

Have you a solo recording available?

Not at this time, however, I just released Bert's Basic Brass, an interactive instructional DVD.

Any funny / interesting on the road type stories?

Too many to list here!!!!!

Any news on new projects?

See Bert's Basic Brass above


Any funny / interesting stories about other famous trumpet players?

This may be politically incorrect, but here goes. William Vacciano just finished playing the long solos in the Parsifal Overture beautifully. A starry eyed student asked him afterwards what he thought of for inspiration on that solo. He turned to the student and said "Tits kid, tits!!"

Favourite four albums?

Mahler 5th with Berlin and Simon Rattle; Sravinsky Song of the Nightingale, Chigago Symphony and Fritz Riener; Kind of Blue, Mlies Davis: any Tower of Power album

Favourite two movies?

Legends of the Fall;Citizen Kane

Favourite three foods?

Philadelphia Cheese Steak; Lobster and Crab; Ben and Jerry's Cherry Garcia Ice Cream

Non-musical hobbies / points of interest you enjoy?

Scuba Diving

Do you take days off from playing? (How does it affect you?)

Being a freelancer it's hard to take a day off fom playing when I'm busy, and then having to practice when times are slow. It's a matter of balance, and that comes from experience


Any chop problems / solutions you've personally had you can share?


When you've played so much that you can't keep your corners firm, rest, then play the scale studies from the Stamp Book as soft as possible. This will bring the lips forward and gently work those corner muscles back into place.


Three Trumpet tips you wish to share with the readers.

1. Don't forget the fundamentals 2. Always listen 3. Be flexible


Thank you very much indeed for sharing your thoughts with the
' Trumpet Web Community '. (03rd June 2003)

TPT. CELEBRITY INDEX

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