Easter weekend this year saw Altena Brass accompany one of the greatest cornet players of the time, Richard Marshall, in their annual Easter concert. Previous concerts have featured famous soloists such as Ian Porthouse (Cornet, UK) and Bart Claessens (Principal Trombone, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra).
The weekend started with a morning workshop and afternoon masterclass for players from all over the region. Richard shared his theories and knowledge regarding technique and performance.
Principal Cornet of Brassband Rijnmond, Dik van Doorn recalled some of the topics of the workshop:“A group of about thirty cornet players attended the day to get an insight into Cornet playing, they were also curious to see what makes Richard the man and musician he is. It was my second encounter with Richard and this time I was more focused on the person and a bit less on the playing. The first time it was the other way round…
We had an enjoyable day and Richard talked to us about the basics of good playing and all of the routines we should do to eventually obtain stardom!! We took away from the day lots of performance preparation ideas but one really struck a chord with myself and the other delegates:
- Prepare yourself to be the best you can, cornet playing is not bigger than life itself. At the end there is always friends and family to celebrate with.
Thinking back to the workshop, I realise that the secret of Richard’s superb playing may well be his balanced family life, his theories, and of course his preparation and basics.”
The evening saw Richard as guest soloist with the band. Altena Brass performed Fraternity, the test piece for the Europeans 2016. Richard showcased his talents in the first half of the concert in Philip Wilby’s Flight and Don’t Doubt Him Now. As a bonus Richard was part of the second half of the concert, playing Emerald Skies, All Night Long and Brooklyn, which saw Altena Brass perform the theatre show Space Chords.
Richard impressed all of the participants of the workshop. They enjoyed the day with an excellent tutor and superb cornet player! The concert was a big success and Altena Brass is really proud to have a new musical friend in Richard Marshall.
Rik Jansen
Dik van Doorn
