Across the world there are some wonderful opportunities for players, young and not-so-young, to develop their trumpet playing in a relaxed and fun environment away from home. Over the next few weeks I will be featuring a number of these great courses that will be happening in 2017.
The first of these is the ATA (Australasian Trumpet Academy) hosted by John Foster. This course has been running for just a few years but has already established a great reputation due to the fantastic calibrate of tutors and the beautiful surroundings of Queensland’s Gold Coast.
The course experience is best summed up by course participant Emma Bolton from Sydney, Australia:
“For two years running I have been a participant in the Australasian Trumpet Academy (ATA) hosted by John Foster (International Trumpet Soloist and Artistic Director of Australian Baroque Brass), and have found it to be an invaluable source of knowledge as well as a wonderful opportunity to connect with other trumpeters from both Australia and overseas. Held in a beautiful tropical location in the Gold Coast hinterland, trumpeters have gathered from all over Australia, New Zealand and abroad to glean knowledge from the ATA clinicians. The world class guest artists have included international trumpet soloists Vince DiMartino and Rex Richardson, Guiliano Sommerhalder (principal trumpet of Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, Yoram Levy (principal trumpet of Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra), Dr. Joel Brennan (University of Melbourne), and of course, John Foster.
ATA provides an opportunity for budding trumpeters to advance their skills in a fun and friendly environment. ATA 2017 will see John joined by Paul Beniston (Principal Trumpet London Philharmonic Orchestra), Gabriel DiMartino (Trumpet Professor East Carolina University) and Dr Jason Dovel (Trumpet Professor University of Kentucky).
ATA includes daily warm ups lead by the tutors, masterclasses, a mock audition, and the notorious ‘Trumpet Olympics’. It’s all topped of with a multitude of ensemble playing which is performed at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music on the final day. One addition John made to ATA in 2016 was to award an ATA trumpet prize in the form of a new instrument, provided courtesy of Yamaha Australia. The prize is awarded to a participant based on overall performance and contributions during the academy.
John (a published author on the baroque trumpet) leads a masterclass on the fundamentals of baroque technique; perfect for those who haven’t been able try a baroque trumpet.
For those who have had experience, some of the ensemble repertoire is performed on period instruments. The cornetto even made an appearance on ATA 2016!
In the brief moments of time off, participants can check out the platypus pond, glowworm caves or even go for an early morning jog to admire the beautiful surroundings. Night-time provides a break from playing but becomes slightly more intense with games and competitions.
Both years I have eagerly awaited ATA and have thoroughly enjoyed my time there. I’m looking forward to ATA 2017!”
You can visit www.austrumpetacademy.com for details of this year’s course which takes place 3-8 October.
