blog Archives - Page 2 of 2

CAZZBO!

May 28, 2023April 2, 2023 by Scott

Some time in 2009, Joan was put in charge of organising the 2010 International Women’s Brass Conference held at Humber College in Toronto. One morning, over coffee, she happened to ask me who I would invite tuba-wise. I immediately asked if there was a travel budget for someone not from North America, and when she … Read more

Heroes- Gord Sweeney

May 28, 2023March 8, 2017 by Scott

I’m starting a new section on heroes — my heroes. So far, they’re all in the music profession, but who knows where it may lead eventually. First up, is retired long-time Principal Trombone with the Toronto Symphony, Gord Sweeney. Gord came to Toronto from Dallas to take the position of Principal Trombone of the Toronto … Read more

A Case for a New Ensemble: The Organ Sextet!

May 28, 2023October 21, 2014 by Scott

Brahms’ Horn Trio is a work for violin, French horn and piano, not a piece for three horns. Similarly, a Piano Quartet is not an aggregation of four pianos, it’s the combination of (or a composition for) violin, viola, cello and piano. And the Schubert “Trout” Quintet is not a …well… never mind, I’m sure … Read more

The Flintstones Tuba

May 28, 2023October 11, 2014 by Scott

Imagine getting to play Heifetz’ violin, or Rubinstein’s piano or Casals’ cello or…..

flintstone_tuba — Living the dream at Jim Self’s house in Los Angeles.

I have to admit that I really didn’t know what to think of playing the tuba after being first handed one in 1967, but one thing was clear – this was the instrument that I heard on my favourite TV show from my youth; The Flintstones!

. In fact, I have to say that watching the reruns of those Flintstones episodes from the early 60s afforded me the opportunity really pay attention to the background music. Whoever that tuba player was, was my inspiration! Many years later I would discover that the tuba player was an LA studio musician named George Boujie, who was the go-to guy for most stuff before Tommy Johnson began his legendary career. On a visit to LA in 2007, I got to fulfill a dream and play Boujie’s CC York tuba used on MGM movie scores in the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s as well as on the original Flintstones background music. (a big thank you to tuba legend Jim Self, who now owns the horn.)

Kelpaphonics

May 28, 2023December 19, 2012 by Scott

True north brass members playing kelphorns Photo:alkayphotos.ca

Bull kelp is one of the largest brown algae. It grows attached to the sea floor by a specialized root-like structure called a holdfast. From this, a long stem-like stipe extends to the surface of the sea, terminating in an enlarged, spherical, hollow float from which the linear leafy blades emanate. It occurs on rocks in the upper sub-tidal zone to a depth of several fathoms throughout coastal British Columbia.

Al Kay: Friday, July 18th &emdash; — The kelp harvest

Al Kay: Saturday, July 19th &emdash; — Trying the new kelphorns

Never a group to miss a performing opportunity, True North Brass took the kelp challenge in beautiful Bamfield, BC during our residency there in the Summer of 2009. Trombonist Al Kay went out early one morning with local kelp harvesters and brought back a number of “instruments” for our concert.

Here are some pictures of our performance and even a post-concert photo with the harvesters. (BTW, Al Kay took these great photos. You should visit his site at alkayphotos.com – a great place to spend an hour or two!)

After selecting particularly good sounding horns, we experimented in finding some common notes and chords. We then worked out the form for the piece, and that was about it. It’s basically a TNB group improvisation — and it came off rather well!

But best of all, you can actually hear and see the performance right here. (Unfortunately, most of the camera time is focused on the portly tuba player. Note that hornist Joan is playing a “double kelp”!) Note also the “kelperidoo” at one point.

Kelpaphonics from MusicByTheSea on Vimeo.