Trevor Groom and Concertos

Let's not get too caught up with pieces that are not written for the baritone voice. There are many Euphonium maestro/legends out there but only a few is recognised. Here's the one the the many virtuoso on the Euphonium, Trevor Groom!

Trevor Groom started playing at the age of 10 in 1944. Trevor stayed on cornet for about 18 months until one day the solo euphonium player left and the conductor asked him to take his place. He thought it was because he was big and able to carry the instrument – nothing really to do with it being a musical decision.

With that his playing blossomed, and he gained a growing reputation as one of the finest young euphonium players in the Corps. Unfortunately, the 1950’s meant that he had to do National Service, and Trevor was drafted into the Grenadier Guards – and not as a bandsman either.

He returned to civilian life in 1955 and didn't really want to pick up the euphonium again as he knew it would take ages for re-accustomed himself. His teacher, Mr Bert Sullivan, persuaded him though, and so he gradually got back into the instrument.

Gradually, he moved up the line to become the top euphonium once more at Kettering, before the opportunity arose to return to his first band - Munn & Felton, or known as GUS today, in 1964.

You wonder if all those years ago when Trevor first picked up a cornet in Kettering that over 60 years later that he knew he would have had such a wonderful life associated with brass band music.

Perhaps he did, and we should be grateful that he has remained in love with it ever since. He practices every day, even now. “Proper practice too – not wallowing about just playing solos. I still want to improve.”

From a Euphonium maestro, the fact that he still continuing practising shows that even professionals value practice. It really touched my heart for a virtuoso on the Euphonium to say that.

Here's some video to speculate you guys. Enjoy! And learn.

Euphonium Concerto by Joseph Horovitz - 1st Movement


Euphonium Concerto by Joseph Horovitz - 2nd Movement


Euphonium Concerto by Joseph Horovitz - 3rd Movement


[Izak]

February Overview

Welcome to the first Monday of February. February is a new month, welcoming both good and bad events. Home works will pile, band rehearsals will be more tense and people will start to become more work-oriented.

February will be the month where music interpretation and final practice of the SYF pieces will be completed.

Benson and Glen, please be aware that band expect you to dedicate your time to them. You will need to practise to improve. Without practising, you will NEVER improve. Trust me, I know best.

Long notes, tonguing exercises should be practised. Good posture should be enforced. Try to maintain a higher level of discipline.

Secondary Twos, please be aware that this year in band is known as your honeymoon period. You are experienced players and not committed yourselves to any dedications or responsibilities.

This is the best time you improve yourself. Train your weaknesses and continue working on your strengths. Same thing applies here. No effort, no end results. Long notes is never to be neglected.

"As long you wear khaki pants, even long pants, long notes is a must." Jason Yong

Work on your 5 aspects; Posture, Air, Embouchure, Tongue and Diaphragm Support. Work on your pitch and tone. Ask me or Sherman for any queries. I am sure both of us will find time to take both of you one-to-one.


Sectionals Dates

9/2 - Monday Sectionals

16/2 - Monday Sectionals

23/2 - Monday Sectionals

This sectionals will be for main band players. There will be sectionals for Sec 1s either on the same day or on another day. Please stay informed.

[Izak]

"A band is as good as its Euphonium section." - John Philip Sousa