Seraph Brass Quotes - 2023 American Trombone Workshop
I was able to catch the masterclass that Seraph Brass did at this year’s American Trombone Workshop and it was fantastic. Lots of insights on a variety of topics.
Here are the quotes that most stood out to me from that class:
Mary Elizabeth Bowden
“I have a list of dreams and goals and I still carry that list with me today.”
“When you dream big, it can feel silly. But it helps put things into motion.”
“We’re the size of a family. Not only are we work colleagues, we are also in close physical proximity to each other… So you have to have a sense of humor.”
“Before rehearsal you have to leave your ego at the door because we all want the highest musical product.”
“We come in one day before a tour starts. We always want rehearsal to go as quickly as possible. Efficiency is key.”
Raquel Samoa
“Representation does matter. I have people come tell me that.”
“I always tell my students to make themselves as marketable as possible. Because I’ve gotten jobs from that.”
“Wherever you go, be a good person - someone that people want to collaborate with.”
“People like confidence - but not too much confidence. Too much self-promotion is not good.”
Rachel Valvikis
“We record every single concert - video included - and listen to them on the regular.”
“We all have to do a lot of score study so that when we get together for our first rehearsal that we are prepared.”
“Making sure you have a good routine is important. You have to make sure you cover everything ever day.”
“Quality practice - not quantity - is what I’ve always been told.”
Victoria Garcia
“Brass quintet raised my level of playing across the board.”
“I lost all confidence during COVID. I didn’t know if I could play with people again.”
“The more and more I trusted playing in a brass quintet, the better my orchestral playing got.”
“Brass quintet teaches you to be incredibly flexible.”
“Don’t brown nose. I’m serious. Show up and you play well. 100% ready every time. When you’re just playing a whole note, make sure you’re ready. Because there’s always someone listening. Always.”
“I practiced really hard so that when that gig came, I knew exactly what to do.”
Christina Cutts-Dougherty
“I really encourage you to not keep those blinders on and to experience all the ways that we can use our instruments in this field.”
“When I advocate for something that I really want, it has a tendency to work out.”
“(When tuning) Don’t be the stubborn one - be the one that moves.”
“Like Mary said, we are a little family. So everything we do is based in respect.”
“If someone has a new idea that not everyone is crazy about, we always try it!”
“You really can’t make good music with some if you are looking down on them or letting some personal feelings seep in.”
