Young Brass Players Coming Along

Late in 2019, here at ASAPH, I began several groups of trumpet players and trombone players. They were grouped according to age. There were several 7th and 8th graders, and then a bunch of 4th and 5th graders. 

Progress with the younger kids has been slow. They are moving ahead, but it takes more time for them to be in control of the instrument. I believe they will be strong in time. 

Many of the 7th and 8th graders have been making great strides lately. I work with them 2 times each week. We learn scales and do a ton of imitation playing. Then we add reading rhythms, and finally reading the written notes on a staff. When they become independent enough to read easy songs and hold on to their own part, we can begin to put together a group of players that will play four parts. We call that Brass Band "C". It's an exciting step. (They are behind the "B" band that rehearses twice weekly. The "B" band is behind the ASAPH Brass Band that plays in public.)  

Today we reached that exciting level with a group of six players. When I presented a four-part song and divided them up, they seemed uncomfortable. As we learned the parts one by one, they seemed more relaxed. When we put them all together, they loved it. They were making music, and I think we made several brass band fanatics at the same time. Once they taste the thrill of making music together, the motivation is there. It's a beautiful thing to watch.  

Here at ASAPH, Teddy and Anemson are helping musicians along the path to being able to play in a band. Each time we do that, another life is improved.  THANK YOU, Asaph supporter, for making this ministry possible.