ITG 2014

Well this is certainly long overdue!  But I couldn't resist the opportunity to write about all of the inspirational experiences one could have at the most recent ITG conference in King of Prussia, PA.

This was my 2nd ITG conference, but my first one while at Harrelson.  What I took away from it: the trumpet is certainly alive and well in the world, and there is a community of trumpet players who are eager to share their experiences along their journey and help you along your own. So many of these talented players would give you the shirt off their back if it helped you to succeed!  I definitely recommend checking out these conferences if you ever have the opportunity.  What an eye-opener to the artistry that is all around us, both expected and unexpected!

We met a never-ending stream of trumpet players!  The most fascinating part was to see the ways that personalities were reflected, or even contrasted by, individual trumpet styles.  You can tell that some people are more at ease with themselves when they are playing an instrument than when they are speaking to you.  With others, performance quirks remind you of a conversational style or a general outlook that you have perceived from the person.  Regardless, we all reveal pieces of ourselves when we perform, and these are the glimpses that motivate me to open my ears even wider and try to connect the dots.  Everyone's mind, body, and experiences are different...

... which is why we take the time to create so many options to fit a trumpet player to her ideal horn.  :)  See you in Ohio next year!