An Old Big Band Video

Sorry for the large break between posts. I was playing in South Pacific last week and I ended up having no time to write. I did however find an old video whilst I was digging through unnamed CD’s and DVDs in my old bedroom in Derby and thought I’d put it up.

It’s a video taken in my second year at the Conservatoire (when I was 19). I was playing lead with the BMus Big Band at the time under Eddies Severn. This was the Big Band run for the regular course rather than the jazz specialists. After this I was asked to sit on the lead chair in the Jazz Course Big Bands for a few gigs.

It was interesting to look back at my technique a few years ago. The things that I’m proud of and things that I’m not 🙂 For example, I think I have a good stance and sound but an inability to do a proper lip trill.

With a heavy pivot and far too much movement this show poor technique and doesn’t yields poor results at the expense of stamina (and risk of injury). [Check out 2:42]

I’m happy to say this is no longer an issue!! 😛

It’s a bit different from a regular post so I hope it makes up for being away for so long. You can even spot Neil from The Shades (and the Abu Dhabi Diary) leading the saxes. Good times 😀

Birmingham Conservatoire BMus Big Band
Piece: Hayburner
Lead by: Eddie Severn
Matt Roberts: Lead Trumpet