Comeback Trumpet Player? Watch This! - 9 Questions with Kris Johnson
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Introduction and background of Kris Johnson
Chris Davis introduces special guest Kris Johnson, highlighting his experience with the Count Basie Orchestra, his role as an assistant professor at the University of Michigan, and his work as a composer and film scorer. Chris expresses his appreciation for being invited and his admiration for the interviewer's channel and community.
00:01:16 Kris Johnson's alternative career paths and interests
Kris discusses potential career paths he might have pursued if not for trumpet playing. He emphasizes his passion for education, mentorship, technology, and visual arts. Kris mentions his interest in helping people and how education has transformed his life.
00:02:52 Experiences with the Count Basie Orchestra
Kris shares his experiences with the Count Basie Orchestra from 2008 to 2019. He discusses the learning curve, the importance of adaptability, and the challenges of touring life, including lack of sleep and rehearsal time. Kris emphasizes the value of professional experiences and the universal skills of communication and teamwork.
00:04:26 Maintaining performance quality while touring
Kris shares his strategies for maintaining high-level performance while touring. He mentions grounding exercises, meditation, walking, workouts, and the importance of balancing social time with rest. Kris also discusses the use of Advil and ginger for inflammation reduction and the significance of proper hydration.
00:08:54 Sight-reading techniques and strategies
Chris Davis and Kris discuss various approaches to improving sight-reading skills. They mention the STARS method (Sharps and flats, Time signature, Accidentals, Rhythms, Signs) and strategies for breaking down complex rhythms and melodies. Both Chris and Kris emphasizes the importance of consistent practice and a systematic approach to sight-reading.
00:18:02 Memorization strategies for musical pieces
Chris and the interviewer share techniques for memorizing music, including breaking down pieces into smaller sections, learning backwards, and repetition. They stress the importance of listening to recordings and incorporating various learning methods such as playing on piano and singing melodies.
00:38:44 The importance of breathing exercises in trumpet playing
The conversation turns to the significance of breathing exercises for trumpet players. Both Kris and the Chris emphasize the benefits of regular breathing practice, including improved posture, tone quality, and overall playing ease. They discuss incorporating breathing exercises into daily life and the parallels between breathing for trumpet and general well-being.
00:41:25 Advice for returning trumpet players and learning approaches
Chris Davis concludes with advice for returning trumpet players and those seeking to improve their skills. They discuss the benefits of joining a band or group early in the comeback process and the importance of finding streamlined, sequential learning resources. The interviewer mentions an upcoming Complete Trumpet Player Challenge as a potential learning opportunity.