VINCE TABER

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Since commencing my post as ‘Senior Brass Tutor’ for Suffolk County Music Service (SCMS) in September 2002, I have worked closely with James as he has progressed through the various District (Ipswich County Music School), South Suffolk Area (South Suffolk Youth Concert Band, Jazz Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra) and Countywide (Suffolk Youth Wind Band) ensembles. Over the course of these 7 years he has developed in maturity and stature and has become a very competent and enthusiastic young musician. He has always given 100% commitment to the rehearsals and engagements throughout the SCMS. This is no mean feat, when one considers the enormous pressures on a very busy academic and musical life, both at school, university and locally in Ipswich and with other prestigious institutions (Trinity College junior school and Aldeburgh Young Musician). I’m sure there will not be any problems with his time management and organisational skills.

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As ‘Tutor in Charge’ of both District and Area activities for South Suffolk, (which are based in Ipswich), and as Musical Director of the ‘Suffolk Youth Wind Band’, most of my dealings with James the musician, and more specifically his trumpet playing, have been from a conductor’s viewpoint. From the age of 10, I have always found him to be a confident performer – never one to become disheartened when things are not going quite right and certainly not one to be shy or timid under the most pressured of situations. In fact he has jumped at the chance to take a major solo in an ensemble piece or to lead a section and sit in the principal chair. James has always taken positive criticism and advice well, and always arrives at a rehearsal or concert with a very engaging, positive and good-humoured attitude. I feel these traits of his personality will stand him in good stead for the future, as he looks to continue his musical journey.



Since 2005 (at the same time I became MD), James has been a member of the Suffolk Youth Wind Band, taking part in summer tours to various centres and cities throughout Europe, and playing in some prestigious concerts at ‘Snape Maltings’ concert hall. During this time I have watched him rise up through the ranks of the trumpet section, and indeed he has been principal trumpet for both the 2008 and 2009 seasons. I have been impressed by both his eagerness and ability to help his section. In particular, at clinic days and sectional rehearsals he has engaged with the younger and newer members ‘down the line’, offering them the encouragement, confidence and ability to be able to become ‘part of the team’ quickly. He has also been instrumental in engaging with his 1st trumpet colleagues, often sharing out solos in a sensible manner, never being one to ‘hog the limelight’ – always the team player. 



Since commencing trumpet lessons with Mr. Andy Hendrie as part of his Junior Trinity studies, I have noticed a remarkable improvement in James’ trumpet playing. In particular, his sound has become crisper and brighter in quality and his articulation now allows James to perform music from a much wider spectrum of styles and dynamics. As a trumpet player myself, who experienced a major embouchure change whilst studying at Birmingham Conservatoire, I am impressed with the results of James’ embouchure change in what has been a very short space of time. He has worked well with Mr. Hendrie, and I can only imagine that this is just the beginning, with much more to come from the change in the next couple of years, making all aspects of his playing even stronger.

It is with great pleasure and interest that I write this reference for James, as he attempts to embark on a very exciting time in his life. I look forward to following his progress in the coming years as he works his way towards entering the music profession.

 

Mr. Vincent Taber
Senior Brass Tutor for Suffolk County Music Service
Tutor in Charge of South Suffolk Youth Music
Musical Director of Suffolk Youth Wind Band

Suffolk County Music Service