Inspiring vs. Enriching, Lessons from Vacchiano, and the Three Stages of Performing In the Moment feat. Jim Olcott

Our esteemed guest, Jim Olcott, is someone whose work I’ve long admired. He’s the retired professor of trumpet at Miami University of Ohio, the founder of Triplo Press, and the musical director of the Twin Cities Trumpet Ensemble. His extensive background in trumpet music promised an enriching conversation.

In this episode, we touched on several fascinating topics:

• The Intersection of Music and Life: Jim provided his balanced and insightful views on how music should weave into our lives.
• Changing Perspectives with Age: We discussed how our viewpoints and priorities evolve as we grow older.
• The Essence of Performance: I was curious about Jim’s thoughts on the purpose behind performing – whether it’s to inspire, to enrich, or something else entirely.

For those interested in diving deeper into Jim’s world, our show notes at trumpetdynamics.com/olcott, which contain links to some of his recent recordings.

Jim candidly admitted that he might not be at the peak of his playing abilities compared to his younger years. However, I assured you, dear listener, that his performance remains outstanding, reflecting the nuanced reality of aging in the arts.

This episode is a beautiful blend of personal stories, professional insights, and even some music for you listening pleasure at the very end. With my wife Sana adding adding a few of her thoughts in the middle, it’s the perfect way to get your mind focused on making some great music!

This is more than just a podcast episode; it’s a journey through the realms of trumpet music, teaching, and the art of living a life deeply intertwined with music.

A few highlights from this episode:

1. Twin Cities’ Musical Opportunities: The episode begins with a discussion at 05:00 about the benefits of moving to the Twin Cities, highlighting the abundant playing opportunities and the community’s generous spirit in music.
2. Passion for Playing and Teaching: At 09:50, there’s a reflection on the joy of playing, teaching, and the aspiration to inspire others, as well as the importance of camaraderie among musicians.
3. Age and Its Effects on Musicians: At 15:00, the conversation turns to how aging inevitably affects musicians differently, impacting their physical abilities.
4. The Orchestra as an Instrument: A unique perspective is shared at 16:45, where the orchestra is described as an instrument in itself, offering a collective musical experience.
5. Visualizing Music: At 19:45, the technique of visualizing dramatic scenes to enhance musical performance is discussed.
6. Inspiring vs. Enriching Audiences: Ronald Romm’s teachings on the profound difference between inspiring and enriching audiences are explored at 22:15.
7. Self-Concept in Musicians: A deep dive into the complex nature of self-concept among musicians occurs at 28:40, emphasizing how it’s shaped by perceptions rather than reality.
8. Maurice Andre’s Lessons on Trumpet Playing: At 34:35, lessons from Maurice Andre highlight the distinction between impressive and elegant trumpet playing.
9. Triplo Press’s Founding and Publication Process: The founding of Triplo Press and the criteria for vetting new pieces for publication are discussed at 39:30.
10. The Book of Life: At 47:45, there’s a philosophical exploration of the four essential actions to be included in the ‘Book of Life.’
11. Learning from William Vacchiano: Insights and lessons learned from the great William Vacchiano are shared at 52:35.
12. Another Lesson from Maurice Andre: The episode concludes at 55:50 with another valuable lesson from Maurice Andre, focusing on the importance of being present and concentrated during performances.
13. Plus whatever your discerning ears deem worthy of your time and interest…

Resources mentioned:

Triplo Press

Twin Cities Trumpet Ensemble

Trumpet Dynamics podcast w/ Chris Botti

Trumpet Dynamics podcast tribute to William Vacchiano

Overdubs recently recorded by JO:

It’s the Most Beautiful Time of the Year (arr. Michael Halstenson, ed. Olcott)

Picc trpt, three Bb’s, 10 flugelhorns, three, bass trumpets, opt. string bass

Little Drummer Boy (arr. Mitchell Dietz, ed. Olcott)

Eb trpt, three Bb’s, four flugelhorns, three bass trumpets, timpani, snare drum

Christmas Time is Here (arr. Michael Halstenson, ed. Olcott)

C trumpet, three Bb’s, five flugelhorns, three bass trumpets, opt. string bass

About the Guest:

James Olcott was professor of trumpet for 35 years at Miami University (Ohio), where he led a dynamic trumpet studio with several top-notch ensembles. While at Miami he was an active player throughout the area and around the country in both jazz and classical genres, including holding the position of principal trumpet of the Cincinnati Ballet Orchestra for nearly 25 years.

With an abiding interest in trumpet ensemble as a musical and pedagogical tool, he founded trumpet ensembles at Miami University, began the Cincinnati Herald Trumpet Ensemble in the early ’80s, and has been a leading and ongoing proponent of the idiom throughout his adult life. It was partly for this reason that he was awarded the International Trumpet Guild’s Award of Merit in 2005.

He has conducted jazz bands and brass groups throughout his 45-year teaching career, including professional, semi-pro, amateur, and student trumpet ensembles in Europe, Asia, and the United States.

As a composer and arranger of music for trumpet ensemble, his works are performed worldwide and are published by Crown Music Press of Chicago, Tromba Publications of Denver, and by his own publishing firm, Triplo Press, which he founded in 1991.

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