Review

Micah Everett
The Low Brass Player’s Guide to Doubling:

Flagstaff, AZ, United States
Publisher: Mountain Peak Music
Date of Publication: 2014
URL: http://www.mountainpeakmusic.com

Primary Genre: Study Material - book

When pursuing doubles, the author recommends the player pick a primary instrument and become a “Jack of all trades, master of one.” This text contains many ‘nuggets’ of insight into each low brass instrument, as well as common pitfalls and challenges encountered when moving from one instrument to another. Early chapters focus on doubling issues depending upon which instrument you begin. Later chapters address the less mainstream instruments such as cimbasso and bass trumpet. The authors of the later chapters are specialists on these instruments and provide accessible and practical information regarding study and performance. Illustrations help with grip, hand position, posture, and approaches to each instrument. Current accessories such as bullet brace and hand rest are discussed, as well as equipment for the other low brasses. Each chapter concludes with recommended repertoire and its application to each situation. Many helpful fingering and position charts are given, including side-by-side versions for comparison. Several indices are included with ‘Targeted Fundamentals’ exercises including scales, routines, practice regimens, fingering charts, overtone series, articulation exercises, etc. Most show the first line of the exercise and then direct the reader to continue through the descending position or fingering patterns. Because several chapters are written by different authors, there is some overlap of information. This is a large text with most of the narrative double-spaced. The practicality of advice is most helpful as it is coupled with ‘how to’ accomplish the objectives, with primary concern for sound pedagogy and quality tone production.

-David Stern
Houston, TX