[TPIN] Are Symphony Orchestras Today Too Loud?

[William Graham]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Paul Kurtz" <kurtzph at comcast.net>
To: <tpin at tpin.okcu.edu>
Sent: Tuesday, August 22, 2006 3:48 AM
Subject: RE: [TPIN] Are Symphony Orchestras Today Too Loud?


> where's the trumpet's place in playing with and in contrast to an
> electric guitar. I have a copy of Mendez's classics with Almeida and
> it's beautiful. I myself have used a cup mute or played straight harmony
> with a guitar in combo work. But, especially to you guys who do a lot of
> combo work, what are neat alternatives of playing with guitars instead
> of just trading solos,

Although frequently used for lead, the guitar is basically a harmony 
instrument.....Most groups have one or more guitars that play, harmony, or 
"rhythm" parts. If used that way, it makes a great back-up for a lead 
trumpet, but for some reason, there a lot of rock groups that have nothing 
but guitars and drums.....I believe the main reason for this is that horns 
are not easy to learn to play....Almost anyone with a minimum of musical 
ability can learn to play passable guitar in a few months or less, but it 
takes several years of practice to be able to play a horn in 
performance.....So, when it comes down to calculating time spent versus 
money made, the guitar is hard to beat......