Testimonials

"CONGRATULATIONS ON A GREAT FESTIVAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"My son, Paul, and his friends had a GREAT time. He was so excited that he asked me to record his all-district music when we got home so he could listen to it. He also wants to borrow my silent brass so he can practice more at night now! One of the highlights of his weekend was getting to play the bass trumpet on the last piece of the program!!!! Mr. Charles Jackson really challenged and inspired the middle school ensemble and I can’t thank you enough for offering this opportunity to these students."

"I enjoyed my time there. The time spent in the ensemble was really very cool. Proof is in the pudding. On 6th trumpet myself, 3 adult comeback players, and Dr. Brad Ulrich from Western Carolina University. That was a blast. Seeing the joy on these other players faces as they got back into trumpet, as Dr. Ulrich said; 'This is more fun than playing principal, look how happy they are.' That was really cool to hear. The whole experience was fantastic, even the hangs were great. I didn't feel any negative vibes, everyone was very receptive and just happy to be there. It was different than what I expected, but it was definitely positive. This was very nice change from some of the trumpet festivals I attended. I hope that more folks will attend so that Emory University has to shut it down for fire safety."

"The festival just keeps getting better.

I must say that ATF is unique among the trumpet festivals and trumpet days I've been to, and I'm fortunate that it happens in my back yard! Most events are somewhat limited in scope and vision, focusing intensely on serious high-school/university students and pros. It takes a tremendous amount of effort and careful planning to host an event that caters to every age and stage of playing, from young to old, beginner to professional, but the ATF staff has come up with a winning formula. I think there is a model here for other festivals to use.

Artists are thoughtfully chosen based not only on their reputation as players, but for their passion as educators and genuine love of music. Because the ensembles are informal, every participant has the opportunity to perform alongside peers their age with different abilities -- you might have a beginner sitting between two All-State players, or an adult amateur sharing a part with a local pro. It is nice to see the trumpet stereotype shattered in the spirit of enjoying music. This kind of interaction breeds inspiration and growth -- developing players reap the benefits of having one-on-one contact with more advanced players, and the advanced players get to hone their teaching skills by sharing their experiences and knowledge.

Sound too good to be true? Well, I can only share what I know... Out of my studio, I had 4 middle-school kids, 4 high-school kids, and 2 adult students attend. This week in lessons, everyone has been playing their tails off, and I know that I've received a big shot in the arm myself (more below). It was also great to be able to meet and hang out with our very own Jon Kratzer, who crashed at my place while up here for the festival. This is evidence that the vision of the ATF staff is being realized.

Regarding my own shot in the arm, I was honored to spend some personal time behind the scenes with Mr, Anderson, Mr. Clodfelter, and Mr. DiMartino, and I have been rejuvenated by their giving spirits. Michael, Mark, and Vince -- thanks to all of you (if you happen to be lurking) for encouraging this local pro to continue to optimistically reach for greater things in his own playing! I'll certainly be sending my students your way when they consider university music programs!"

- Paul Poovey

"I just wanted to say thank you for a wonderful weekend. The trumpet festival was so much better than last year and last year I didn't think there was any way it could get better!! It is wonderful to have people like you in this world who care so much about the kids and the music and do all that you do to make things like the Atlanta Trumpet Festival happen!

My son will attend as many years as he possibly can, no matter where we live! Thanks again for all you do!"

"I had a wonderful time at your trumpet fest!!! I am planning on attending next year and am also planning on inviting some of my fellow trumpet players. The clinics were amazing as were the concerts!! I really enjoyed the clinicians and the experience was truly fantastic. Thank you so much for hosting this event and I look forward to next year!"

"I just wanted to let you know how much my daughter enjoyed the festival. She hasn't stopped talking about it yet. :-) Great job!"

"Thank you again for hosting such a terrific event. We enjoyed ourselves and I thought the festival was very well organized and all the participants looked like they were having the time of their lives!

Please keep us in mind for next year. A little Georgia weather is nice for us freezing cold Canadians. Thanks again Kay, you are doing a wonderful thing for those young trumpet players and even the "mature" ones."

- David Marlatt

"This is just a short note to tell you how much I enjoyed the concerts during the recent Atlanta Trumpet Festival. I wrote a more extended article on my site: http://www.iwasdoingallright.com/trumpet_technique/169/

Thank you for all the hard work you put into the event. I look forward to next year!"

"Just returned home from the Atlanta Trumpet Festival and what a great time! The Atlanta Trumpet Ensemble was formed about a year ago, and is made up of 15 +/- high school young men & women and a couple of college fresh"men", and I am hear to tell you...... Oh Yes! I was blown away by their performance and abilities. They weren't good for their age, they were good, period!!! The most amazing part, though, was there humility. A rare virtue in our breed, and age generally not a factor.

The clinicians were stellar: Kevin Lyons, shed excellent insight on warm-up & practice routines; Mike Barry, local Atlanta freelance talent gave great insight into studio work, and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra principal trumpeter Chris Martin truly opened my eyes for the orchestral world (not to mention lyrically waltzing in excess of high C at a true whisper triple piano.......oh man....). For that matter, Kevin walked around up there with uncanny accuracy sans volume, as well, and Mike's probably parted some sax players' hair a time, or two..... Great sound.

Suffice to say, they were all to aspire to, each in their own domain, and widening all of our horizons...."

"Well, My hat is off to Kay, David and the rest of ATE. A truly incredible event, and I know my students all had a blast! Everyone was wonderful to meet and hang out with, and I hope to see many of you again at Holiday Trumpets, or at the festival at Western Carolina... Kay, David, ATE and everyone else -- wonderful job!"

"I, too, would like to extend a big thanks to the Kay, David, the ATE, the clinicians, directors, and other volunteers who made this event happen. I had a great time and like everyone else, was blown away by not only the clinicians and members of the ATE, but also the other attendees. From the Jr high kids to the adults, there was a lot of great trumpet playing going on. I also learned a lot, which is always a good thing.

Yesterday and today I implemented some of Kevin's tips into my practice and all I can say is "Wow!". I've never been happy with the speed of my single-tonguing. I'll see how his 1-minute drill works out for me. I also think he hit the nail on the head about some people (like me) buzzing too much and staying in the staff and below before moving to the upper register. To most on here, that may not be a big deal, but I'm about 2 months into a comeback after over 10yrs off the horn and was really struggling with range.

While I've learned that my range is actually almost intact, I also learned on Saturday that my endurance is worse than I thought! I was playing 6th, 7th, and 8th parts and by the time we got to the end of Canon in the concert, I was taking down D's...in the staff I don't know how you guys and gals on the higher parts did it.

There are two bad things about the festival, however. The first is that now I want a C trumpet for some reason. Chris Martin actually made it sound like a fun horn to play, what with all of the alternate fingerings and intonation and tonality problems inherent with the instrument. Alas, I'd better just stick with learning this Bb Getzen inside-out. On that note, the second bad thing is that I bet there are going to be a LOT more people trying to get lessons from Kevin. I'd better get off of here and see if he can squeeze me in.

Anyway. I had a great time and I can't wait until next year. Thanks, again!"

"It WAS a great festival, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself, though I was very sad I couldn't be there for the concert. It was worth it just to see Chris Martin and the rest of the festival went extremely well. I cant wait till ya'll do this again, I'll definitely be there."

"Dear Atlanta Trumpet Ensemble Members, Congratulations and thank you for your efforts in planning and presenting such a terrific day of master classes and workshops. Not only did I have a great time, but I walked away with valuable information and had a chance to apply what had been learned during evening the concert. I look forward to attending future events! Please keep my information
for your contact lists. Best Wishes for Your Future Success!!"

"We just wanted to thank you for bringing the Atlanta Trumpet Festival to the attention of the students. Drew participated in the clinic this weekend and very much enjoyed the experience. There were over 100 participants at the event. We also enjoyed the concert that evening. Thanks again for providing a great opportunity."