Advice from Yamaha Master Educator Marguerite Wilder
Remembering the Enthusiasm and Passion of a Beginner
After three weeks of beginning band, an aspiring fifth grade trombone student in my class attended an after-school band time.
Ben’s song choices utilized the playing of mostly 1st, 3rd and 4th position notes; I helped with the slide position when he performed long 6th position notes.
After playing several songs for me with great success, Ben attempted another song on the page — this one with, unfortunately, very different results. My comment was, “Oh, my goodness that was a train wreck with boats and planes involved.” He laughed and said that he knew that and would practice more. Then I pointed to yet another song in the book and asked him if he could play that one. He placed his hand over his heart and excitedly told me it was his favorite trombone song in the whole world.
The song was “Hot Cross Buns.” Why was it his favorite? There were three important reasons, he explained earnestly:
1. Mom came running into his room and praised Ben when she “finally” recognized a real song;
2. Ben and Mom visited a neighbor’s home where Ben again performed his beloved “Hot Cross Buns” to great acclaim; and
3. Ben and Mom called Grandma in Minneapolis and he played her “Hot Cross Buns” over the phone. (Thank goodness Grandma was not wearing her hearing aid at the time!)
What a wonderful experience! I’m happy to report that Ben went on to perform many other “new favorite trombone songs in the whole world” during his distinguished career as my first chair trombonist for the next eight years!
This article originally appeared in the 2017 V2 issue of Yamaha SupportED. To see more back issues, find out about Yamaha resources for music educators, or sign up to be notified when the next issue is available, click here.