The Pokorny Seminar
at the
University of Redlands
June 10-15, 2008

Gene Pokorny, principal tuba of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, will conduct an intensive tuba seminar at the University of Redlands School of Music. Limited to 7 performers and 40 auditors, the seminar will focus on achieving the highest levels of practice, preparation and performance. Performers will have daily individual lessons with Mr. Pokorny as well as master classes, excerpt coaching, a mock orchestral audition and a concluding solo and ensemble performance. Auditors will be able to join the group warm-ups and to observe the master classes, lessons and performances.

Dear Tuba Colleagues,
In addition to the lessons, mock orchestral auditions, ensemble playing, etc., I intend to explore many of the areas that have resulted directly in my success in winning a half-dozen orchestral positions, invitations to be a guest in additional opera and symphony orchestras worldwide, participating in chamber music events all over the globe
and being sought after as a teacher and advocate for music education.

Specifically, here are some of the areas we will explore:
-Warm-ups and warm-ups that go way beyond
-Sensitivity in balancing brass ensembles and particularly an orchestral low brass section
-Untraditional ensemble skills
-What is correct vs. What is traditional (!)
-What happens in practice doesn’t necessarily work in theory (i.e. knowing not just WHAT is musical but HOW to do it)
-Our responsibility to the art and to the future of it
-The importance of clarity “out front”
-The art of listening (i.e. to finally HEAR what you have been listening to)
-Solos and Interpretation (i.e. getting away from fat-free, taste-free, style-free playing)
-Life and Livelihood; the balancing act
-Guacamole, trains, astronomy, Quadrant 2 and “The Search for Intelligent Life in the Modern Day Symphony Orchestra”
-Orchestral balance: Szell vs. Solti
-Melodic line interpretation: Tabuteau & Schenker

As a former student at the University of Redlands, I am very motivated to give it all back and much, much more. By the end of the seminar, I will be drained because I would have given it all to YOU. If I can make a difference in your musical life, spend a couple days with me at the University of Redlands. We will work hard, we will all learn
and we will have fun.

Cheers,
Gene Pokorny

Pokorny Seminar Application
For more information call (909) 748-8700