Something in Common was composed for a workshop on dealing with trauma, from the perspective of trombone players and teachers. Trombone Trauma: Resources for Performing, Learning and Life was presented by Gary Mayne and Jim Albrecht at the International Trombone Festival in Salt Lake City on 14 July 2023.
Traumatic experiences may fall into one of two categories: big T trauma is a life-threatening event; little t trauma doesn't involve violence or disaster, but can cause significant distress. Gary Mayne, trombone player and licensed mental health counselor, led the workshop with a focus on little t trauma. Issues such as peer rejection, feelings of worthlessness, and bullying, were discussed with particular emphasis on finding common ground between the experiences of teacher and student.
I designed this piece to reflect the very special bond between teacher and student. The two trombones imitate each other much like two people in a conversation about shared experiences. They also come together from time to time with beautiful deep harmonic resonance.
The opening musical motive is reminiscent of Wagner's Ring Cycle, a set of operas that deal with little t trauma getting out of control. The work has special significance for me, because I heard it performed in Bayreuth, the place of its conception. Wagner’s characters have many opportunities to share traumatic experiences with each other, but fail, largely due to the power of the ring (which represents egotism and greed), and the result is tragedy.
Gary and Jim performed my piece at the start of the seminar, using it as a springboard for their presentation on dealing with trauma.
Traumatic experiences may fall into one of two categories: big T trauma is a life-threatening event; little t trauma doesn't involve violence or disaster, but can cause significant distress. Gary Mayne, trombone player and licensed mental health counselor, led the workshop with a focus on little t trauma. Issues such as peer rejection, feelings of worthlessness, and bullying, were discussed with particular emphasis on finding common ground between the experiences of teacher and student.
I designed this piece to reflect the very special bond between teacher and student. The two trombones imitate each other much like two people in a conversation about shared experiences. They also come together from time to time with beautiful deep harmonic resonance.
The opening musical motive is reminiscent of Wagner's Ring Cycle, a set of operas that deal with little t trauma getting out of control. The work has special significance for me, because I heard it performed in Bayreuth, the place of its conception. Wagner’s characters have many opportunities to share traumatic experiences with each other, but fail, largely due to the power of the ring (which represents egotism and greed), and the result is tragedy.
Gary and Jim performed my piece at the start of the seminar, using it as a springboard for their presentation on dealing with trauma.
