I am part of the concert band of OSC, where I play the 1st trumpet. I play trumpet for 5 years now and increasingly enjoy it as I progress. I do not have a music teacher in Sri Lanka anymore, but I do technical exercises every time I practice, which I mostly do at least four times a week. This helps me to play fast parts in songs and improve my technique to play more variably, and playing regularly greatly improves the sound quality.

In concert band we mostly play music from modern movies and occasionally other songs like the Sri Lankan anthem for events. I enjoy this music since most band members know it and therefore we all play with a lot of feeling, as well as because it is often not too difficult and we are therefore more successful by focusing on the dynamics. Currently we are playing a selection of songs from Narnia, some sections of which are challenging to play with the band, especially since the violin parts are complicated, but not difficult for me to play alone. However, we are progressing quickly, and this song is one of the few we will play at the Winter Gala concert.

Warming up before practice. Photo credits: Joshua Wright

We already had a performance this year for the Founder’s Day ceremony, for which we played the Sri Lankan National Anthem. The performance was good and we received a lot of positive feedback from the audience, Ms Duncan told us afterwards, but the acoustics were bad in the gym and therefore it was difficult to hear the other players.

Packing away the instruments after practice

Overall, apart from being enjoyable, the band also improves several skills, especially cooperation, by having to play synchronized wit the other players, as well as adapting the dynamics to the other players to achieve an even tone. I also feel it is a great opportunity for me to continue being in a environment with other like-minded people so that I get inspiration and motivation to continue playing the trumpet.