"Sounding Off" with Keaton Viavattine
UWM Music Graduate Student
MM Trumpet Performance 2017
What brought you to Peck School of the Arts?
First and foremost, its incredible faculty. My primary instructor, Trumpet Professor Kevin Hartman, has been a constant inspiration, and wealth of knowledge on all aspects of practice, performance, and professional practices. His input has been invaluable, especially in combination with the other faculty with whom I am able to study.
How has the experience been different here compared to your undergraduate alma matter, Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY?
I believe most of the difference that I feel is related to my new role as a graduate student. I'm called upon more often to perform in principal roles and be a leader in the studio as best as I can, both musically and professionally. As an undergraduate, I learned so much from the graduate students. It has been an honor to be able to pass on what I have learned to my classmates in the trumpet studio.
Have you been competing for a while?
This is actually the first competition that I have entered as a soloist. The National Trumpet Competition (NTC) also has an ensemble division which I participated in during my sophomore year. I can say that it was certainly one of the most important and rewarding experiences that I have had musically. I found that that experience, as well as my preparation for the upcoming competition as a soloist, have encouraged and inspired growth both musically and professionally.
Tell me a little bit about the piece you will be playing. Why did you chose it for the competition?
The piece I have chosen is the first movement from Eino Tamberg's first trumpet concerto. I chose this piece for several reasons, the first of which being that I found it musically intriguing. Pieces written in the Twentieth Century can be difficult to musically approach. I have enjoyed the challenge of dissecting this work and mentally reformatting it in a way that is more meaningful for myself as the performer and the audience. There is plenty of important repertoire to choose from and eventually become familiar with so a lot of the time, repertoire selections within a scholastic setting are derived from what the student needs to work on. Competition selections are different in the way that the performer tries to exhibit their strengths and ability within a very short amount of time. NTC allows eight minutes to walk on stage, tune, perform, bow and walk off. It certainly operates as a well-oiled machine! I think a successful competition piece selection will take that into consideration, and I really believe the Tamberg accomplishes those things. And not to mention it's just a really fun piece to play!
How you are preparing for the semi-finals?
My preparation for this competition has mostly come in the form of very slow and repetitive practice. The goal for me is to have the technique mentally and physically ingrained so that competition day can be about emoting with sound. Besides practicing the technique of the instrument, preparation has included making musical choices about what best serves the music as well as the mental aspect of performing in a public setting.
When is the finals round?
The finals round will take place the next day. The top six performers in each category will advance.
What does a competition like this mean to you, and advancing in it?
A competition like this is very exciting as a performer. Preparing for an event like this has been an invaluable experience. It will be a fantastic experience to hear, meet and reconnect with so many aspiring players.
What's next for you?
The next step for me will be auditioning for professional orchestras, and certainly preparing for any upcoming competitions in the coming months.
