TPTV - Peter Ellefson

Indiana University Professor of Trombone, Peter Ellefson discusses the pedagogical influence of Arnold Jacobs, in general, and in regard to his own lesson experiences with Jacobs. “Jacobs was as efficient with his words as he was with his playing.” Jacobs was able to zero in on the main issue in Ellefson’s playing right away – segmentation/double vibration. Jacobs told Ellefson that he was protecting his high register. Jacobs gave him a series of studies to practice which helped reverse this by encouraging the “lower notes to teach the upper notes.” By implementing Jacobs’ recommendations the segmentation went away. Discussion ensued of Ellefson’s series of teachers beginning with his father, who was also his high school band director, Warren Baker at Linfield College, Frank Crisafulli at Northwestern, Joseph Alessi in 1986 at Ravinia, but then in earnest in 1999 at the first Alessi Seminar. Public school teacher, doctoral studies at IU with Dee Stewart, and the Seattle Symphony were in the interim. Ellefson gives advice to younger players coming up, and pays tribute to Dee Stewart, Carl Lenthe, Dale Clevenger, and Dan Perantoni. “Work effort does not necessarily equal decibels.”