Stereograms & Compositions

You may recognize the term stereo gram as a modern day reference to three dimensional (3-D) images such as those contained in the recent ‘Magic Eye’ series. Just as visual stereo grams present several images within a single image, these aural ‘Stereograms’ imply two, three, or sometimes four separate parts within a single melodic line. (On occasion a single melodic line is employed for contrast). This technique seems particularly well-suited to the capabilities and varied roles of the bass trombone, and have garnered praise from a variety of prominent bass trombonists:

“I find these works most enjoyable and unique-and fill a definite void in trombone literature. They are excellent as studies, training pieces for phrasing, perfect encores, and would be effective combined to create an unaccompanied suite for bass trombone..”

Tom Everett, Harvard University

“I came across “Stereograms’ again a few weeks ago and I’ve been enjoying them quite a bit-playing several as part of my daily routine. They cover a lot of ground, are well written and fun to play and make me smile. They help keep my reading sharp and are a good challenge to play in different styles.”

Douglas Yeo, Boston Symphony Orchestra

“Commercial style pieces like these are much needed. These ‘Stereograms’ are very much on the commercial side-including accompaniment patterns which you can also play musically. They remind me of the patterns in the music Nelson Riddle used to write for me that I was so fond of.”

George Roberts, Mr. Bass Trombone

“These inventive and enjoyable studies add creatively to the bass trombone literature. I predict ‘Stereograms’ for the bass trombone will become a staple in most bass trombone studios.”

Dr. Tom Streeter, Illinois Wesleyan University

“Rarely does a collection of Etudes come along to stimulate a player to work on its challenges to the exclusion of the “Standards”....Kopprasch, Fink, Slama, Blazevich, et al. Dave Brubeck has done it! My students demonstrate a much higher degree of preparation on the ‘Stereograms’ than the other assigned material. What’s not to like? Melodies, rhythms, range, style, musicality-’Stereograms’ have it all. I hope that this is just the first of many more Etudes for the Bass Trombone.”

Don Knaub, University of Texas at Austin

“One of your students gave me your great book. I love the songs in it. Great challenge and wonderfully written. Thanks and my compliments!”

Ben van Dijk, Rotterdam Philharmonic and Rotterdam Conservatory