Interview With A Bass Trombonist: Patrick Corbett

I am going to go out on a limb, here, and say that Washington D.C. has perhaps the highest quality and quantity of brass players of any city on the globe. A bold statement? The National Symphony Orchestra and the Washington National Opera both have the typical compliment of brass players in their ranks, but this city has only these two major orchestras. London, on the other hand, has more than 5 major orchestras! It is the military bands of D.C. , however, which set this city apart from the others.

The military bands of Washington, D.C., including the U.S. Marine, Army, Navy and Air Force boast dozens and dozens of the finest brass players in the United States. They come from the best schools in the country and competition to gain entry into these bands is extremely fierce. I consider myself very fortunate to live in an area with such a fabulous musical resource.

I also can call some of these fine brass players friends as well as colleagues. This week’s featured interview is Patrick Corbett of the United States Marine Band, “The President’s Own”. We have known each other for many years, dating back to our days as N.E.C. students, and we have been know to play a round or two of golf together.

This is a great guy and amazing bass trombonist you are going to read about below. Enjoy!

Patrick Corbett, Bass Trombone
Master Gunnery Sergeant, United States Marine Band
“The President’s Own”

Studies :
Sam Houston State University, 1985 Batchelor Music Education
New England Conservatory, Graduate studies
Rice University, 1988 Masters in Music, Trombone Performance

Bass Trombonist:
United States Marine Band, 1988 – present
Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, 1989 – present
Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, 1991 – present
Maryland Symphony Orchestra, 1990 – 1999

Pat has performed with:
Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra, National Philharmonic Orchestra, National Gallery Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra and Houston Symphony Orchestra.

THE INTERVIEW

Matthew Guilford: Why do you play the bass trombone?

Patrick Corbett: It’s more like I ended up on bass trombone. I started on trombone in 5th grade, but my older brother also played trombone and sharing an instrument just didn’t work. I soon switched to baritone and played it for the next few years. In 8th grade I wanted to be in the jazz band and since I hadn’t played trombone much and the only horn the school had was a single valve Reynolds bass trombone I ended up on the third part. I instantly caught the bass trombone bug realizing that the low part was the cool part. So I’m probably one of the few bass trombonists that never played tenor.

M.G.: When did you decide your make music your career?

P.C.: When I was a junior in high school I thought I would enjoy being a high school band director.

M.G.: Were your parents supportive of your career choice?

P.C.: My parents were and have been very supportive. Even though they didn’t really understand, they never once tried to push me in another direction.

M.G.: What were the factors involved in choosing a college?

P.C.: This will be a long answer because it takes shape over several years. When I graduated from high school performing had not crossed my mind as a career option. A close friend of mine was a music education and bass trombone major at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas. Sam Houston State was the main school for music education in southeast Texas. I applied and auditioned and began the next fall. My teacher there was a remarkable man named Henry “Skip” Howey. Skip had grown up in Chicago and studied with Ed Kleinhammer. Skip is a wonderful teacher who taught me how to play the trombone and instilled in me a passion for orchestral music. I had never had private lessons prior to college and, believe me, I needed exactly what he taught. As I began my senior year, I thought I would try performing as a career. With no idea what I was doing, I decided to give myself five years to try before I would start teaching. Skip suggested I go to graduate school and study with Doug Yeo at Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore. I contacted Doug and was preparing to audition when he notified me that he had just won the job with the Boston Symphony. A short while later he said he would be teaching at NEC. I applied and was accepted to start in the fall of 1985. I arrived in Boston with no experience and I mean none. I had only played with an orchestra once and I don’t even remember what piece it was. Needless to say I was behind, but met I some wonderful people Julie Josephson, Mike Zion and Matt Guilford to name a few, and I began to play and study. Doug was exactly the right teacher at the right time. He instilled confidence and set a standard that I reach for to this day. My playing was coming along but, I soon realized that what I needed most was experience. I didn’t feel I was going to get it at NEC since Matt had the top ensembles locked up. While home in Houston on spring break 1986, I called David Waters, bass trombonist in the Houston Symphony, to play for him. It ended up being one of the best things that ever happened to me. After playing for a while, Dave asked me if I’d be interested in transferring to Rice University in the fall. He offered a full scholarship plus a small stipend to teach non-majors. The orchestra played a concert every three weeks and I would be playing every concert. This sounded perfect, free school and the experience I needed. Once again, I was blessed with the right teacher at the right time. Where Skip taught me how to play, Doug taught me to be a good student and set goals, Dave put it all together for me to become the musician I am today. I often think about how disastrous it would have been to have studied with these three great teachers in the wrong order.

M.G.: What/who were your biggest musical influences early on? What about now?

P.C.: Of course my teachers were, but now I would have to say it’s my colleagues in the Marine Band. I’m fortunate to work with a great group of people who inspire me every day.

M.G.: Did you consider any career(s) other than music?

P.C.: No

M.G.: What do you like to do completely outside of music?

P.C.: I enjoy playing golf and doing projects around the house. I like taking things apart and seeing how they work.

M.G.: What is your pet-peeve with your students?

P.C.: I’m baffled by how many students have never listened to their instrument. There are so many great recordings easily available. It’s important to listen to other musicians in order to develop and refine your own style and sound.

M.G.: What is the best piece of advice you can give to an aspiring young basstrombonist?

P.C.: Develop a good sound and always understand your role in the ensemble. I’ve heard many performances ruined by a bass trombonist dominating for no other reason than he could.

M.G.: What are some of the highlights of your musical life?

P.C.: In the summer of 2001, the Marine Band traveled to Luzern, Switzerland and played for the WASBE (World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles) convention. We played four concerts in five days to enthusiastic audiences. I will always remember those spectacular concerts.

M.G.: What characteristics do you admire in others that you do not see inyourself?(or would like to see more of in yourself)

P.C.: I admire people that are willing to take more chances. I missed some great opportunities by being too cautious.

M.G.: What is the last book (or books) you have read?

P.C.: Basket Case by Carl Hiaasen

M.G.: What’s in your I-Pod (or what do you listen to for pleasure)?

P.C.: I like listening to film music. Right now I’m listening to music from Bullitt by Lalo Schrifin and The Magnificant Seven by Elmer Bernstein. I also listen to Willie Nelson. I enjoy his great style and unique phrasing.

M.G.: What are the greatest challenges of playing in “The President’s Own”? What are the best and worst things about your job?

P.C.: I think the biggest challenge is taking care of my chops. Playing outside in extreme weather takes its toll and requires a commitment to maintain my playing. I enjoy my job. I get to witness a lot of significant historical events. I played in the orchestra at President Reagan’s funeral and countless other events at the White House. I also enjoy the fact that we take music to the people. When we go on tour, we always try to go to small towns as well as the big cities. It’s always a thrill to hear people say “I can’t believe the Marine Band came to our town.”