Social Distancing Warm-up (Daily at 11 am EST)

Have you heard the news?

XO Trombone Artist Harry Watters is hosting a daily warm-up session FREE every weekday at 11am EST. It’s not just for trombone – it’s definitely for all brass, but really for all wind instruments.

We had a quick chat with Mr. Watters today and one of his first statements was “When I grow up I want to be a band director!” 🙂 He clearly values music educators for all they do. This ‘social distancing warm-up series’ is giving him a chance to help musicians of all ages – “from elementary band kids up through age 90. We’ve had people attend from all around the world – Asia, South America, Europe – it’s been remarkable.”

“Routine is really important during this time. Establishing a schedule is good for musical development and also mental health. We’re all in this together and we’ll get through this together. I hope this allows people to think about music in a different way in a different environment. I hope this series allows people to think about practicing a bit differently, while being reminded of important concepts engrained by their teachers.”

Sessions focus on FUNDAMENTALS that can be applied to all instruments, such as:

Tone quality
Breathing
Pitch
Rhythm
Concentration
Relaxation

Watters wants to “focus on the non-negotiables that people should work on people first pick up their instruments and every day after. The pursuit to get better on these fundamentals never ends. The process is what’s so enjoyable.”

The Social Distancing Warm-up Series’ airs on Harry Watters’ Facebook page at 11:00 am Eastern Time and run 20-40 minutes. The recording is then uploaded to his YouTube channel so it can be accessed at any time.

One of the main goals is to KEEP THIS FUN! Mr. Watters was very clear about his openness to suggestions and requests from directors who would like him to address a specific musical topics (especially subjects that apply to all musicians). Suggestions and requests may be emailed to him directly at harryfrankwatters@gmail.com.

Finally, we chatted about our mutual experiences with KHS America (Jupiter & XO-professional line). Mr. Watters stated “I’ve been an XO artist with KHS for 12 years and have been consistently impressed with their unwavering support of music education. I am honored to be associated with them.” Band Directors Talk Shop feels the same way! The support we get by having KHS America as a business partner allows us to keep this website free for band directors everywhere.

If you’d like to know more about KHS America and the Academic Alliance for music educators, now’s a great time to check it out. In May, they’ll be giving away a set of Mapex Quantum Mark II series marching drums – find out more and sign up HERE.

Want a video to inspire your kids to warm-up with Harry Watters every day? Share this one with them!

Let your students know – The Social Distancing Warm-up Series’ airs on Harry Watters’ Facebook page at 11:00 am Eastern Time and run 20-40 minutes. The recording is then uploaded to his YouTube channel so it can be accessed at any time. Let’s continue making music together!

Jazz Trombonist Harry Watters travels nationally and internationally as a Jupiter Artist. His numerous Summit Records releases include the popular Love Songs and the three critically acclaimed Brothers discs with trumpeter Ken Watters.
After graduation from the University of North Texas, Harry spent four years touring and recording with the renowned Dukes of Dixieland. While working at night on Bourbon Street, a sleep-deprived Watters attended the University of New Orleans by day, serving as the graduate assistant to Professor Ellis Marsalis.
Watters has performed with Doc Severinsen, Al Hirt, Pete Fountain, Erich Kunzel, Kevin Mahogany, Wycliffe Gordon, Lou Rawls, Maureen McGovern, Bill Watrous, Carl Fontana, Jiggs Whiggam, James Moody, Peter Erskine, Conrad Herwig, John Fedchock and the Boston Brass as well as symphonies around the country.
Harry is constantly in demand as a Jupiter Artist and Clinician. He has presented his “Power Practicing” seminar at the American Band College, the Jazz Education Network National Conference, the Association of Concert Bands’ National Convention, and universities and high schools throughout the United States.
Harry is married to violist and keyboardist Holly Watters of the U.S. Army Strings. They reside in Alexandria, Virginia with their three children Harry V, Katherine the 1st & Lady Caroline.

KHS America is a family of brands that includes Jupiter, Mapex, and Majestic. KHS America supports band directors is many ways, and becoming a business partner of BandDirectorsTalkShop.com is just one of them. We are grateful for their support!

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