Scott Mendoker-

Senior Tubist. University of Hartford Philadelphia Brass:

On Saturday, January 28th, the Israel Tuba Duo (Avital Handler and Haim Mazar) presented a 90 minute master class followed by a recital. In the well-attended master class run by Ms. Handler, the participants were treated to everything from body awareness to how to get your musical ideas across to your colleagues AND the audience. Avital stressed the importance of the body/breath relationship by getting the students to march around the hall. Awareness of oneself was discussed. How to play under duress (out of breath) as well as a terrific visual example, in the form of a contest, of constant air flow by keeping a piece of tissue paper held in place on the wall with only the breath were illustrated beautifully. And toward the end of the session, the students were asked to sit in a circle and "communicate" by playing a note while looking at a person who, in turn, had to play the next note in the same style and volume while looking at another person, etc... This was a great chamber music exercise and a wonderful way to open a discussion about musical responsibility.

The recital was a very successful musical event that showed the large Berkman Recital Hall crowd what the end result could be IF you followed the suggestions put forth by Ms. Handler in the aforementioned master class. Both Avital and her equally talented partner, Mr. Haim Mazar, played with wonderful musical expression and line. What a treat it was to hear two superb musicians who could seemly read each other's mind! Intonation was spot-on and the seamless way in which the phrases were traded, expanded upon and brought to their satisfying conclusions made us all aware that we were listening to something very special. And the banter in-between each selection was both entertaining and educational.

Wonderful teaching and exceptional playing made for a fantastic experience for those of us lucky enough to be in attendance. 

Scott Mendoker, tuba
Senior Artist Teacher
The Hartt School/University of Hartford
Philadelphia Brass
www.philadelphiabrass.com