The Night of the Trumpet

Our AVF group was sponsoring an event in a small local château, and we were urged to sign up for

Château de Montchat

it.  We have enjoyed AVF events in the past, and the thought of going to one in a chateau (with refreshments, of course) was intriguing.  But, this event featured a gentleman talking about trumpets and related instruments.  While we definitely like listening to trumpets being played, the thought of listening to someone talk about them wasn’t exactly enticing.  Well, peer pressure won, and we signed up.

A side note:  We were taking a bus we hadn’t taken before and were a little unsure of our stop.  While we were waiting for the bus and discussing when to get off, a complete stranger came up to us and said in perfect English, “Do you need any help?  This is the bus I take often.”  David told her where we were going and what we thought the right stop would be; she said we had the right stop, she would be getting off there, too, and we should not hesitate to let her know if we needed any help or had any questions.  Again, anytime someone complains about how rude the French are, just tell them they are full of banana oil!

The audience packed the room!

Now, back to our story...The chateau was a short walk from the bus stop, and we actually got there early.  We checked in at the desk, joined ~ 148 other folks, chatted with friends, and took our seats.  Then came the big surprise…the gentleman giving the talk, Nicolas Baronnier*, was not only very knowledgeable, but his presentation was interesting and quite enjoyable. 

 


He actually explained the various factors that

The instruments discussed and demonstrated.

cause different horn designs to sound different.  (We didn’t realize, for instance, that some have round tubing and some oval, for instance.) He illustrated his points with demonstrations of a variety of instruments and music styles – even a conch!  He was very approachable and encouraged questions, and he stayed on to chat with folks.  In short, we both learned a lot and were pleased we had come.

One of his many demos to illustrate points he made.

 

 

When the presentation was over, we were surprised to see folks spontaneously standing up and

Time for refreshments.

stacking chairs.  In no time at all, the lecture hall became a venue for a variety of foods and beverages! 





David and Roger, his biking buddy, stationed themselves behind a table and were pouring various beverages – mostly sparkling wine.  (They tried charging people, but no one was taking them up on it.)

Roger and David on the right - and
 their attempt at free enterprise.

If there is a moral to this story, it would probably be to make sure you take advantage of as many opportunities as possible to hear and learn new things.  You just never know!



* Nicolas Baronnier is from the Lyon area.  He began studying piano and trumpet at the Conservatoire National de Musique de Saint Etienne and at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique de Lyon where he graduated 1^st in his class.  He has performed throughout the world and often combines his career as soloist with teaching and promoting young artists.  You can find out more about him online.