Music

Arm Pain and Stress
Douglas Yeo's Frequently Asked Questions

One in a series of "Frequently Asked Questions," Douglas Yeo writes about the issue of pain, strain and fatigue in trombonist's left arm. Several photos are included to help guide those in need of pain relief.

BACH: Sarabande from Cello Suite No. 5
The Bass Trombonists Handbook

Music and annotations by Douglas Yeo, Bass Trombonist, Boston Symphony Orchestra, for Bach Cello Suite 5 (Sarabande). Part of the "Bass Trombonist's Orchestral Handbook," a comprehensive audio-visual site designed to prepare bass trombonists for symphony orchestra auditions and careers.

BEETHOVEN: Symphony No. 9
The Bass Trombonists Handbook

Music and annotations by Douglas Yeo, Bass Trombonist, Boston Symphony Orchestra, for Beethoven: Sympnony No. 9. Part of the "Bass Trombonist's Orchestral Handbook," a comprehensive audio-visual site designed to prepare bass trombonists for symphony orchestra auditions and careers.

BERLIOZ: Hungarian March
The Bass Trombonists Handbook

Music and annotations by Douglas Yeo, Bass Trombonist, Boston Symphony Orchestra, for Berlioz: Hungarian March. Part of the "Bass Trombonist's Orchestral Handbook," a comprehensive audio-visual site designed to prepare bass trombonists for symphony orchestra auditions and careers.

Bass Trombone Discography
Douglas Yeo

As a "work in progress," Douglas Yeo, Bass Trombonist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, has complied a comprehensive discography of recordings that feature the bass trombone a solo instrument. This listing provides detailed information on how to order bass trombone solo recordings, and information about each recording including artists, composers and titles, date of recording, and label and catalog listing.

Bass Trombone Valve Systems
Douglas Yeo's Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

One in a series of "Frequently Asked Questions," Douglas Yeo, Bass Trombonist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra provides insight based on his experience as a performer and teacher on this important subject.

The Bass Trombonists Handbook
The Bass Trombonists Handbook

Music and annotations by Douglas Yeo, Bass Trombonist, Boston Symphony Orchestra. Part of the "Bass Trombonist's Orchestral Handbook," a comprehensive audio-visual site designed to prepare bass trombonists for symphony orchestra auditions and careers.

Biographical Sketch
Douglas Yeo

Douglas Yeo is the Bass Trombonist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and a member of the Faculty at Boston University School for the Arts. His many articles, publications, recordings and activities have made him a respected leader in the field of trombone performance and pedagogy.

Boning Up on the Web
The Real Issue, April/May 1996

Douglas Yeo debunks the idea that the Internet is for computer sophisticates. He chronicles his journey from a computer novice to a producer of pages for the WorldWide Web.

Breath Control
Douglas Yeo's Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

One in a series of "Frequently Asked Questions," Douglas Yeo, Bass Trombonist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra provides insight based on his experience as a performer and teacher on this important subject.

The British Brass Band
Douglas Yeo's Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

One in a series of "Frequently Asked Questions," Douglas Yeo, Bass Trombonist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra provides insight based on his experience as a performer and teacher on this important subject.

Choosing a Musical Instrument
Douglas Yeo's Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

One in a series of "Frequently Asked Questions," Douglas Yeo, Bass Trombonist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra provides insight based on his experience as a performer and teacher on this important subject.

Choosing a Trombone Mouthpiece
Douglas Yeo's Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

One in a series of "Frequently Asked Questions," Douglas Yeo, Bass Trombonist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra provides insight based on his experience as a performer and teacher on this important subject.

Church Solo Repertoire List
Douglas Yeo

Boston Symphony Orchestra Bass Trombonist Douglas Yeo has performed hundreds of solos in churches around the world Because rnany instrumentalists have contacted him over the years in order to obtain the arrangements he uses in church performance, Douglas Yeo has prepared an extensive catalog of resources that instrumentalists will find useful. Included are complete table of contents for many excellent books of arrangements, publisher information and Douglas Yeo's personal recommendations.

College-Level Bass Trombone Repertoire List
Douglas Yeo

Boston Symphony Orchestra Bass Trombonist Douglas Yeo has prepared a list of repertoire he uses in his teaching studio with undergraduate and graduate level bass trombone students. He also uses this material in his personal practice on a daily basis and has found the variety of repertoire to be effective in developing the complete bass trombone artist.

A Doctor's Deep, Deep Devotion
Douglas Yeo

Dro. Roger Challoner Green had a goal: to produce the world's first recording of bass trombone solos accompanied by a British Brass Band. The result of his labors was the critically acclaimed CD recording, PROCLAMATION, featuring Douglas Yeo, Bass Trombonist of the Boston Symphony, and England's Black Dyke Mills Band. Roger told the remarkable story of how this project came about in a 300 page book, "In Pursuit of a Dream." This article, by Brian Hunt and reprinted from the London Daily Telegraph, gives a bit of background on the inspirational character which is Roger Green - a story of perseverence, love and devotion.

Doug Yeo's Schedule
Douglas Yeo

Douglas Yeo, Bass Trombonist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, travels extensively. In addition to the events listed in his schedule, Douglas Yeo performs with the Boston Symphony Orchestra at Symphony Hall, Boston, from October - April; with the Boston Pops Orchestra from May -June, and with the Boston Symphony Orchestra at Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphony in July and August. Mr. Yeo is available for speaking, recitals and master classes in conjunction with many of the events listed in his schedule.

Douglas Yeo FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions

Boston Symphony Orchestra Bass Trombonist Douglas Yeo has been teaching students of the trombone for over 20 years. In this section, he answers some of the most frequently asked questions students have asked him. The issues covered include practicing, score study, doubling, developing breath control, choosing an instrument, and the all important issue of performance standards - how "good" is "good enough?"

FRANCK: Symphony in d minor - Excerpt 1
The Bass Trombonists Handbook

Music and annotations by Douglas Yeo, Bass Trombonist, Boston Symphony Orchestra, for Franck: Symphony in dm, first movement. Part of the "Bass Trombonist's Orchestral Handbook," a comprehensive audio-visual site designed to prepare bass trombonists for symphony orchestra auditions and careers.

FRANCK: Symphony in d minor - Excerpt 2
The Bass Trombonists Handbook

Music and annotations by Douglas Yeo, Bass Trombonist, Boston Symphony Orchestra, for Franck: Symphony in dm, third movement. Part of the "Bass Trombonist's Orchestral Handbook," a comprehensive audio-visual site designed to prepare bass trombonists for symphony orchestra auditions and careers.

HAYDN: The Creation - No. 26
The Bass Trombonists Handbook

Music and annotations by Douglas Yeo, Bass Trombonist, Boston Symphony Orchestra, for Haydn: The Creation. Part of the "Bass Trombonist's Orchestral Handbook," a comprehensive audio-visual site designed to prepare bass trombonists for symphony orchestra auditions and careers.

The Hidden Hope in Lament
Dan Allender

Silent despair is a treasonous refusal to cry out to God...it leads to death. Laments vocalize our doubts and our anger at God...and in our cry, hope oddly dawns. Dan Allender listens to the sounds of sorrow in African American spirituals and is reminded of the Psalms.

How to Pursue a Career as an Orchestral Musician
Douglas Yeo

I am often asked about the process that is required to become an orchestral musician. While my resource "Symphony Auditions: Preparation and Execution" gives an intimate look into the audition process itself, this article speaks about ways in which aspiring musicians can get on the track toward achieving the goal of a chair in a symphony orchestra.

An Interview with Ashley Cleveland
Shirley Simmons and Nita Andrews

If Roget ever decided to publish a thesaurus on musicians, this descriptive might be the first in the list of antonyms for Ashley Cleveland's entry. Her singing, her songwriting, her guitar playing, her faith, and, most importantly to her on the horizontal plane, her living in the context of family-all are experienced and spoken about by this Grammy Award-winning artist in emotional, passionate, "hot-or-cold" fashion.

Interview: David Wilcox
Kirk Webb

In the past few years singer-songwriter David Wilcox has emerged from being a street busker and bar entertainer to become an accomplished concert hall performer. His folk style resembles that of James Taylor, but his lyrics transcend the earthy images for which Taylor is known. Many who know Wilcox's music may disagree that his songs speak of matters of faith. Indeed, the message is rarely clear. Bar crowds sing along with him, caught up in his stories without realizing they are singing of something or Someone beyond the moment. Perhaps that is Wilcox's greatest talent. He tells parables and stories that speak of God and love in a way that invites the audience to consider the point of his words without demanding any more of them than simply to enjoy an evening of music.

Making Light of It: A Conversation With Pierce Pettis
Stuart C. Hancock

An interview with Pierce Pettis.

Mastering the Trombone
Douglas Yeo

Douglas Yeo, Bass Trombonist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, has recently published a new book called "Mastering the Trombone." Written with his former teacher Edward Kleinhammer, retired bass trombonist of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the book is a significant addition to trombone pedagogy.

Me, Myself and I
Are Orchestral Brass Players Losing the Concept of Being Team Players?

When brass players get together, the conversation inevitably turns to equipment and "How loudly can you play?" This article, originally posted on the trombone-l email discussion list and later published in the International Trombone Association Journal, presents Douglas Yeo's thoughts on the "louder is better" school of brass playing and is an appeal for brass players to once again return to the fold and work as part of a unified team within the orchestra who's goal is a balanced, beautiful musical product.

The Modern Symphony Orchestra
Turmoil, Liberation and Redemption

Symphony orchestras in the United States have been undergoing a period of transition as they adapt to the changing classical music marketplace. Orchestra strikes and lockouts have been increasingly common and a number of orchestras have folded as a result of increasing economic and market pressures. Douglas Yeo, Bass Trombonist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, wrote this article for a Festschrift titled THE OIL IS OUR WORSHIP: THE WATER IS OUR SERVICE published by his undergraduate alma mater, Wheaton College (IL) in celebration of the retirement of his mentor, Dr. Harold M. Best, dean of the Wheaton College Conservatory of Music. In it, he outlines a proposed solution for the current climate of discontent among symphony orchestra musicians built upon a model of cooperation and contentment that is hundreds of years old.

The Mozart Effect
First Things, March 1999

Linton debunks the exaggerated claim of profiteers that Mozart's music affects intelligence and well-being.

Mozart's Requiem
Douglas Yeo Articles

This article had its genesis as a real time internet discussion on the trombone-l email discussion list between Douglas Yeo and musicologist Howard Weiner of Freiberg, Germany. The discussion was edited by Derrick Parker for "The Trombonist" magazine (the journal of the British Trombone Society) and enlightens the use of trombonesby Mozart in his last work, his Requiem Mass.

Music Score Study
Douglas Yeo's Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

One in a series of "Frequently Asked Questions," Douglas Yeo, Bass Trombonist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra provides insight based on his experience as a performer and teacher on this important subject.

Music and the Christian
Jerry Solomon

Christians are encouraged to begin to think about the place and influence of music in their lives.

Noise Levels on Stage
Douglas Yeo's Frequently Asked Questions

One in a series of "Frequently Asked Questions," Douglas Yeo discusses the important issue of "noise" levels on stage in concert halls, the problems, proposed solutions, and how the federal government is getting involved in the issue through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

On The Tip Of His Tongue: A Tribute to Mark Heard, 1951-1992
Doug Wheeler

The gifted and prolific songwriter-musician Mark Heard died in July of 1992 at the age of forty, following two heart attacks. Hailing originally from Macon, Georgia, but spending the majority of his writing career in the Los Angeles area, he left behind a musical legacy that is staggering in both length and substance.

Orchestral Trombone Audition Repertoire List
Douglas Yeo Resources

This resource gives comprehensive lists of orchestral audition excerpts for both tenor and bass trombone including online links to the music required which may be found both in Douglas Yeo's Bass Trombone Orchestral Handbook and other web sites.

Orchestras on Strike
Douglas Yeo's Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

One in a series of "Frequently Asked Questions," Douglas Yeo, Bass Trombonist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra provides insight based on his experience as a performer and teacher on this important subject.

Other WWW Links of Interest to Musicians
Douglas Yeo

Douglas Yeo, Bass Trombonist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, presents some of his favorite WWW links.

Performance Standards: How Good is Good Enough?
Douglas Yeo's Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

One in a series of "Frequently Asked Questions," Douglas Yeo, Bass Trombonist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra provides insight based on his experience as a performer and teacher on this important subject.

Performing the Bach Cello Suites on Trombone
Douglas Yeo's Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

One in a series of "Frequently Asked Questions," Douglas Yeo, Bass Trombonist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra provides insight based on his experience as a performer and teacher on this important subject.

Proclamation
Douglas Yeo

Douglas Yeo, Bass Trombonist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, has released his first solo recording accompanied by the famous Black Dyke Mills Band of England. This resource includes information about the recording, an order form as well as complete program notes for all selections on the recording.

Pros and Cons to a Career as an Orchestral Musician

I love my job as bass trombonist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. But I am often asked what the pros and cons are to having such a job. In this article I have tried to present both sides of the coin as well as my view of the balance one needs to strike in order to enjoy such a demanding job.

The Puzzle of Our Lives
Douglas Yeo

Douglas Yeo, Bass Trombonist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and faculty rnember at Boston University School for the Arts relates his answer to the frequently asked question, "How did you get where you are today?" His message of challenge, hope and comfort is an encouragement to all who seek fulfillment and balance in life whether in music or other disciplines.

R. STRAUSS: Till Eulenspiegel - Excerpt 1
The Bass Trombonists Handbook

Music and annotations by Douglas Yeo, Bass Trombonist, Boston Symphony Orchestra, for R. Strauss: Till eulenspiegel. Part of the "Bass Trombonist's Orchestral Handbook," a comprehensive audio-visual site designed to prepare bass trombonists for symphony orchestra auditions and careers.

R. STRAUSS: Till Eulenspiegel - Excerpt 2
The Bass Trombonists Handbook

Music and annotations by Douglas Yeo, Bass Trombonist, Boston Symphony Orchestra, for R. Strauss: Till eulenspiegel. Part of the "Bass Trombonist's Orchestral Handbook," a comprehensive audio-visual site designed to prepare bass trombonists for symphony orchestra auditions and careers.

ROSSINI: William Tell Overture
The Bass Trombonists Handbook

Music and annotations by Douglas Yeo, Bass Trombonist, Boston Symphony Orchestra, for Rossini: William Tell Overture. Part of the "Bass Trombonist's Orchestral Handbook," a comprehensive audio-visual site designed to prepare bass trombonists for symphony orchestra auditions and careers.

Recital Program Notes
Douglas Yeo

On March 31, 1997, Douglas Yeo gave an important recital in Jordan Hall in Boston, Massachusetts. Accompanied by orchestra, band and piano, and including works performed both on bass trombone and serpent, he has put the program notes from the recital on-line in response to many requests for them.

Requiem for the Unborn
First Things, August/September 1996

A recently released CD entitled "Sacred Music of the 20th Century" is primarily devoted to a cantana by John Boyle called "Requiem for the Unborn." This piece was recorded by Kurt Sprenger, the Warsaw National Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Warsaw Natio

Rock Music
Jerry Solomon

Rock music continues to occupy an important place in the lives of millions of youth, including Christians. This essay encourages us to Stop, Listen, and Look as we listen to rock. Since the music is not inherently evil, discernment is the key.

SCHUMANN: Symphony No. 3 ("Rhenish")
The Bass Trombonists Handbook

Music and annotations by Douglas Yeo, Bass Trombonist, Boston Symphony Orchestra, for Schumann: Symphony No. 3 ("Rhenish"). Part of the "Bass Trombonist's Orchestral Handbook," a comprehensive audio-visual site designed to prepare bass trombonists for symphony orchestra auditions and careers.

Selected Publications and Discography
Douglas Yeo

Douglas Yeo is the Bass Trombonist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and a member of the Faculty at Boston University School for the Arts. His many articles, publications, recordings and activities have made him a respected leader in the field of trombone performance and pedagogy.

Serpent Night at The Boston Museum of Fine Arts
Douglas Yeo Articles

A photo/journalistic article that documents a recent presentation by Douglas Yeo at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts at which he demonstrated the museum's collection of serpents and related instruments.

Suggestions on Doubling on more than One Instrument
Douglas Yeo's Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

One in a series of "Frequently Asked Questions," Douglas Yeo, Bass Trombonist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra provides insight based on his experience as a performer and teacher on this important subject.

Symphony Auditions: Preparation and Execution
Douglas Yeo

Douglas Yeo, Bass Trombonist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. has tvritten extensively in professional music publications on the subject of taking symphony orchestra auditions. Drawing on his experience as a performer and as an audition committee member, this new article, Frorn his book in progress, "The Trombonist's Orchestral Handbook," is a comprehensive look at preparation for and successful execution of symphony auditions. This article offers practical tips on audition preparation, resume writing, making an audition tape and an honest, inside look at the audition process.

Take 1
Douglas Yeo Publications and Discography

Gateway to information about Douglas Yeo's newest solo CD recording, Take 1, including complete information, reviews, program notes and order form.

Taking High School Auditions (All State)
Douglas Yeo's Frequently Asked Questions

One in a series of "Frequently Asked Questions," Douglas Yeo gives tips and suggestions on how young players can better prepare to take auditions including those for county, district and All-State groups.

Tempted by a Serpent
Douglas Yeo

Several years ago, Douglas Yeo, bass trombonist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, began a happy relationship with that most unusual of wind instruments, the serpent. This article, reprinted from the Boston Symphony Orchestra program book, gives a brief history of the serpent and contains fascinating source material from Berlioz and others on the development of early brass instruments.

To Craft The Night Watch: An Interview with Terry Taylor
Devlin Donaldson

Terry Taylor is nothing if not a survivor. He has fronted the band Daniel Amos for twenty years now. In the early days of the group, they were the darlings of the west coast Calvary Chapel scene in contemporary Christian music. Since then, some daring creative choices have taken Terry and his band down some winding, curvy roads that, in some instances, alienated their early following. In many ways Daniel Amos (a.k.a. DA and da) are the founders and progenitors of the Christian alternative music scene.

The View from the Back Row
Douglas Yeo

Douglas Yeo, Bass Trombonist of the boston Symphony Orchestra, discusses his philosophy of music and music performance from his vantage point in the back row of a professional symphony orchestra. Beginning with the premise that music is an intense spiritual experience that brings man closer to God, he speaks of the great privilege, responsibility and joy that comes from making music as an offering to the Creator of all things.

WAGNER: Das Rheingold - Scene 2 ("Valhalla motive")
The Bass Trombonists Handbook

Music and annotations by Douglas Yeo, Bass Trombonist, Boston Symphony Orchestra, for Wagner: Das Rheingold, Scene 2 (Valhalla Motive). Part of the "Bass Trombonist's Orchestral Handbook," a comprehensive audio-visual site designed to prepare bass trombonists for symphony orchestra auditions and careers.

WAGNER: Das Rheingold - Scene 4 - Entrance of the Gods to Valhalla
The Bass Trombonists Handbook

Music and annotations by Douglas Yeo, Bass Trombonist, Boston Symphony Orchestra, for Wagner: Das Rheingold, Scene 4 (Entrance of the gods into Valhalla). Part of the "Bass Trombonist's Orchestral Handbook," a comprehensive audio-visual site designed to prepare bass trombonists for symphony orchestra auditions and careers.

WAGNER: Das Rheingold - Spear motive
The Bass Trombonists Handbook

Music and annotations by Douglas Yeo, Bass Trombonist, Boston Symphony Orchestra, for Wagner: Das Rheingold, Scene 2 (Spear Motive). Part of the "Bass Trombonist's Orchestral Handbook," a comprehensive audio-visual site designed to prepare bass trombonists for symphony orchestra auditions and careers.

WAGNER: Die Walkure - "Ride of the Walkure" - B major
The Bass Trombonists Handbook

Music and annotations by Douglas Yeo, Bass Trombonist, Boston Symphony Orchestra, for Wagner: Die Walkure (Ride of the Walkure - B major). Part of the "Bass Trombonist's Orchestral Handbook," a comprehensive audio-visual site designed to prepare bass trombonists for symphony orchestra auditions and careers.

WAGNER: Die Walkure - "Ride of the Walkure" - b minor
The Bass Trombonists Handbook

Music and annotations by Douglas Yeo, Bass Trombonist, Boston Symphony Orchestra, for Wagner: Die Walkure (Ride of the Walkure - b minor). Part of the "Bass Trombonist's Orchestral Handbook," a comprehensive audio-visual site designed to prepare bass trombonists for symphony orchestra auditions and careers.

What Expectations Should Teachers have of Students? Students of Teachers?
Douglas Yeo's Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

One in a series of "Frequently Asked Questions," Douglas Yeo, Bass Trombonist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra provides insight based on his experience as a performer and teacher on this important subject.

What is The Best Way to Practice?
Douglas Yeo's Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

One in a series of "Frequently Asked Questions," Douglas Yeo, Bass Trombonist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra provides insight based on his experience as a performer and teacher on this important subject.

When Parents Won't Parent, Trouble is Ahead
Douglas Yeo Articles

A frequent contributor to his home town newspaper, The Lexington Minuteman, this column is one of Douglas Yeo's most oft requested items. Taking as its starting point survey data that showed rising drug use among teens in Massachusetts and an alarming resignation of parents to the fact, he opines on the root of the problem with a call for parents to take a more active role in the parenting of their children.

Winning isn't the Only Thing
Douglas Yeo

Douglas Yeo, Bass Trombonist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and member of the faculty at Boston University School for the Arts, is heavily involved in influencing public education and policy in his community, Lexington, Massachusetts. This article outlines his experience organizing a public referendum ballot guestion on the issue of condom distribution in public schools and how the music of Alban Berg and J.S. Bach was instrumental In providing him with insight and a proper perspective.

Yeo v. Town of Lexington
Douglas Yeo

The landmark case of Yeo v. Town of Lexington, et. al. is one of the most important First Amendment/Free Speech cases to be decided in recent years by the United States Courts. The case, which was brought by Douglas Yeo, Bass Trombonist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Chairman of the Lexingotn Parents Information Network, is an important decision regarding advertising in public fora and viewpoint discrimination.

Yeo, Douglas
Bass Trombonist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra

Douglas Yeo is the Bass Trombonist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and a member of the Faculty at Boston University School for the Arts. His many articles, publications, recordings and activities have made him a respected leader in the field of trombone performance and pedagogy.