Dark Force Ascension

LISTEN TO DARK FORCE ASCENSION

This assignment was to write two minutes of orchestral hip hop. I considered the term hip hop to mean a modern groove. These days, hip hop subsumes a wide range of styles, and I chose a direction that was a little more mainstream.

I found a place within it where I could play trombone and in so doing, pretended for a few seconds I was a symphonic guy in the back of the orchestra. Ha!

I also got to play with some other colors such as a large choir and some different string textures. Since this could be used as a music bed under dialog, I dialed back the sound effects and transitional elements. 

Preview / Buy Book

Being familiar with the great alto trombone playing of Michael Lake, I can attest that his words of wisdom don’t come from a theoretician, but from a remarkably  accomplished artist. I highly recommend this great book!!”

– Cristian Ganicenco, Principal Trombone, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra

I really like this interesting and well-disposed book. So many good thoughts, facts and tips on alto trombone. Good guidance for the searching alto souls out there. A must-have for the shelves.

– Håkan Björkman, Principal Trombone at Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra

I highly recommend Alto Trombone Savvy for players around the world wanting advice on handling the alto trombone at the highest level. Classical and jazz players both share the same challenges, and it’s great to have this book in either bass or alto clef to help answer some of those challenges.

– Carsten Svanberg, International Trombone Soloist and Professor of Trombone at the University of Music and Arts Graz

For anyone interested in learning to play the alto trombone, whether for classical or jazz, this book is a must. Clearly written, with excellent exercises and links to audio examples, Michael Lake has provided the trombone world with a wonderful new resource.

– Ralph Sauer, Former Principal Trombone, Los Angeles Philharmonic