Hear from the talented trumpeter about his approach to music, and how he balances it with life.
Those watching the Highlanders game last week might have noticed a familiar face amongst the proceedings as McGlashan old boy Ralph marched out with the flag party to play the last post for the ANZAC ceremony!
Ralph had the whole of Forsyth Barr Stadium completely gripped as he delivered his poignant bugle calls with finesse.
The yearly ANZAC proceedings are one of the main occasions we tend to see Ralph front and centre - but you'll catch him in action all year round as the principal trumpeter of the Dunedin Symphony Orchestra and the Dunedin City Jazz Orchestra, as well as in bands of all styles ranging from Jazz to Reggae and Funk.
As anyone who's tried to pick up a Trumpet will know - it's not an easy instrument to play! It takes a lot of practice to stay fit, and clever planning and preparation to be able to pull off each gig with precision. Having a consistent routine is one of Ralph's keys to success: "As you practice - you prove to yourself that you are getting better, and the more you enjoy practicing - it's a cyclic effect."
Playing Trumpet has been a huge part of life - Ralph picked up the instrument way back in primary school, when they were visited by Saturday Morning Music. He was a shy boy but the trumpet stuck out to him, perhaps as a way to have a voice! A family connection wit Kaikorai Metropolitan Brass Band meant he jumped straight in the deep end playing alongside a section - an experience that Ralph believes caused him to improve very quickly relative to his peers, causing him to gain a lot of confidence on the instrument: "having a context and being challenged is a good thing and helps you excel where you want to".
At John McGlashan, Ralph started to get into jazz with the help of Mr Claman senior (who we wish a happy semi-retirement!). It was great to have exposure to new styles - Ralph now loves playing anything from Baroque and classical to jazz and pop: "My biggest strength is my versatility. Everything cross-pollinates and skills you learn apply skills across the board. I find I can change gear very easily and fit in to any context!"
While Ralph's talent allows him to take the lion's share of paid mahi in Ōtepoti - contending on stage amongst the best players in the country - he prefers to balance his playing with his work at the university so he can enjoy living comfortably and supporting his whānau.
"I never really considered putting all my eggs in the music basket because it can be so volatile. I don't rely on it for income but I do apply a professional mindset - I find that makes it easier than living gig to gig and keeps it fun and allows me to maintain love for the craft."
"Some gigs feel more like work than others - it's not all sunshine and roses and sometimes you play things you wouldn't choose to play, but you still always enjoy the craft of making music."
Ralph's final piece of advice for young musicians - "say yes to everything! You never know where the next gig is going to come from and people start to recognise you. Keep versatile, make sure you're open to learning new styles and variations."
We'll be looking forward to seeing Ralph on stage with the Dunedin Symphony Orchestra at the Dunedin Town Hall on June 28th for Brahms & Mataatua: A Journey in Music.
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