Musical rain clouds are in the forecast
Recently I interviewed the wonderful trumpeter and human being Phil Snedecor, and have shared it on multiple platforms I own, notably the Trumpet Dynamics podcast, This Is What We C.R.A.V.E. podcast, and recently the Broke v. Busy podcast.
Phil is a successful Independent Publisher and Performing Artist in his own right, having recently published a terrific book titled Making Rain, and Other Adventures On Trumpet. I want to take a few minutes in this short blurb to share some of the highlights from the book, and encourage you to listen to my interview with Phil.
In the opening lines of the book, Phil beautifully captures the essence of creation – the act of bringing something into existence that didn’t exist before. He recounts his own experience when he realized that in his town, there was a need for a full-time, elite-level brass ensemble. That realization became the spark that ignited his passion for filling that need, and thus, the Washington Symphonic Brass was founded.
“Making Rain” is not just a memoir; it is a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit that drives musicians to turn their passion into a thriving career. Phil emphasizes that the mark of any successful endeavor, be it in the corporate world or the music industry, lies in recognizing the needs of the people and finding innovative ways to meet them. He beautifully correlates this principle to the world of music, where while some may argue that nobody “needs” music, it is an undeniable truth that everybody “needs” music. Music is the soul’s nourishment, a source of entertainment, a channel to connect with our emotions and foster lasting connections with others.
As Phil shares his experiences through the pages of his book, he takes us on a journey of exploring the significance of providing that soulful necessity to others. He emphasizes the importance of pursuing one’s passion and the joy of sharing that passion with the world. Phil’s words resonate with a clarion call to action: just go out there and create. Share your unique melodies with the universe, and to make a living from the very thing you love doing the most.
Throughout the book, Phil weaves a tapestry of adventures, each representing a step toward honing his craft and evolving as a musician. By sharing the joys of victory, and sometimes humbling agony of defeat, we learn the true magic of being a musician lies in embracing the entrepreneurial mindset. Finding innovative ways to get paid for doing what you love, breaking free from the conventional norms, and creating a life that revolves around the art that fuels your soul.
In conclusion, Making Rain and Other Adventures On Trumpet is a conversational, entertaining and deeply personal memoir that pays homage to the power of music, the significance of recognizing and fulfilling a need, and the joy of turning one’s passion into a prosperous career. It is a call to all musicians, from newbies to grizzled veterans, to take their distinct voices and bring them to life in ways that touch lives and inspire others.
To purchase Phil’s book, click here.
To listen to my interview with Phil, click here.
To your success,
James D. Newcomb