Alan Baer Posted June 26, 2012 Share Posted June 26, 2012 (edited) I am so pleased to see that an old instructor of mine, Dr. Larry Tinnerman, is once again involved with drum corps. Back in the late 1970's and early 80's I had the unique opportunity to be taught by this individual. What really struck me was the unorthodox style of teaching that he used. He constantly came up with new techniques for brass instruction that were unheard of at the time. He decided that brass changed pitch over distance and designed a grade scale forturning different instruments so that their intonation was perfect at the point where it was to be received, in the audience. He guided every group though aprocess of imagery that totally connected the cognitive and emotional selves.No one could ever explain it. But it always worked. I think that LarryTinnerman has overseen more successful programs over the years than I can even count. Yes, there were a few duds along the way, but that is to be expected from a person who was more concerned with the performer than he was with his own ego. With the groups I performed in, he always had a vision that was AMAZING. He was able to have a group turn a crowd on it's ear on command. There are many who disagreed with his methods... but most of those individual found themselves leaving the field well before his groups. All the way back in HighSchool, where I first met Larry, McDowell had placed in the top three of Bands of America for several years and was locally undefeated for a dynasty of 10 full years. In each case, Larry wrote the wind book, taught the wind book andcoordinated the program with Drew Klaus. Later, he took a program and made asilks purse out of a cows ear (1995 Excaliber, from Erie, PA.) The very nextyear, he joined the staff of one of DCA's premiere drum corps, Steel CityAmbassadors, and helped propel that group, along with one of the finest staffcombination in the 1980's to international prominence. He has done every job known to man when itcomes to marching pageantry. He hasplayed bugle, Played Bass Drum, Spun a flag (although I do not think he wouldever admit that), and wrote some of the percussion parts (drum solo if I remember correctly) for McDowell when theytook 3rd in Summer Nationals. Wrote and created a drill program in 2 weeks for the 1981 or 82 ? Steel CityAmbassadors… taught it and took second in a DCA show where they had onlylearned the exit drill that afternoon. Larry has had an inspirational role in the lives of many of his studentswho have gone on to instruct other groups. He has taught alongside some of the best over the years. I wish I had the opportunity to see thislatest effort, but unfortunately, I will be on tour in Europe all summer. I do not know if you will see this, but, bestof luck, and Thank you. Alan Baer PrincipalTuba for the New York Philharmonic Edited June 26, 2012 by Alan Baer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary Matczak Posted June 26, 2012 Share Posted June 26, 2012 Hey Al,....Just saw Larry on Memorial Day with Steel City, he warmed up the hornline, and ran some tunes with his normal calm, cool, and collected demeanor......and just previous to that at a Tbird gathering,...........when it comes to outdoor performance arts, he is a true scientist.......I always enjoy talking with Larry,..........he has interesting perspectives on things,........ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hairbear Posted June 26, 2012 Share Posted June 26, 2012 Larry is being "assimilated". He isn't aware of it, but soon, I hope to have him in a Bengals shirt. He already eats Skyline Chili, regularly! Cincinnati is his new home away from home. Yes, he is working wonders here with Cincinnati Tradition. There is nobody better at tuning, balancing and blending a hornline, in the entire country. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kamarag Posted June 26, 2012 Share Posted June 26, 2012 (edited) ]He decided that brass changed pitch over distance and designed a grade scale forturning different instruments so that their intonation was perfect at the point where it was to be received, in the audience. I find this very interesting. Is there any documentation on his experimentation and results? Edited June 26, 2012 by Kamarag Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ywpkm0 Posted June 27, 2012 Share Posted June 27, 2012 Hey Al Larry is doing very well and developing the Cincinnnatti Tradition. We have collaborated and he is in there every week guiding them on. I hope he gets the chance to read your nice praise. Good luck in Europe and perhaps we'll see you sometime. BTW-Larry's working on his second Doctorate... All the best! Steve Cooley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donny Drum Corps Posted June 27, 2012 Share Posted June 27, 2012 When I think of Larry...I immediately think, balance and blend! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KeithHall Posted June 27, 2012 Share Posted June 27, 2012 Didn't he spend some time playing bari with Cru several years ago? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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