TESTIMONIALS
Testimonials are below, or read the book reviews on Amazon.
​
Below is a preview of the companion DVD for How to Make First Chair. The complete How to Make First Chair DVD is now available FREE on The Gift of Music YouTube channel here!
Kelley Taylor, Director at Brandenburg Middle School - Garland, Texas
I've been using the book How to Make First Chair with my program, and since I've been using this book, we have had more students make the all-district band than ever. In fact, we set a record high this school year. Nothing replaces hard work and preparation, and How to Make First Chair guides us through this preparation. I feel that every music student should have this book.
Dr James Buckner, Henderson State University
What a marvelous book! I wish I could have read it when I was in school! It will be a required textbook for all my trumpet students.
Eddie Lewis, professional musician, composer, educator
I know that anyone who does precisely what Roberts describes in his book will be successful in their musical endeavors.
-- Eddie Lewis, professional musician, composer, and educator - EddieLewis.com
Jamal Huey, 7th Grade Percussionist
This book helped me by overcoming my nervousness and just relaxing and being myself.
---Jamal Huey, 7th Grade Percussionist and 1st Chair All-District, Garland, Texas
Elias Barry, Senior Tuba, Community High School, Nevada, Texas
I would just like to thank you for publishing this book. Recently, I auditioned for the All-Region Band, made first chair and advanced to Area. Setting aside all the chairs and competitions, I believe your book has taught me to look beyond the notes and realize that we are all giving art. After 7 years of playing notes, I finally saw something on the sheet I had never seen before, music. Once again, thank you
Brandi Outz, ATSSB All State Trumpeter (as a Freshman)
As a former student of Chris Roberts, the methods in How to Make First Chair really gave me an understanding of how to prepare to go into an audition. When I made the Texas All State Band as a high school freshman, I realized how important these methods are in the process of auditioning. I really believe that other students will benefit from the methods described in How to Make First Chair.
---Brandi Outz, former student of Chris Roberts and Texas All-State (as a 9th Grader)
Mike Vax, Yamaha International Performing Artist
Chris Roberts has written a book full of great common sense approaches to success in the music performance business. Even though it is mainly aimed at students, it is a worthwhile book for any professional musician to read. Many of his ideas contain exactly the same philosophy that I have been teaching for the past 35 years. I highly recommend this book to any musician who wants to not only achieve goals regarding auditions, but who wants to be a more successful performer.
-- Mike Vax, Yamaha International Performing Artist and Former lead and solo trumpet - The Stan Kenton Orchestra (BigBandJazz.net)