Guest artists from the Traverse Symphony Orchestra gave a clinic to trumpet and French horn students at Leland and St. Mary schools last week.

FRENCH HORN students work with Robert Pavelek of the Traverse Symphony Orchestra last week. Pictured are (from left) Elizabeth Vana, Pavelek, Ellyson Maleski, Samantha Sterkenburg, Annalise Robinson and Carly Gross.

Zac Moore, general manager of the TSO and a trumpet player, and Robert Pavelek, the orchestra’s principal French horn player, were contacted by Jennifer Fenton, the instrumental director of the schools, to give the clinic.

“To have professional musicians come and work with our students is such a tremendous experience for everyone,” Fenton said. “They not only share their techniques, but they are able to work more one-on-one with the smaller groups to answer questions more specific to the instrument.”

Fenton said the artists volunteered their time for the visit, and said she hopes to raise money through bake sales and other fundraising initiatives so the artists, and professionals in other instrument areas, can make additional visits.

“I really enjoyed having them there, they really helped each section. They taught us to practice buzzing on our mouthpiece, and to smile in order to raise our pitch,” said student Elizabeth Vana, who plays French horn.

“It was a great experience because I learned new techniques and new things about the trumpet that I didn’t know before. I hope Mr. Moore can come again, because it was a lot of fun,” added Christina Rennie, a trumpet player.