It's time to head to the USA for the next interview in this blog series where we feature Natalie Colegrove. She is a player known for having a wonderful euphonium sound and an ability to perform effortlessly in a variety of different music styles. She has big ambitions, a very entertaining social media presence and is a brilliant role model to younger musicians!
Before reading her interview, you MUST listen to her playing! 🎵 Here is a recording of her playing Vintage by David Gillingham.
I hope you enjoy reading her interview!
Do you have a favourite composer or piece of classical or brass music?
Tchaikovsky has my whole heart. I have an obsession with his Variations on a Rococo Theme (I’m planning to play it for my senior recital), and his Piano Concerto No. 1. Absolute beauty.
Have you got any funny stories or unique experiences that you would like to share about any musical projects you have ever been involved in?
Meeting fans of @misseuphonium is always funny to me. They're usually so nervous and cute, and I’m probably just as awkward as them.
People sometimes call me “misseuphonium” because it’s my username but I see it more as a stage name for an account where I post things. I hope people can see that she isn’t so different from the real me since I’m just as complicated as everyone else.
What 3 songs do you love the most and why?
Persimmon - The Army, The Navy
Misty - Laufey
Gimme Love - Joji
These are my top three non-classical songs right now. Ever since seeing them live in March, “Persimmon” has had my heart. The message of the song resonates with how I view the world these days. “Misty” is a jazz classic and Laufey’s version is to die for. I am an eternal Joji fan so I had to throw “Gimme Love” in there.
Tell us about some of your achievements as a euphonium player and musician.
I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished so far as an undergrad student. I took 5 military band auditions and advanced in 3. Even though I’m not pursuing that path anymore, the process has helped me grow so much in technique, practice, focus, and musicality. Another big moment was when I soloed with the United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” at their conference Gala Concert in February 2022.
What would you still like to achieve in your life, musical or not musical?
Musically, I’d love to build a solo career, come out with an album, and work more with orchestras. I have enjoyed playing with The Florida Orchestra and The New World Symphony. Outside of music, I have many personal goals. In the next year or so, I plan on starting a social media management business so wish me luck!
How did you first get involved in music, and what was your early inspiration?
My dad was a trumpet player when he was in high school so he pushed me to pick “band” as my elective in middle school. I picked the euphonium because I thought it looked cute and the rest is history.
Do you have a website, business, or social media page you would like to promote? Please tell us all about it.
I’m on everything as @misseuphonium. I love sharing recordings, cool projects, and some funny videos with friends. Give me a follow if you like what I do. 😊
Do you agree there are challenges facing female musicians today? If so, what do you think are the biggest changes that need to be made to improve this?
I think there are advantages and disadvantages, but all I can do is be grateful for what I was born with. I feel privileged to be from this generation because of the progress that has been made. At the International Women’s Brass Conference, I learned that I am where I am and get to do these amazing things because of the people that came before me who couldn’t and fought for it. I have connected with so many strong women in this community who will stand by me and I will stand by them.
One reason I started @misseuphonium was to make sure people knew me for my playing and personality. People get to see me as I am, so they rarely underestimate or disrespect me.
What piece of advice would you give yourself if you could go back in time?
I would give myself a hug and say “Good job. You’re doing amazing.” I’m so proud of baby Natalie and grateful for everything she put into practicing, studying, filmmaking, music production, marketing, social media, and pushing herself out of her shy bubble. I don’t always take the time to appreciate myself or the work I do, but looking back, I see how far I've come and I’m excited for all the opportunities coming my way.
What piece of advice would you give to young brass players (or any instrumentalists) to help them find success?
You need to be honest with yourself. What things are you neglecting? What aspects of your playing are weaker and need to be addressed? Spend some time reflecting, set up a plan, and make it happen. Having a teacher to be honest with you is a game changer.
A big THANK YOU to Natalie for being interviewed in this blog series!
I hope you enjoyed reading her interview, please share it, like and subscribe and look out for the next one very soon!
To return to the overview page to see who is next to be featured, just CLICK HERE!
Mark Glover
01/11/24
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