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Player Profile: Tormod Flaten
The recent release of his highly acclaimed CD, entitled “Flight”
has brought Tormod Flaten right to the forefront of the banding
world. The 27 year old from Oslo has gained a fine reputation as
a player with Eikanger Bjorsvik Mussiklag, but the CD has really
shown his talents to the full and has brought him critical praise.
So just to make sure that you know as much as possible about the
recently married young man, we caught up with him just after he
came back from his honeymoon and asked him to fill in the 4BR Player
Profile. This is what he told us…
Full name:
Tormod Robsahm Flaten
Age: 27
Instrument:
Euphonium
Current Instrument:
Yamaha Custom YEP – 842S
Mouthpiece:
Vincent Bach 4G
Banding Career:
Vestre Slidre Skolekorps, Sagernes Musikkorps, Eikanger Bjorsvik,
Oster Brass, National Youth Brass Band of Norway, Military Service
Current Band and position:
Principal Euphonium at Eikanger Bjorsvik Musikklag
Early Years:
“I started playing aged 10 at school on cornet, before I finally
made it to the euphonium. I even had a few months on soprano, but
I was terrible!”
Teachers:
Moman Kleven, Helga Vetois at Manger, Kim Lofthouse and Grethe Tonheimat
the Grieg Academy
Most admired players:
“Steven Mead for his overall brilliance, Morgan Griffiths
as the complete band player and Sverre Olsrund who is also a great
player.”
Ambition:
“To be able to continue to get better as a player and a musician”.
Other Talents:
“Not many, but I also enjoy the piano, guitar and singing.
I used to play football, but I wasn’t really that good at
it!”
Favourite Things:
Football Team:
Lillestrom – “Watch out for them in Europe this season”
Test Piece:
“Dove Descending..” – as a player, “Contest
Music” as a piece of music.
Favourite Solo:
“Euphonium Concerto” by Jukka Linkola
Favourite Conductor:
Howard Snell
Awards and achievements:
“ I was Norwegian Solo Champion in 1996 – a contest
for both wind instruments and percussion. Came 3rd at the European
Solo Championships in Munich in 1999 and was runner up at the RNCM
Tuba/Euphonium Festival in 2000. I was also a featured soloist at
the International Tuba/Euphonium Conference at Lahti in Finland
in 2001 and will be off to Greensboro USA later this year.”
Best Moment:
“Playing Dove Descending.. at the Norwegian Championships
under Nicholas Childs in 2000”
Worst Moment: “At a solo competition I was told to cut my
solo by the organisers just a minute before I played – I went
on in such a rage I completely messed up!”
Desert Island Companion:
“My wife Groanita of course!”
If you could change something about your appearance, what
would it be?
“Too many to mention!!”
Nickname:
Robbie – “Not after the popstar Mr Williams,
but because my middle name is Robsahm.”
Do you come from a Musical Family?
“Not really. My father used to like singing, piano playing
and a bit of guitar strumming, but nobody else did much.”
How did you get started then?
“I used to have a choice of football or music in school and
as I wasn’t too good at football I decided to have a go at
music!”
CODA:
Your Motto:
“Believe in your own talents”.
Advice for young players:
“Practice, practice, practice – hard work and fun will
make you a better player.”
 Tormod
Flaten’s CD release, “Flight” is available to
purchase through the 4BR Shopping
Area.
You can find out more about Tormod on his website:
www.euphonium-soloist.no
© 4BarsRest
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