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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.”


Flight CD coverTormod 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

 



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Butterworth CD - available with 4BR shopping