An Interview with Dennis Bubert

Today we hear from Dennis Bubert, Senior Lecturer in trombone performance. Mr. Bubert joined the faculty at UTA in 2000, where he conducts the trombone choir and teaches brass class and trombone lessons. Mr. Bubert is the bass trombonist for the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra and has performed with all the major ensembles in the DFW area. Additionally, he created and continues to edit a column for the Journal of the International Trombone Association, “Orchestral Excerpt Class.”

What do you do when you wake up?

Walk dogs, starting at whatever time they get up, which could be as early as 3:30am.

What is your exercise routine like, and when do you do it?

My preference is cycling, yoga and meditation, however my workload between teaching and the symphony usually forces me into sloth and self-indulgence. Don’t knock it.

Are there any foods you eat every day?

Sounds terrible, but, yes: wine.

When do you usually start working?

As soon as dogs are walked, I’ve showered and had something for breakfast.

What types of work do you do each day?

The one thing I do every day, repeatedly and without fail, is practice.

Are you a single-tasker or a multi-tasker?

Regrettably, I’m a multi-tasker.

Are there any habits you’ve developed for productivity?

Train the brain, and the body will follow.

What do you do on a work break, and for how long do you typically take a break?

Mini-breaks: play on the phone. Multi-day extended breaks, like vacation? I haven’t had a lengthy break in years. My wife and I will visit Santa Fe every year or so for just a few days.

What kinds of chores or household responsibilities are you in charge of?

I take the garbage out, do my own laundry, walk and feed dogs, occasionally Swiffer the floors, cook dinner quite a bit when school is over, and clean the kitchen. This summer I will paint the basement and re-organize my practice space as I move things home from UTA.

How do you set goals?

I constantly assess my needs during my multiple practice sessions each day.

When do you take stock of whether you’ve achieved your goals?

I know immediately in concert.

Do you participate in any working groups, or have regular meetings over the summer?

I will do almost anything to avoid meetings of any and all type.

Do you usually work every day, or do you take one or both weekend days off?

Work every day.

Anything else you’d like to share?

I have several long-terms projects which I’m working on during this stay-at-home time: a daily regimen book for trombone based on my study with Arnold Jacobs; practicing to record a CD of six pieces for bass trombone and piano, each of which is dedicated to one of my major teachers; and commissioning five new solo works to be premiered at the 50th anniversary of the International Trombone Festival. In addition, I have a number of writing projects that I’ve been playing with, and I hope to finish at least one of them during this hiatus. Finally, since Montana has been a muse to me for 30 years, I will take a spiritual retreat for 6 weeks in a cabin in the Absarokas.

Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for more habits and routines!