The Musical Trequartista
The Musical Trequartista
Welcome to the Musical Trequartista!
My name is Andrew McGowan, and I am a Composer, Euphonium player, Teacher, and Brasswind Technician based in Illinois.
I have been a soccer player and fan for years. I have frequently taken inspiration from my heroes on the pitch, and like many fans became somewhat enamored with the “number 10” or “trequartista” role. Trequartista (trek.warˈtis.ta) is an Italian word that translates as “playmaker“ and is the name given to the person that plays immediately behind the central striker in many tactical styles across Europe. Their job is to fuel the team with creative energy—passion, goals, and a certain je ne sais quoi. Famous examples include Zinedine Zidane, Diego Maradona, Ronaldinho Gaúcho, Francesco Totti, and my personal favorite Wayne Rooney.
I have always placed a particular emphasis on being interdisciplinary. As a creative who is excited by any chance to learn how/why new things work, learning about a particular principle shared between warriors in ancient Greece and feudal Japan resonated with me. These cultures perpetuated that for someone reach the highest version of themselves they needed to explore and express themselves artistically and holistically—through avenues that made them a well rounded, dynamically thinking person— or as the Japanese sword master Miyamoto Musashi so eloquently puts it, “Polish your wisdom: learn public justice, distinguish between good and evil, study the ways of different arts one by one.“
This blog will be the place where I try to “playmake” thoughts and conversations on music, brass playing, composition, instrument health, creativity, fitness, nutrition, fashion, philosophy, and so much more. I plan on posting on the 1st and the 15th of every month, but don’t be surprised if a few extras pop up from time to time.
What is one creative thing you would like to accomplish in 2021?
Happy New Year!