krists Daubaris: Music Over Rasola this Holiday Season

“The time from November 18 to Christmas is especially stressful, but it’s cool and I’m already used to it. When I think about the holidays,for me it’s not about sitting at home with a bowl of rasola,but playing music,” says Krists Daubaris,trombonist who has been teaching trumpet at the Kuldīga Music School for four years,teaches solfeggio at the Ventspils Music High School,and is a jazz trombone teacher. He is also a trombonist in the Ventspils big band and brass band Ventspils.

Following the Teacher’s Advice

Krists learned the trumpet at the Skrunda Music School under the teacher Jānis Kudums, but continued his musical journey only at the age of 20, when he entered the Ventspils Music High School and switched from the trumpet to the trombone: “The teacher at the time, Valentīns Vinokurovs, encouraged me to learn this instrument, saying that I would be talented even with a bigger instrument, and I obeyed. He suggested the euphonium, but I wanted the trombone – it seemed stylish and looks impressive on stage. It turns out that this was one of my best decisions – I haven’t regretted playing it for a single day. There are very few trombonists in Latvia and there is always a shortage of them, as children rarely choose this instrument.”

After that, Krists went to the conservatory in Amsterdam. In recent years, he has performed in various formations. On the day of the interview, he was…

Key Takeaways

• Krists Daubaris balances teaching music at multiple schools with performing in bands.
• He initially learned the trumpet but switched to the trombone on the advice of a teacher.
• Daubaris finds fulfillment in playing music, even during the busy holiday season.
• There’s a consistent need for trombonists in Latvia, making it a possibly rewarding instrument to learn.