When Adrian D. Griffin arrived in Guadalajara over three years ago, lured away from his position at the University of Texas to play principal trumpet in the Jalisco Philharmonic Orchestra, he had a book project in the works with the prestigious Oxford University Press and, not surprisingly for a Midwest-reared American, spoke only English.
Griffin says that living in Guadalajara has not had much effect either way on the promotion of his book “Buzz to Brilliance,” which, he explains is “a more of a literary book than an exercise book” for beginner to intermediate trumpet players.” It is mostly promoted through Oxford and my own efforts,” such as his Facebook page and the first run of the book is almost sold out.
But living in Guadalajara had a big effect on Griffin’s status as a monolingual.
“I was prepared to play the position but I needed a lot of Spanish practice.” Now, after years of private lessons twice a week, his Spanish is good enough to participate in monthly artistic meetings, which he says are one of the things that make the JPO “special in terms of camaraderie.”
Besides enjoying the orchestra’s collaborative atmosphere, Griffin says that he loves living in Guadalajara because “it’s a magical city. There is always something to see and do. I like the film festival, walking along Chapultepec on Saturdays and taking long walks in parks,” such as Parque Colomos.
“Another great thing about Guadalajara is the level of interest in the arts. Governments in Mexico are very supportive.”
The variety of spicy, local food and the old-style Spanish architecture are other facets of the city that enchant him.
Griffin forges ahead with ideas for more books and articles, noting that his doctoral studies that included music psychology and, earlier, music education, add to his desire to publish.
“I am thinking of getting the book translated into Spanish,” he says hopefully.