ACTORS OF SOUND! aims to clarify and focus our artistic vision, leading to the true embodiment of music. Readers get to deep-dive into the phenomenon of the zone and flow—our “remote control.” By sharing with readers this musical “power source,” Erickson instills the proper mindset required to reveal your true musical expression. ACTORS OF SOUND! is for all music makers, conductors, teachers or anyone who wishes to grow by powering up their lives and artistic endeavors. In doing so, you will be joining Sumner on his mission to save music! Sumner Erickson is a classically trained musician specializing in labrosones, a singer/songwriter, music teacher and patent holder concerning brass mouthpieces. Among the youngest ever principal musicians in the 183-year history of U.S. major symphony orchestras, at age 18, André Previn selected him as his tubaist with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. He toured the globe repeatedly for 23 years, performing in the most prestigious and heralded concert halls in the world. Erickson has played with many of music’s greatest icons, counting Tony Bennett, Leonard Bernstein, Linda Ronstadt, Andrea Bocelli, John Denver, Yo-Yo Ma, Roberta Flack, Alicia de Larrocha, James Taylor, Itzhak Perlman, Victor Borge, John Williams and Henry Mancini. “Actors of Sound! is a wonderful read. An exceedingly thought-provoking book ... a joy!” —Clementine Hall, renaissance being, artist, visionary, a 1966 “New Songwriter of the Year” honoree as co-songwriter of “I Had To Tell You” and “Splash One” with Roky Erickson of the 13th Floor Elevators. “Sumner’s book is a treasure trove of wonderful ideas which can … level.” allow you to experience and express music on a higher artistic —Mark Tetreault, Principal Tuba, Toronto Symphony Orchestra Actors of Sound! Charged with the ethers vibrate Poised for direction —Peyton Wimmer, Haiku Writer, Humanitarian Thought Leader “Sumner’s words will get you THINKING. His brilliant and unconventionally written book will engage you in unexpected ways—happily agreeing with him one minute and then by the next sentence raising your hand to ask questions. Ultimately, he lovingly coaxes us to what every musician needs to face—what’s beyond the notes, beyond the training, to the real source of musical creativityand the impulse to express ourselves in sound. An absolute must- read for any musician!” —Philip VanOuse, Principal Tubaist, Pittsburgh Opera and Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Co-Founder of the Pittsburgh Youth Concert Orchestra and School of Music, Pittsburgh, PA “As a visual artist, the methods described in Actors of Sound! resonate deeply with my long experience. I recommend this jewel to all makers and artists at any point on your creative journey.” —Holly Patton Skull, artist I am beside myself with excitement that all of the lessons I’ve learned from Sumner have finally been put on paper for mass dissemination to every musician brave enough to try another path.” —Josh Warren, Tuba Player with the U.S. Army Regional Bands Actors of Sound! synthesizes … into what could be called a spiritual guide for musicians … and for life itself. —Susan Teague, Senior Learning and Leadership Development Specialist “If your playing or teaching has reached a plateau, this book willrejuvenate your spirit and give you the tools to put you back on the path to achieving your goals. … Recommended for all musical truth seekers.” —Jeffrey J. Meyer, DMA, Tuba Player and Composer