MetSO's Wafi Zainal
Wafi Zainal
Multiple Trombones
A dream come true?
Meet - Wafi Zainal.
When I was a kid no one could pronounce my name, so I ended up with Waffles.
What instrument(s) do you play with the MetSO?
Tuba. Trombone, when required.
Why do you play the Trombone?
True story, I needed legitimate reasons to skip classes.
I wanted to play Euphonium in Year 6 because it looked like a baby Tuba, but I was more suited for Trumpet. I lasted a year due to financial reasons, until I entered high school and took advantage of the beginner Trombone program. I did well on Trombone carrying over my Trumpet knowledge, until the “offer” came.
Now, why do you play the Tuba?
World Domination? Muwahahaha!
It has something to do with playing a big, distinctive instrument.
I was offered Tuba for Year 12, but my school couldn’t get me an instrument and gave me a Euphonium instead. In the year between High School and auditioning for WAAPA I joined a band where they gave me a Tuba, and the rest became history.
How many years have you played with MetSO?
5 years, as of December 2019.
Debut: November 2014.
Are you in any other Ensembles?
MetSO is my only Orchestra.
The Polka Dots (Oktoberfest Polka Band), Leeming Concert Band, Perth Hills and Wheatbelt Band, Mount Hawthorn Area Band. I used to play Tuba in an Electro Hip-Hop Group, and Sousaphone in a Second-line/Dixie Brass Band.
How do you support your musical life?
I teach brass privately, and I get paid occasionally to perform.
I work part time at Coles at the checkouts – Jess Gethin (Perth Symphony Orchestra Conductor, and my first Conducting Teacher) and Mitch Johnson (retired Australian Cricketer) are famous regular customers at my store.
Bell Up!
Favourite 3 Symphonies?
Tchaikovsky’s 6th was fun to play.
I’m yet to play Shostakovich’s 12th.
From the Wind Band world, David Maslanka’s 4th.
I performed that wearing a Dalmatian Dog Onesie (the person next to me dressed up as Cruella De Vil), using a Traffic Cone as a Tuba Mute.
Favourite 3 composers of all time?
To perform: Tchaikovsky.
To listen: Respighi.
Overall: Iva Davies, of Icehouse fame.
“The Ghost of Time”, themes from Great Southern Land performed by Sydney Symphony, got me into classical music.
Asides from being one of Australia’s top songwriters, his instrumental works and film/ballet scores (e.g. the soundtrack to Razorback) are nice.
Favourite 3 classical orchestras/ensembles?
Black Dyke Brass Band.
(formerly John Foster & Son Black Dyke Mills Band, is one of the oldest and best-known brass bands in the world - Editor)La Chambre Philharmonique (Period Instruments Orchestra).
Any of the three Bands of HM Royal Marines.
Favourite MetSO moment?
At a rehearsal for the Spring 2019 Concert the Horn section were playing a powerful unison line (I think in the Symphony?).
It was a pleasure to hear that!
Favourite 3 instruments by sound quality/timbre?
Cor Anglais, especially in Icehouse’s “Man of Colours”.
French Horn (see previous question).
Contrabass Clarinet.
Favourite Musical thing?
Going back to the 90s, Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia.
I discovered a lot of great music from around the world there – That included David Bowie.
Greatest Musical moment?
I have two, related:
Hearing “Dance of the Three Maids” for Wind Band and
its sequel for Orchestra “Duet of Hearts” performed in concert.
The Cor Anglais is heavily featured in both.(N.B. These are the modest Wafi’s prize winning compositions - Editor)
Wafi, after playing
Tubby The Tuba
Best practice tip?
Physical activity counts as practice, as it will get your body and mind active.
A simple 15 minute walk counts.
How do you like to prepare for a concert?
Never underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep.
What is the oddest thing we would find in you instrument case?
Some dust from the Negev Desert.
Worst instrument failure on stage?
I was playing a Rotary-valve Tuba.
A screw which operated an important valve fell off in a dark orchestra pit,
but mercifully the screw didn’t bounce far on the carpet floor.
What was your most embarrassing/difficult moment on stage & how did you get through it?
This wasn’t on stage, but it was quite embarrassing.
I was leading a Marching Band on TV (2010 Perth Christmas Pageant), on the TV broadcast Basil Zempilas called me “Waffle”. I was confused why my fellow band mates sent me messages with “Waffle” until I saw the TV replay. I got through it by using that as a laugh, and showing off the YouTube video of the TV replay.
What is the hardest thing you have ever played?
The Tuba part on Aaron Copland’s An Outdoor Overture.
It’s a fine example of playing 20th Century Impressionist Music.
The sheet music is hard to read, but it’s worth the effort when you’re listening to how it falls together with the full ensemble.
Wafi competing at the 2015 State Solos and Ensembles Championship
When do you like to listen to music?
When I fly in airliners, in flight simulator and real life.
I have an inflight playlist from my music library,
but on landing I always listen to the finale of Pines of Rome.
If the Timpani/Bass hits at the end are timed when the airplane wheels touch down, it’s magical.
Who has provided you with the most support in your musical life?
I owe a lot to the City of Perth Band, who kick started my musical performance and leadership career.
I was Deputy Conductor and Drum Major (Marching Band Leader) of their Concert Band, and their Brass Band gave me my first Tuba and conducting experiences. It was there where I met Paul De Cinque and Dale Pointon (Music Teachers) both of whom have shaped my musical path.
Favourite Karaoke track?
Bee Gees – How Deep Is Your Love. Fun to play on Tuba.
What is a non-musical fact about you?
I play/watch/follow Cricket because it’s the only sport I’m good at, and I follow my friends in their respective leagues. I played cricket against a fellow musician who I did a Professional Opera with (November 2019). If any cricket fans in MetSO ask, I’m an opening bowler.
What is the most exciting thing you have done in your life?
I did a concert in the Tower of David (Citadel) in the old city of Jerusalem,
the most beautiful concert venue in the most beautiful city I’ve been to.This was part of the 2017 ANZAC Centenary of Beersheba tour.
What is your favourite thing about Perth?
The Mediterranean Climate.
What sound do you love?
The sound of the Batter’s wickets when I bowl them out in a game of cricket.
What sound do you hate?
The sound of my wickets when I get bowled out while batting in a game of cricket.
It’s the same sound as the previous answer, but from a different perspective.
If you could only take one recording to a desert island what would it be?
A click track (metronome) at 120BPM.