May 2013 – Page 2 – Trumpet Blog

Should I Teach or Perform?

written by Bruce Chidester on May 10, 2013

Many young students are faced with this decision before they graduate from a college or university and the decision can sometimes be difficult. I have had the pleasure to play on both sides of the music stand and will try to give you the pros and cons of both areas in music as best I can. Some advantages for teaching music in an educational setting- • If you love working with young people, you will have a very satisfying career. • Summer vacations time can be spent in rejuvenating yourself, writing or other creative activities. • Insurance benefits and many…

Your First Call to Sub………

written by Bruce Chidester on May 8, 2013

Some players look forward to that call and some begin to shake in their boots for your first call to substitute for another player brings up many questions such as- Can I play well enough to make the band leader/conductor happy? How good did the original player do and will I sound pathetic in comparison? What kind of job requirements are expected for the gig? Do I have enough chops? Will I be able to read the parts? Is this my big chance and can I perform well enough to be called back? The list could continue for some time…

The Three Levels of Accomplishment

written by Bruce Chidester on May 6, 2013

Whether taking a test in English or performing on a recital, we can demonstrate one of three levels of ability. C level performers- C level performers expect to perform adequately and nothing more. If the passing grade is a C and you are content with that level of accomplishment, chances are very good that the C will be your final grade. Usually C students are content to spend the semester doing just enough to get by. Musicians are the same in that they will perform as well as they are expected, as long as the bar is not so high…

TERRY EVERSON: “Idea Number Twenty-Four” for Trumpets

written by Bruce Chidester on May 1, 2013

While searching through some of the better videos on Youtube, I can across an interesting idea. How would several trumpet ensembles compare when performing the same number and I selected Mr. Terry Everson’s composition “Idea Number Twenty-Four” for Trumpets as our test piece for it is extremely challenging and tests the ability of only the better players. Our first recording was a studio recording done by the composer and his friends. This is our standard for this recording should and does give you the best possible performance. Our next example is a live performance done by the Boston Trumpet Ensemble.…