October 2016 – Trumpet Blog

Saying Good Bye To An Old Friends

written by Bruce Chidester on October 30, 2016

After several decades of working with this great cup mute, it may be time to retire him (her), for newer and more improved models are now available. Your corks have been replaced at least a dozen times. Your bottom has been epoxied at least twice and you colors have faded. The number of scratches, dents and scuffs show a well-used history which includes some of the best (and the worst) bands around. You have performed on concert stages performing contemporary as well as classical compositions, and if I remember correctly you actually were used to warmup in front of Aaron…

Only The Word Beautiful Can Describe This Number!

written by Bruce Chidester on October 24, 2016

Finally! I found the best lead pipe brush, again.

written by Bruce Chidester on October 21, 2016

After searching for more than a decade, I finally found a source for the best lead pipe cleaning brush in the world. When I bought my first Schilke trumpet, I also purchased a cleaning brush they had in the shop and now I have I have finally found a source who stocks the same brush. I think it is time now to retire the old and send in the new! justman-brush-company-is-the-industry-leading-manufacturer-of-laboratory-scientific-and-glassware-brushes http://www.justmanbrush.com/catalog/ 715325 Black Nylon Smooth 1/2″ 1.2 3″ 7.5 18″ 45 $3.69

Mute Holder Revisited

written by Bruce Chidester on October 19, 2016

This very simple, cheap and easy device has saved us on more than occassion. The number of must changes is tremendous in this show and sometimes we have only two or three beats to get a mute in. Having the mutes resting at the end of my bell makes the change possible. Check out my first posting on this $2.97 mute holder which will make your life much easier. http://www.thetrumpetblog.com/free-mute-holder/

Trumpeter Sean Jones

written by Bruce Chidester on October 17, 2016

Trumpeter Sean Jones is a firebrand musician with a bent toward muscular post-bop. Born in Warren, Ohio, in 1978, Jones began playing trumpet in the fifth grade, and by high school had developed a strong interest in jazz, especially the music of legendary trumpeter Miles Davis. Gigs at local jazz clubs and performances with the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra followed, and Jones ultimately enrolled in the music school at Youngstown State University in Ohio. Graduating with a bachelor’s degree, Jones then earned a Master’s degree from Rutgers University. Since that time, Jones has performed with a variety of name musicians, including…

How To Place Your Mouthpiece In Your Horn

written by Bruce Chidester on October 13, 2016

Have you ever heard or read something that does not make any sense to you at all and then you set out to prove it wrong only to find that it is actually true? This happened to me this past week and even though it is an embarrassment, I will swallow my pride for the betterment of the brass world. This past week I read a post on one of the brass bulletin boards which stated that this person claimed that the rotation of the mouthpiece could actually change how the instrument responded when played. Just the thought of someone…

Free Rhythmic Study with Recording

written by Bruce Chidester on October 12, 2016

You may find this useful to practice your jazz rhythms for all of these examples have been taken from our current show in Branson, “The All Hands On Deck Show”. If you become tired of the cymbals in the recording, you can do two things to improve the sound- 1. Move the left and right fader control back and forth to lessen the drums. 2. Add more bass and less treble to cut down on the edge of the cymbal. Trumpet sheet music- rhythmic-study-trumpet-in-bb Practice recording-

The Presidential Race- “The Ultimate Reality Show”

written by Bruce Chidester on October 9, 2016

If you are like me, I have had it with all the name calling, mud throwing and character assignations going on in the race for the White House. We have finally hit the lowest level in our countries history when speaking of the the next occupant to the oval office. We have two candidates with apparently the lowest moral fiber ever to run for this esteem position. Even the Republican Party cannot support their offering and most on the Democratic side of the isle have distanced themselves from their candidate. WE HAVE NO QUALIFIED PERSON RUNNING FOR THE PRESIDENCY OF…

3 Reasons Why Actors Are Better Than Musicians

written by Bruce Chidester on October 7, 2016

I’m sure that I have your attention at this time for a statement like that should raise the hackles on any musician worth their weight in valve oil. For several months I have had the pleasure of performing with an exception troupe of actors (actresses) from New York who every day amaze me with their ability to “sell” there lines. Each performs at an amazing consistency and polished level of their art which humbles me when comparing it to the mere notes I play during each show. Some may question my enthusiasm for these talented performers and some may even…

Music (born 2000 BC – died 2012 AD) One man’s view of the evolution of music

written by Bruce Chidester on October 5, 2016

Much can be said about evolution. Darwin had his revolutionary views and even though he was wrong, he was still able to voice his opinion. In the same vein, I will present my hypothesis as to the evolution and decline of music as we know it today. It is my hope that my thoughts on the history of music will also, in time, be proven incorrect. All living forms tend to follow the same path, i.e., birth, development, increased knowledge and productivity, maturity, lessening of productivity, decline, and eventual death. So do non-living things follow the same pattern, i.e., creation,…