Trumpet Videos – Trumpet Blog

Trumpet High Range Development- Part 2…..”Why Can He/She Do It And I Can’t”?

written by Bruce Chidester on March 8, 2024

Click Below.. Do I have your attention? How about this one…… And don’t forget the Jazzers….. Doesn’t it make you want to hang it up? These kids are hitting notes I have only dreamed of. My encounter with one so gifted….. I began performing on my first Cornet when I was nine years old. I am now eighty-two, have taught and performed on Trumpet for seventy-three years and still do not have a solid G above high C. What’s wrong with this picture? How is it possible that a 12 year old, who has been practicing for only a…

THE 2024-2025 KING’S BRASS AUDITIONS

written by Bruce Chidester on February 13, 2024

If you have not heard this talented brass ensemble, where have you been for the past 50 years? This is the ensemble that got me started thinking of trumpet ensembles. Tim Zimmerman was the first person who inspired me to pursue an active interest in trumpet ensemble music. The Kings Brass was the first ensemble to demonstrate what could be done with our chosen instrument. There would not have been a Branson Trumpet Ensemble if it weren’t for Mr. Zimmerman support in our early years in Cedar Falls, Iowa. The amount of dedication Mr. Zimmerman has given to great brass…

More Than You Ever Wanted to Know About the Plunger Mute

written by Bruce Chidester on August 30, 2023

Click below to view video.

The Best Tongue XRay

written by Bruce Chidester on June 6, 2023

If you ever wondered what was going on in your mouth while playing your Trumpet….. Check this out …..and Trombone.

Required Listening Assignment

written by Bruce Chidester on May 28, 2023

As the interest in Trumpet choirs continues to grow, some ensembles seem to occupy the highest level of professionalism. Such is the case for the San Luis Obispo County Trumpet Alliance and their most accomplished director Warren Balfour. I have had the pleasure of knowing and following this remarkable ensemble for several years and continue to be impressed not only with their playing ability but also their range of music which spans everything from Bach to Rock. If this talented ensemble is new to you, be sure to check out all of their videos and if you happen to be…

Something You Might Have Missed on Facebook

written by Bruce Chidester on March 20, 2023

Current Listing of 38 “Two Minute Trumpet Tricks”

written by Bruce Chidester on January 22, 2023

We began posting our Two Minute Trumpet Tricks on Dec 28, 2021 and our most recent addition numbers #39 (Replacing Valve Corks). During this period, we have had many visitors to our sites and one request was to list all of our Trumpet Tricks in one location so that our readers would have an easier time choosing the trick that interest them the most. Because of that request, we have listed below all of our Trumpet Tricks to make your selection much easier. If you find this listing helpful, please share it with your friends for we are all here…

Product Review- “flowStick” and “flowDisk” Part 2

written by Bruce Chidester on January 1, 2023

A full week has passed since I began evaluating this product and I have posted my findings below. Advertised claims- True …..“Tool for Brass Instruments- Trumpet, trombone, cornet, French horn airflow and sound True …..airflow training with music and the instrument- The flowStick makes it possible! True …..an airflow you can hear and feel Possible…..The bore of the flowStick is a sophisticated system with blowing edges inside for optimal feedback on the air intensity. True …..flexible for everybody True …..The air consumption with the flowStick can be adjusted individually by turning the screw”. True …..The air resistance or air consumption can…

Product Review- “flowStick” and “flowDisk” for Trumpet

written by Bruce Chidester on December 27, 2022

When I first came across this product, I was eager to find out what this item was promoting. After a couple Emails, my questions were to be answered; shortly after its (their) arrival. The following Claims has been recently posted on their Web site. 1.“Tool for Brass Instruments- Trumpet, trombone, cornet, french horn airflow and sound 2.Airflow training with music and the instrument- The flowStick makes it possible! 3.An airflow you can hear and feel 4.The bore of the flowStick is a sophisticated system with blowing edges inside for optimal feedback on the air intensity. 5.Flexible for everybody 6.The air consumption…

75th Anniversary of Jazz at University of North Texas- And We Were There

written by Bruce Chidester on October 30, 2022

Being with my kids at jazz festivals is nothing new for the Chidester family. All three of our children have been involved with jazz their whole lives. Each has competed in high school as well as college and most of my life has been spent directing ensembles on stage and in contests as well. Some programs are more remembered than others as the photo above illustrates. Not only was our oldest son Scott, performing on the same stage as his old man but was representing the rhythm section on drums with a different band than I was in. As you…