Short but helpful suggestions: Handling the hose- To keep from being strangled to death with your hose, run it from your machine over the back of the headboard and down to your pillow. In this way it is controlled and you will not fight it all night as you move around. Use the least amount of tension on the mask straps and still have an air tight seal. Those with stuffy noses from allergies can find relief with Vicks VapoRub. Each night I unscrew the lid, stick my nose into the jar just enough to feel the ointment, then draw…
The Cornet. Give It A Break!
Why is the cornet such a misunderstood and under-appreciated instrument? Is it from the fact that many students were started on the cornet and the trumpet is what you play when you “grow up”? Is it because we seldom see a cornet in our media today? Is it because the…
Gender Differences Between the Trumpet and the Cornet
Gender Differences Between A Trumpet And A Cornet. When first reading this heading, some might conclude that I am a sexist, making a gender distinction between the two instruments. Some may also consider the possibility that I am losing my mind to which you would have to consult with my…
“Amateurs Practice Until They Get It Right. Professionals Practice Until They Can’t Play It Wrong”
When I first ran across this statement, I knew I had to have it posted where I could read it every morning. Comparing the two different work ethics can be a rude reminder that most of us are still amateurs. On which side of the isle do you stand? If…
Trumpet Hand Playing Position
Sometimes the obvious can be overlooked as in the case of your hand position while holding your instrument. If you search on line for pictures or video of successful trumpet players, you will find a variety of hand positions ranging from the normal to several extreme positions. Each performer has…
Clark Terry (December 14, 1920 – February 21, 2015)
The following information was taken in its entirety from Wikimedia.com Clark Terry (December 14, 1920 – February 21, 2015) was an American swing and bebop trumpeter, a pioneer of the flugelhorn in jazz, composer, educator, and NEA Jazz Masters inductee. He played with Charlie Barnet (1947), Count Basie (1948–1951), Duke…
How To Learn A Solo (an easy way)!
This is the time of the school year when thousands of student musicians are spending countless hours in band rooms around the country trying to learn their solo for this year’s Solo Ensemble Contest. Anxieties are starting to set in and each performer wonders how they will play and what…
We Have Recently Lost Another Trumpet Great- Mr. Lew Soloff
The following was taken directly from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Lewis Michael Soloff (February 20, 1944 – March 8, 2015) was an American jazz trumpeter, composer and actor. From New York City, he studied trumpet at the Eastman School of Music and the Juilliard School. He worked with Blood, Sweat…
Can you cope with quarter tones?
Our harmonic and melodic system is based on half steps and other systems are based on quarter tones. When we listen to the quarter step system, we are uncomfortable because of this unusual pitch relationship. Our instruments are not capable of playing quarter tones. So why am I posting information…