These posts are written by: Bruce Chidester

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…

Hitler finds out that it’s not the mouthpiece after all

Please excuse the periodic out bursts and language, but I only share this material, I don’t write it Special thanks to Corkey for sending this to me.

Better Living Through Chemistry

When the PBone first appeared on the market, many trombone players were very skeptical as to the quality and sound this plastic oddity represented. Gradually the response began to filter in and player’s acceptance steadily grew. More and more professionals began to show up on the stage with these less…