To many people, the flugelhorn is a unique and interesting instrument. It looks bigger than a trumpet and in some ways it is bigger. It is heavier and has a larger bell. But when stretched out to its full length, a Bb flugelhorn is exactly the same length as a…
These posts are written by: Bruce Chidester
Curry Sound Sleeve Mouthpiece Tone Intensifier – Review
(The following is taken from their home page) Standard Sound Sleeve is best for all-around work, balanced to give the right amount of slot-lock and sound centering qualities. Sound Sleeve “Y” model fits slightly higher up on the shank to accommodate the longer Yamaha andBenge trumpet receivers. Lead Sleeve is designed for…
Classical Musician and Jazz Musician – What’s The Difference?
My Observations You might think that this is a joke, something like- “There is no difference, neither one can make a living”. But that would be silly. My discussion is geared more towards the intellectuals among us. Those who ponder the real meaning of questions such as “How am I…
Product Review – Yamaha PM7 Silent Brass System Pickup Mute
Created by Yamaha’s wind instrument design team, the PM7 Silent Brass pickup mute is made of lightweight plastic, with a unique rubber sealer to hold it securely in the bell. When used with the Silent Brass system, it has none of that stuffy restricted feeling of conventional practice mutes. In fact, it…
Opening The 42nd Annual Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Festival
Some jobs are taken for the money, some are taken for the prestige and still others are played only because they are fun and that’s what the past week was all about. A very good friend invited me to play with his Dixieland band at the opening of the Bix…
Improved Long Tones- Part III
Now that the dust has settled and we have heard from a reasonable number of readers about the importance of Long tones, I think it is time to review our material as I see it. My original statements regarding the three elements of long tones- 1.Boring, 2. Adds to stiffness,…
What Causes Stage Fright and How Can it be Overcome?
The lights go down, the audience begins their applause and you walk out from behind the curtains to perform your solo. As you reach your spot next to the piano, you notice the shaking in your legs and the extreme dryness in your mouth. As you acknowledge your accompanist you…
Improved Long Tones Part II
So far no one has offered any comments about my last post. Surely someone will step up and defend the common and accepted practice of lone tones (either 1. I have no following, 2. everyone takes my word for it or 3. no one will stick their neck out and…
Three Good Reasons Why You Should NOT Practice Long Tones!
Three Good Reasons Why You Should NOT Practice Long Tones! 1. They are boring. 2. They tend to build stiffness in your chops. 3. No one ever pays to hear long tones. Now that I have angered most of the trumpet players reading this post, I need to explain my…
The Kids of Cateura and their “Recycled” Orchestra
The Kids of Cateura and their “Recycled” Orchestra After you have viewed the video, I think you will get their message. And we complain about not being able to get another trumpet.