The Many Faces of Phil Driscoll

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It was Phil Driscoll’s trumpet playing that brought me to Jesus and for that I will always be indebted to this great musician. During a short period in my life I dedicated myself to play along with Mr. Driscoll’s records; knowing full well that I would never be able to match his phenomenal high note playing. Still I played on and was inspired to do so. Start the video “I Exalt Thee” Sit and listen for twenty measures. When Phil begins to sing, begin to read again. “At the same time I was practicing to the souring sounds of Mr.…

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“Kimigayo” (The National Anthem of Japan)- What Secret Does It Hold?

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I recently decided to start including National Anthems from around the world in my trumpetensemblemusic.com site. My most recent arrangement was a wonderful composition from Mexico and I am very pleased at how it turned out. Due to the fact that I have had a fascination with Japan for several reasons, including my practice of Karate, I thought it would be fun to write an arrangement based on the National Anthem from Japan. Upon first listening to this “shortest and oldest anthem in the world” I was very disappointed. My first opinion was that it was too short, the beginning…

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Famous Solos for Young and Comeback Players

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Many times we would like to practice famous solos or duets which we knew at one time or would like to learn but because of limited strength and upper range, they are beyond our current ability. If you have the desire to play some of these beautiful solos/duets, you are in luck. I will be adding to this series as time passes and I’m sure you will find some materials which will suit your current ability. Most of these solos/duets will be lowered a third and in some cases a fourth to place the range within everyone’s ability. If you…

Famous Solos for Young and Comeback Players

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One of the most difficult trumpet solos in print is J.S.Bach’s Second Brandenburg Concerto. Most of us own a copy but few have the courage or ability to actually perform it. Now you can be the first kid on your block to say that you have actually play through all of this imposing number. You just don’t have to mention that this version is written down a perfect fourth. It will be our little secret. Without this transposition, this wonderful solo would not be available to the less blessed players. When you couple the oboe part with the trumpet, you…

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Famous Solos for Young and Comeback Players

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Many times we would like to practice famous solos which we knew at one time or would like to learn but because of our limited strength and upper range, they are beyond our current ability. If you have the desire to play some of these beautiful solos, you are in luck. I will be adding to this series as time passes and I’m sure you will find some materials which will suit your current ability. Most of these solos will be lowered a third and in some cases a fourth to place the range within everyone’s ability. If you have…

How To Arrange Music For Your Trumpet Quartet

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Download exercise sheet here- Hymn for trumpet ensemble arranging assignment #1 Play musical example here-Quartet Hymn arrangement Before we start, I will assume that you do play trumpet and understand the ranges, both high and low of the instrument. Because of the limited range of the trumpet, this will be the first issue I will address when explaining a simple approach to arranging for a trumpet quartet. What would be a comfortable range of notes to use when writing for a Jr. High trumpet ensemble? Even though the trumpet is capable of playing notes below the low F# and is also…

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Christmas Is Near So Spread Some Cheer. I’ve Got Something You Need To Hear!

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I just love Christmas time and you all know that in Branson, the Christmas season begins in October. Recently a good friend shared his concern of a need in our trumpet world he thought I might be able to address. His concern was the lack of quality solo tracks which could be used when performing in retirement homes and other similar establishments during the Christmas season. He mentioned that the literature for a solo performer was very limited and was especially true for a trumpet player. Even though many people will try to convince you that a solo trumpet is…