Required Listening Assignment

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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

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Current Listing of 38 “Two Minute Trumpet Tricks”

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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

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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

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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

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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…

Another Great American Shoot Out- Vocal Ensemble vs. Trumpet Choir and Bass

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This was a very challenging project for most of the charm in the vocal score hinges on the text rather than the rhythms and pitches. I do feel that we were able to come close to the original even facing this obvious advantage for the singers.   Now check it out as a vocal number at…..

Our Thoughts and Prayers Are With You All

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Thanks to our friends in the Nebraska Trumpet Ensemble

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Our thanks go out to our friends in the Nebraska Trumpet Ensemble for their continued support in choosing our arrangements to perform. If you have not listened to them before, treat yourself to other fine performances on YouTube. And here is another from the same concert. Be sure to check out the “OUT STANDING” trumpet solo also.

Just How Observant Are You?

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Let me give you a little test to see how observant you really are. DO NOT PROCEED UNTIL YOU HAVE SEEN THE VIDEO! DO NOT PROCEED UNTIL YOU HAVE SEEN THE VIDEO! DO NOT PROCEED UNTIL YOU HAVE SEEN THE VIDEO! DO NOT PROCEED UNTIL YOU HAVE SEEN THE VIDEO! At what point in the video did you realize something was wrong.. 1. When he played his first note (:20)- give yourself 10 points 2. When he switched horns (:50)- give yourself 9 points 3. When he used the wrong fingering on the trumpet on his right (1:09)- give yourself…