Concerts Past and Present

written by Bruce Chidester on May 4, 2025

One blessing which I recognize for its importance in my life is the ability to remember many of the concerts I have been involved with. Some are remembered for their success and some for the disaster that incurred. Some are recalled for their importance and some for just the sheer pleasure of their moments in time. In this post I will speak of three ensembles I have had the great pleasure of performing with. The first was from the distant past, the second midway through my life and the third which was performed only a week ago. Earliest Concerts- The…

Trumpet Trends & News

Free Music

Free Sheet Music for Trumpet

written by Bruce Chidester

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Das Flugelhorn

written by Bruce Chidester

The flugelhorn has an interesting history that traces back to military and brass band traditions in Europe, with roots that intertwine with the evolution of other brass instruments. Early Origins The name “flugelhorn” comes from the German word Flügel, meaning “wing” or “flank.” It was originally used in the 18th…

What are the differences between trumpets, cornets, piccolo trumpets and flugelhorns?

written by Bruce Chidester

Trumpets, cornets, piccolo trumpets, and flugelhorns are all part of the brass family and look quite similar at first glance, but they each have unique characteristics that make them suited for different styles, ranges, and tones. Here’s a breakdown of their main differences: 🎺 Trumpet Key: Most commonly in B♭.…

The Best Seem to Keep up With the Times- Santa Fe and the Fat City Horns (revisited)

written by Bruce Chidester

By Brock Radke (contact) Monday, Jan. 25, 2021 | 2 a.m. Learning new skills has become standard operating procedure for most of us during the pandemic. It’s no different for the many talented musicians making a living in Las Vegas. For Jerry Lopez and his band Santa Fe and the…

How To Increase Strength and Speed In Your Valve Fingers

written by Bruce Chidester

This trick came to me by way of the great cornet player and leader of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, Mr. Merle Evans. While enjoying the very infrequent resting period during one of the circus performances, I asked Mr. Evans if he knew any tricks to improve…

Better Than a Mouthpiece Brush!

written by Bruce Chidester

Easier….. Faster….. Better….. Throw away your old, contaminated mouthpiece brush and get this handy and inexpensive machine for all your mouthpiece cleaning. List Price: $69.99 Price: $39.99 Magnasonic Professional Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner GET IT NOW!!!!!!!

Put Your Hands Together For Chad Boydston

written by Bruce Chidester

How did you got started and when? “My dad was a trumpet player and was good enough to stay state side with the 2nd army continental band during the Vietnam war. He had to play taps a lot for those not so lucky. I would eventually inherit this phenomenon,…

Trumpet Trends & News

Coincidence- Environment-Or Something Else?

written by Bruce Chidester

Events in our lives can be attributed to many influences. Some are accidental, some are planned and some just happen for no reason at all. In this post, I would like to describe a very unusual situation that even I can not understand. After giving you a short description of…

23 Years and Still Going Strong!

written by Bruce Chidester

Twenty-three years may not seem like a long time to remain in the same job or be married to the same person but when speaking of the longevity of a band, this is incredible. The History and Future of Grand Marquis The Grand Marquis band started in 1998 with a…

Things to Consider After You Get the Job

written by Bruce Chidester

Don’t complain about your leader/conductor- at least where he/she can hear you. Don’t give advice unless you are asked. Never hire a sub better than yourself. If play a second part in an ensemble, never criticize the first chair player. When warming up, never try to see how high you…

What Does it Take to Become a Professional Musician?

written by Bruce Chidester

What Constitutes a Professional Musician? A professional musician is one who plays an instrument or several instruments proficiently; performing is their primary source of income. What Constitutes an Amateur Musician? An amateur musician is one who loves playing music or one who cultivates something as a pastime. If you happen to be described by the…

The Best Easter, Ever!

written by Bruce Chidester

This Easter I had the pleasure of performing with two of my Grand Kids; Jake Kunkle (percussion) and Zach Kunkle (trumpet). What a thrill to have now three generations of very skilled musicians in the family.

Gap or Not To Gap, That is a Question- Part II

written by Bruce Chidester

As if the previous post was not more information than needed on mouthpiece gap, here is another element to consider.