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…

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Free Music

Free Sheet Music for Trumpet

written by Bruce Chidester

Wurm_20_stud_RSL

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♭.…

Six Reasons Why You Can’t Play High Notes- Part II

written by Bruce Chidester

Continuing with our review of reasons some of us are lacking a better high range……. Reason #3- You need to work harder. I can attest not only from my experience but the history of watching many students go through the pains and suffering of “working harder” with limited success. It…

Six Reasons Why You Can’t Play High Notes- Part I

written by Bruce Chidester

Without question the most often concern among trumpet players is this “How can I play high notes”? Every trumpet player wants to increase his/her upper register and will do anything or buy anything that promises this utopia area of the trumpet players available and allusive range. Why do some have…

Now Here Is A Great Idea!

written by Bruce Chidester

One of my very good friends is Jen Houck and when she sent me this picture of her new trumpet bathtub, I ask her to share her experience with our readers. Please give it up for a great trumpet player and good friend Jen Houck “I have been following Bruce’s…

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I May Never Enter Walmart Again!

written by Bruce Chidester

With all the concerns about the Coronavirus, what most are cautious of is our everyday contacts with other people. Visiting Walmart for our basic needs has become an issue. My wife decided to try the drive through option now available for both prescriptions as well as all of our other…

Lesson Plans for Professional Players- part 3

written by Bruce Chidester

Be able to play all of the material listed below; Tone and flexibility All of Earl Irons “27 Groups of Exercises” Charles Colin’s “Advanced Lip Flexibilities” Valve technique and range exercises Herbert L. Clarke’s “Technical Studies For The Cornet” Walter M. Eby’s “Scientific Method for Cornet and Trumpet- Part 4”…

Lesson Plans For Those Without An Instructor Part 2- Lesson plans for Younger Players and Comeback Players

written by Bruce Chidester

Areas to be developed by younger players and comeback players- Tone and flexibility Valve technique and range exercises Sight reading and etude playing Ensemble playing Always be preparing a new solo The attached material will give you specific exercises to use in order to begin to develop the areas listed…

Lesson Plans For Those Without An Instructor- Part 1

written by Bruce Chidester

We have all had private lessons at some time in our lives and, in most cases, realize the importance of this experience. Unfortunately we are sometimes left to our own schedules or are in an area which does not include competent teachers and for that reason I wanted to address…

A Close “Look” At Tight And Relaxed Embouchures

written by Bruce Chidester

Many times we speak of a big sound as compared to a small sound when playing trumpet. In most cases one is able to hear the difference but knowing how to create a bigger sound is more of a problem. Now we have the solution! Not only are we able…

How Much Should I charge for playing my Trumpet?

written by Bruce Chidester

One easy answer would be to charge what your playing is worth. Another would be to charge what people are willing to pay. We all have been approached with this question, “How much do you charge to play your trumpet for us”? In order to establish your true value to…

Tips for Improving Your Sight Reading

written by Bruce Chidester

Many times we are held back by our inability to read new material quickly and accurately. This weakness can surface while playing in a band, on a gig, or in a recording session. Some players seem to be able to read anything placed on their stand while others fumble with…