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…
What is Really Happening in Your Body When You Play Trumpet?
The arguments go back and forth as to what happens in our body as we play trumpet. Some say the tongue arches to increase air velocity in the upper register while others say it is the lips which produce the faster vibrations and still others say that it is the…
Buying A New/Used Trumpet Is Like Buying A New/Used Car
You may think this is a strange comparison but the selection of each is very similar as I will try to illustrate. Guidelines when purchasing a new car • Should I buy a new car or a used one? • Do I need a new car? • What do I…
Trumpets In The Sky, Or A World Wide Hoax?
I will give no explanation for this occurrence and would like your opinion as to what is going on. Share your thoughts on this very interesting phenomena.
What Ever Happened To Geoff Gallante?
When we think we have reached the top, along comes someone like this that reminds us we are not all that good. Looks as if we have some new blood in the trumpet world and are we happy about that. Enjoy the future of trumpet playing. 8yr old Geoff Gallante–all…
The OcToBrass Range Builder
They Say “If you haven’t tried it, don’t knock it”. So…..I’ve tried it, now I’ll knock it. A friend of mine asked me to try his new OcToBrass Range Builder and let him know what I thought of it. I will first list the claims its inventor advertises and give…
Flow Studies by Vincent Cichowicz
Seldom do we have the opportunity to have student’s insight shared in the teaching method of a world class trumpet teacher. When this interview was brought to my attention, I wanted to share it with you. For those of you who did not have the privilege of visiting with Mr.…
Thanks Jay
The name Jay Daversa is not a well known name to the younger players but to the professional trumpet circle, he is very well known and respected; not only as a player but also a gifted arranger and composer. To the working musicians in Branson, the name Jay refers to…
Why Should I Extend My Third Slide On Low D?
Band directors are constantly asking their students to adjust their instruments on out of tune notes and unfortunately many students are unaware of the need. I will try to first identify the most difficult notes and suggest some exercises which will help students know exactly how much adjustment needs to…
Gap Or No gap? That Is The Distance.
To most players, the depth that the trumpet mouthpiece extends into the mouthpiece receiver means nothing. To some, it is imperative that the distance be calculated and established. To some, the controversy has never come up. We will try to first explain what is meant by the gap, then how…
Long Tones- 10 Reason To Do Them
We all understand what long tones are. They’re long tones! But did you ever wonder why they are recommended and what benefits we can gain from this tedious practice? 10 benefits of long tones- 1. Long tones help develop strength- by sustaining a note for an extended period of time,…