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 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♭.…

Please Put Your Hands Together For My Very Good Friend, Jason C. Brewer

written by Bruce Chidester

From time to time you cross paths with people who are perfect examples of “good people” and Jason Brewer is one of those kind of people. Let me introduce you to one of my favorite players and good friend…..Jason Brewer. Jason C. Brewer is an American trumpeter who has his…

Where Have All Our (Trumpet) Heroes Gone?

written by Bruce Chidester

While returning from two of my doctor’s appointments today, I had an interesting thought come to mind. What current trumpet players have replaced our many heroes of the past? Chronological List of Trumpet/Cornet Heroes of the Past (my opinion) Born during the 1800s Joseph Jean-Baptiste Laurent Arban (28 February 1825…

15 Reasons Why the Trumpet is The Most Difficult Instrument to play

written by Bruce Chidester

Some may question the validity of this statement but those that do most often are wrong. I will list my reasons and give a light hearted account of why this is the case. 1. Trumpets most often play the melody so everyone knows if we play the wrong notes. Unlike…

Best light for your stand

written by Bruce Chidester

We all from time to time need a little help when the stage is dark or our eyes have faded through the years. I recently came across this little wonder that has completely sold me and for that reason I have purchased four units for our Robson Chamber Ensemble. Some…

Why Do Trumpet Players Pass Out? Part II

written by Bruce Chidester

Five possible causes of passing out with similar conditions to playing and releasing extended high notes on a trumpet. Material taken from Wikapedia.com 1. Syncope (faint) is a sudden fall of blood pressure resulting in loss of consciousness. 2. Valsalva maneuver or Valsalva manoeuvre. The Valsalva maneuver is performed by…

Why Do Trumpet Players Pass Out? Part I

written by Bruce Chidester

No, this is not a joke for if you have ever had it happen to you, you will agree that it is a possibility. The high range exercises which I and several of my friends are practicing at this time may find us in a possible situation which should be…

Bent Mouthpieces- Good or Bad? Part 2

written by Bruce Chidester

I felt it was only fair to share others musicians views on this subject and to do so I visited the Internet to collect these thoughts on the advantages and disadvantages of bending a mouthpiece. Some responses agree with me and some do not. It is not my job to…

Bent Mouthpieces- Good or Bad? Part 1

written by Bruce Chidester

This past week the advantages and disadvantages of a bent mouthpiece surfaced again. To those of you who may not be familiar with the term “bent mouthpiece”, let me explain. Many years ago in a far off land lived a very good trumpet player who wanted to play in a…

Using Technology to Improve Your Trumpet Playing- Using a Metronome

written by Bruce Chidester

A Metronome is defined as “an instrument of the devil which speed up in difficult passages and slows down in easy passages”. To prove my point, try playing the last page of W. Brandt Concertpiece # 1 with a metronome and you will realize how much a metronome can increase…

Finding the Correct Mouthpiece Placement

written by Bruce Chidester

When first starting out as trumpet players we have to locate the correct position for our mouthpiece. This sounds simple enough but after teaching for more years than I care to remember, this decision is more important than most people realize. The exact location can be determined by luck, comfort,…