How to Play in Tune

written by Bruce Chidester on April 29, 2024

Before we get to the “How Do I’s”, I need to address a few questions which are seldom asked but are equally important: Why is it important to play in tune? Playing “out of tune hurts”. It doesn’t hurt the player but it certainly hurts the listener. If you watch television programs such as “American Idol” or “So You Think You’ve Got Talent” or some equally popular show, you have experienced the horror of amateur singers trying to make it big. When they land on an out of tune note for any length of time, we all seem to have…

Sleep apnea – What they don’t tell you! (Part 7)

written by Bruce Chidester

Short but helpful suggestions: Handling the hose- To keep from being strangled to death with your hose, run it from your machine over the back of the headboard and down to your pillow. In this way it is controlled and you will not fight it all night as you move…

Sleep apnea – What they don’t tell you! (Part 6)

written by Bruce Chidester

Do you have to use your machine every night? NO! Knowing that involuntary habits can actually be retrained made me wonder if the Bipap/Cpap therapy is something that needs to be continued indefinitely. My answer to that question (in my case) is an emphatic No! I began my test to…

Sleep apnea – What they don’t tell you! (Part 5)

written by Bruce Chidester

#1 Complaint- Dry mouth After visiting with other sufferers of Sleep Apnea, the most consistent complaint seemed to be dry mouth. The dryness in my mouth each morning was so severe that I eventually developed a lesion in the back of my throat which progressed into a serious problem. After…

Taylor Trumpets- Revolutionary or Revolting?

written by Bruce Chidester

Please leave your opinion as to the validity of this concept.

Motivation- Where Does It Come From and How Can I Get Some? Part 2

written by Bruce Chidester

I have found it interesting working with many musical groups each year and as I observe each ensemble I have mentally noted the results of motivated directors as well as less motivated directors. Each ensemble seems to reflect the influences of their director. The most proficient and musical ensembles will…

Motivation- Where Does It Come From and How Can I Get Some?

written by Bruce Chidester

Motivate-verb 1. inspire, drive, stimulate, provoke, lead, move, cause, prompt, stir, trigger, set off, induce, arouse, prod, get going, instigate, impel, actuate, give incentive to, inspirit His hard work was motivated by a need to achieve. 2. stimulate, drive, inspire, stir, arouse, get going, galvanize, incentive How do you motivate…

Update on Stand Lights

written by Bruce Chidester

When a new product comes on the market, I usually approach it with abounding skepticism for it seems everyone has the best product and the best deal for every unsuspecting customer. But, when I was shown the Aria music stand light a few weeks ago, I knew I had to…

How We Breath

written by Bruce Chidester

Introduction is not required.

Don Smith- One Of The Greats

written by Bruce Chidester

Don Smith passed away February 13, 2010 after an extended battle with cancer. Don was born July 15, 1934 in Los Angeles, California. To the younger trumpet players, the name Don Smith may not register, but to the veteran musicians, the name is spoken with great reverence for this was…

What Is The Difference Between New Orleans and Chicago Dixieland Jazz?

written by Bruce Chidester

What Is The Difference Between New Orleans and Chicago Dixieland Jazz? The quickest answer to that question would be 930 miles. From a musical standpoint it is much more complicated and for that reason I will try to simplify it for you. Traditional New Orleans style of Dixieland usually include…

Patching Old Horns For Pennies

written by Bruce Chidester

After many years of dedicated service, an instrument can start looking its age. The once bright and shiny surfaces begin to fade and the once shiny silver or polished brass areas where we hold the instrument begins to tarnish. One of your solutions for this situation could be to send…

It Could Only Happen In Branson!

written by Bruce Chidester

If you have ever visited Branson, Missouri, you might have enjoyed a frozen desert at Andy’s Frozen Custard. This small yet well know establishment has been praised for many years and to thank all who have supported their store, they offer free Sundays once a year. This past Saturday just…

Every Entrance Begins on the note “C”

written by Bruce Chidester

Have you ever had this experience? Your first note begins on a low “G” and ascends to a “D” above high “C”? Or Your first note is a high “C” and ends on a low “G” below the staff? If you find it easy to play first note, but have…