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…

Les Trompettes de Lyon

written by Bruce Chidester

In an effort to feature the best trumpet playing in the world, please put your hands together for Les Trompettes de Lyon! Les Trompettes de Lyon is not just your average brass group…but more a stage show that is unabashedly entertaining and humorous. These musicians have progressively let their taste…

In The Factory: Making Besson Instruments

written by Bruce Chidester

I found this very interesting if only to listen to some beautiful trumpet playing.

The Branson Trumpet Ensemble Video Series- Stuff

written by Bruce Chidester

I hope you enjoy these helpful suggestions for some are very important and some are just practical advice to help our fellow trumpet players.

Mnozil Brass

written by Bruce Chidester

…continuing in our quest to feature brass performers who might have slipped past our readers, we are now featuring one of the most out of control and brilliant ensembles “Mnozil Brass” (a brass septet from Austria, which is representing the elite of world brass scene).

A Former Student of Ours- James Linahon

written by Bruce Chidester

Sometimes a teacher is lucky enough to have known students who eventually excel in music and this fine gentleman is certainly a fine example of one of our success stories. Although Jim never studied trumpet with me, I was fortunate enough to have had him in my classes and was…

the Branson Trumpet Ensemble Video Series- Stuff

written by Bruce Chidester

I hope you enjoy these helpful suggestions for some are very important and some are just practical advice to help our fellow trumpet players.

Join HI-YR-BY-A-THIRD today! Lesson 4

written by Bruce Chidester

From comments being sent in, most players have seen an improvement in their range. In fact most have been able to reach or surpass the goal of one third. To those who have stuck with the program, congratulations and because of the success, you are all on your own now.…

Join HI-YR-BY-A-THIRD today! Lesson 3 Review

written by Bruce Chidester

This was the week that got me my first G in many years. To some that might not seem like much of an accomplishment but to me it was a welcome occurrence. My F and F# got much easier and after finally breaking into the G, I have been able…

Please welcome Victor Haskins

written by Bruce Chidester

When I first listened to Mr. Haskins play, I was instantly reminded of the great rock guitar player Jimi Hendrix. You might wonder what the two musicians could have in common. Both musicians impressed me as being able to instantly move from mental creation to artistic technique. Both players, even…

The Hoffman Brass Ensemble

written by Bruce Chidester

Music and the Internet are two elements which have worked well together for through the marvel of science, we are able to share performances with likeminded musicians throughout the world Such is the case here where a good friend from Australia has allowed us to attend, if only second handedly,…