Marshall Lytle (September 1, 1933 – May 25, 2013)
To have had the opportunity to watch this legend of Rock and Roll history perform was memorable, but have had the opportunity to visit with him was a true blessing. The information listed below was excerpted from Wikipedia were you can read more about this true legend. As one of…
Do You Need A Music Riser?
When I was first introduced to the MUSIC RISER I had no idea what it was. It was explained to me that it raises the music off the stand making it easier to read. My first question was, “Why can’t you just raise the music stand”? That seemed like a…
Do You Ever Suffer From Stiff Chops? Part #2
Continuing with our discussion on the problem of stiff chops….. While teaching lessons at my university, I realized that many of our students were complaining about stiff chops or the lack of flexibility. Along with this problem invariably was the observation that their lips seldom felt good. After collecting information…
We Have A Winner! 11 Giant Steps for Mankind (Trumpet Duet)
Here is your challenge! Congratulations to Josh for his continued research and investigation into the multiple connections of the title of this piece. Thanks to the others who participated and we will do this again from time to time when I can’t get to sleep and have the uncontrollable urge…
Do You Ever Suffer From Stiff Chops? Part #1
The number of people complaining about stiff chops seems to be growing and for that reason, I thought it time to address the problem. Symptoms of “stiff chops”- 1. Each morning when you begin to practice, your lips seem to be leathery or inflexible. 2. Many times your tone quality…
Hypnotic Brass Ensemble
In our never ending quest to bring to the surface brass ensembles worth watching, I thought you might enjoy this more recent offering which has its roots in a far off time and space. The time is the 1950’s and the space reference is Saturn where an important figure influenced…
Are you suffering from Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis?
Recent studies have found that musicians are subjecting themselves to mold and/or bacteria which may lead to the development of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP), a lung condition characterized by shortness of breath and cough. The mold or bacteria has been found in virtually every instrument tested by Dr. Mark Metersky (University…
Should I Teach or Perform?
Many young students are faced with this decision before they graduate from a college or university and the decision can sometimes be difficult. I have had the pleasure to play on both sides of the music stand and will try to give you the pros and cons of both areas…
Your First Call to Sub………
Some players look forward to that call and some begin to shake in their boots for your first call to substitute for another player brings up many questions such as- Can I play well enough to make the band leader/conductor happy? How good did the original player do and will…
TERRY EVERSON: “Idea Number Twenty-Four” for Trumpets
While searching through some of the better videos on Youtube, I can across an interesting idea. How would several trumpet ensembles compare when performing the same number and I selected Mr. Terry Everson’s composition “Idea Number Twenty-Four” for Trumpets as our test piece for it is extremely challenging and tests…