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…
Free Brass Choir Arrangement of “Why Me Lord?”
This arrangement was done to recognize a true Miracle in our families’ lives. My wife was diagnosed with cancer and our family has struggled for the past year with this shocking news. After undergoing two different sessions of immune therapy, radiation and endless visits with countless physicians, our best hope…
Arban Characteristic Study #1- Trumpet Duet
Sometimes I like to visit old projects from the past as in this case. Etude playing alone is not an activity I enjoy but coupling the same etude with a second part can add much more excitement and enthusiasm to the activity. This arrangement of Arban Characteristic Study #1- Trumpet…
Fast and Simple Relief from Cold Sores, Canker Sores and Sore Throats
Earlier in my life I was constantly plagues with multiple canker sores which interfered with my trumpet playing. For some reason, they always seem to locate in the most inopportune places on my lip and at the worst times; most often before a concert or solo/ensemble contest. These dastardly villains…
Inspiration or Complete Humiliation?
Each day I practice my Clarke Technical Studies and slur up and down on my Advanced Lip Flexibilities exercises. Every day I play my long tones and range exercises. Then… I view a video of the “Good Guys” and I throw up my hands in despair. Yes, in the morning,…
Free- Foundation To Cornet Playing
Foundation To Cornet Playing An Elementary Method printed in 1914 by Edwin Franko Goldman. If nothing else, reading this document will give you some idea as to how far we have progressed in brass literature…….. Edwin Franko Goldman (January 1, 1878 – February 21, 1956) was an American composer and…
My Visit to the Eiffel Tower in Paris (Texas)
This past weekend was spent with our family at Broken Bow, Oklahoma. To say it was a wonderful time would be grossly understated for quality time with family is what life is all about. Now to the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Texas. While returning from our wonderful time in Broken…
Just Got An Update From Our Friends at the Villages Trumpet Ensemble in Florida.
This was sent to us from our good friend Corky Maschinot The pictures below show the way we were several years ago, and how we are today. Most, but not all members are pictured here. We total 26 when all are present. To learn more about this talented ensemble, check…
Sleep apnea – What they don’t tell you! (Part 7)
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)
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…