Stockholm Chamber Brass- “It Doesn’t Get much Better Than This”

written by Bruce Chidester on March 20, 2025

With the support of the Royal Swedish Academy of Music, this ensemble took part in the 1988 International Competition for Brass Quintets in Narbonne, France, where it won first prize. The quintet has played a major role in expanding the modern repertoire of brass quintets. Since its founding, it has commissioned and premiered more than 50 compositions. The ensemble is considered one of the world’s leading brass ensembles and plays at festivals such as the Kissinger Sommer and the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival, and recently also at the Lower Saxony Music Days. The members give master classes at music academies and…

Trumpet Tips

Rest As Much As You Play

written by Bruce Chidester

My response to the discussion posted on TPIN There seems to be a flurry of excitement on the TPIN site about the comfort of your lip or the “rest as much as you play” discussion, and for that reason, I would like to add to the discussion. Everyone would like…

Studio musicians- Don Thomas, the best……

written by Bruce Chidester

Musical employment can take many forms. Some musicians spend their careers in symphony orchestras. Some make a living performing in theaters in New York and Las Vegas, and some may find employment on the road with big bands. In each case, the thrill and sometimes disappointment is worth all of…

Trumpet Trends & News

THE 2025-2025 KING’S BRASS AUDITIONS

written by Bruce Chidester

“I just received this recent announcement of dates and times of auditions for this amazing ensemble (The King’s Brass), and Mr. Zimmerman has asked me to share this with our readers”, Greetings from The King’s Brass- The group just finished their 2024 Christmas & 2025 January Tours. From Christmas at Mt.…

Trumpet Trends & News

Nathan Little- In His Own Words

written by Bruce Chidester

From time to time, we are impressed with people and/or things that seem more important than the norm. This was the case when I first encountered the musicianship of the son of one of my best friends and college Don Little (Tuba extrordinare, University of North Texas faculty). For a…

How to Practice- Petite Piece Concertante

written by Bruce Chidester

Petite Piece Concertante has been one of the main staples in the literature of our instrument and also one of the most deceivingly difficult solos to perform in a true musical fashion. One reason for this musical deception is the fact that the solo is not an ordinary solo where…

Technology and Trumpet Playing

written by Bruce Chidester

We live in a very fast passed world which includes constant innovations in all areas of our lives. Artificial Intelligence has changed the way we collect information, advancements in medicine is prolonging our lives as well as improvements even in our automobiles and manufacturing practices. But who could have predicted…

Jazz Is Alive and Well in Sherman, Texas…

written by Bruce Chidester

If you have not spent some time in Sherman, Texas, you have missed an event that you would have remembered for the rest of your life. If you are a Jazz fan and have not experienced the amazing collection of Jazz memorabilia in Sherman, Texas, you are not a true…

Uncategorized

Is There A God and Can He Perform Miracles? Part 2

written by Bruce Chidester

After reading our first post, Is There A God and Can He Perform Miracles? Part 1 – Trumpet Blog , some may ask why these miraculous changes occurred? Were they simple coincidences or is there actually power in prayer? Only each individual will be able to answer this question. But,…

Uncategorized

Is There A God and Can He Perform Miracles? Part 1

written by Bruce Chidester

The past year has had many unexpected turns which can test one’s faith and understanding of life. April of last year began unexpectedly when it was discovered that my wife had developed cancer in her right eye. After its extraction we were faced with the saddening fact that the cancer…

Pounding Pain In The Back Of The Brain Continued

written by Bruce Chidester

Read first…. Pounding Pain In The Back Of The Brain – Trumpet Blog Today was a very productive day with a specialist responsible for CT scanning my complete circulatory system. While spending three hours on an examination table in my local Dr’s. Office, I gained additional information on why high,…

Trumpet Tips

Top Ten Mistakes Trumpet Players Make

written by Bruce Chidester

We are creatures of habit and when it comes to playing trumpet, we all are guilty at least some of the mistakes listed below. I can say that I am guilty of most of them and through many years of teaching music, I have see all of them. Posting…

10 Indications That You Are Too Old To Play Trumpet

written by Bruce Chidester

10 Indications That You Are Too Old To Play Trumpet. 1. People compliment you on your vibrato when you’re playing a straight tone. 2. Your mutes are green and fuzzy. 3. Your blood pressure is higher than your upper range. 4. You now use your gig bag to carry your…

How to Play in Tune

written by Bruce Chidester

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…