Many years ago I shared my view of old trumpet players with a friend after watching an elderly man struggle to play his part during one of our rehearsals. The thought of struggling to play a once easy passage deterred by advancing years concerned me. Now I relish every opportunity to pucker and blow for not only are the hard notes easier but all aspects of playing are easier than they were twenty years ago. What, you might ask, made the difference and I will explain in full detail…… As I got older, I got smarter! As aspiring young musicians,…