the University of Northern Iowa Faculty Brass Quintet Until the formation and concertizing of Brass Quintets in the 1950s, most brass performers could only be heard as part of an Orchestra / Band or Jazz ensemble. All this changed when Mr. Robert Negal decided to form a quartet known as…
These posts are written by: Bruce Chidester
Starting Over…again part 6- Reprinted from 2017 (We are way ahead of the others)
This is what is being advertised as the “New” way to practice in limited spaces. Watch the new advertisement and then read what we were discussing more than 5 years ago. One of the greatest joys I have experienced while writing this blog for the past 7 years is when…
How Can I Learn To Play Jazz?
I have been involved with jazz music most of my life and have been asked that question often. Many books and systems have been written on this subject and most will improve your ability to improvise, but I have learned through close observation of many players, not everyone can excel…
When I Grow Up I Want To Play Like Bobby Shew
That is a strange statement coming from a nearly eighty years old trumpet player, but that is how I would have liked to have played. Bobby has had a tremendous impact on the trumpet world, not only because of his beautiful sound, range and very gifted improvisational skills, but his…
Trumpet Players Need To Listen More To Singers- Part I “Articulation”
Part I- Articulation Recently I have been transcribing vocal solos into trumpet solos. In doing this, one difference in presentations that I have noticed is the difference in articulation between the two mediums. Vocalists connect each note where as many less proficient trumpet players leave spaces between each note. As…
Trumpet Ensemble Music Celebrates 2021 With A Total Makeover
Trumpet Ensemble Music Celebrates 2021 With A Total Makeover After nearly eight years serving the musical needs of our patrons, we have recently updated our site in order to better serve our followers. Recent improvements include- 10 easy to locate styles from Jazz to Classical Expanded instrumentation combinations Larger Free…
Using Technology to Improve Your Trumpet Playing- Using an Audio Recorder
The use of an audio recorder may seem common place for most for we all have been or have recorded ourselves at one or more times in our lives. Usually we are not happy with the playbacks but that’s life and even what we dislike can be helpful to our…
Using Technology to Improve Your Trumpet Playing- Video Recording
Some might ask why video recording is important when preparing a performance and to that I say “Your audience not only has to hear you play but also see you perform”. The video recorder can be a great tool when preparing your recital or any other solo performance for after…
Using Technology to Improve Your Trumpet Playing- Playing duets by yourself
Ensemble playing has many benefits including attention to pitch, better concept of time and a more musical environment. The problem arises when, at 10:00 PM at night, you decide to call a friend to come over and play duets with you and your only response is a loud click at…
Using Technology to Improve Your Trumpet Playing- Measuring your volume
Trumpet players are famous for loud playing and a few are capable of playing soft. But what is loud and what is soft when trying to improve your control of your instrument. If you have ever had the good fortune or misfortune of playing trumpet in a rock band, you…