We welcome back an outstanding trumpet player as well as one of the kindest, most caring individual I have ever met. MGySgt Susan Rider has participated in all the important presidential activities as far back to the Clinton years and continues to musically support our country while performing regularly in…
These posts are written by: Bruce Chidester
Introducing the Baroque Trumpet with Alison Balsom
Historically (Hysterically) Important Advice for Cornet/Trumpet Players- Part #2
This is part #2 from the advice given in the duet collection Celebrated Practice Duets by Arthur Amsden. Don’t fail to pour water through your cornet before beginning the day’s work; never mind WHY, just DO IT and note the benefit of this simple advice. allow yourself to acquire a…
Historically (Hysterically) Important Advice for Cornet/Trumpet Players
On February 1, 1918 a wonderful collection of duets was published by Arthur Amsden which was titled “Celebrated Practice Duets”. We are indebted to the composer for sharing his compositions with us and if you are in need of a very large (70) collection of excellent duets of varying difficulty,…
Why Were the Early Brass Quintets Important in the Spread of Quality Brass Chamber Music? Part 1
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…
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…