Band directors are constantly asking their students to adjust their instruments on out of tune notes and unfortunately many students are unaware of the need. I will try to first identify the most difficult notes and suggest some exercises which will help students know exactly how much adjustment needs to…
These posts are written by: Bruce Chidester
Gap Or No gap? That Is The Distance.
To most players, the depth that the trumpet mouthpiece extends into the mouthpiece receiver means nothing. To some, it is imperative that the distance be calculated and established. To some, the controversy has never come up. We will try to first explain what is meant by the gap, then how…
Long Tones- 10 Reason To Do Them
We all understand what long tones are. They’re long tones! But did you ever wonder why they are recommended and what benefits we can gain from this tedious practice? 10 benefits of long tones- 1. Long tones help develop strength- by sustaining a note for an extended period of time,…
Please Put Your Hands Together For My Very Good Friend, Jason C. Brewer
From time to time you cross paths with people who are perfect examples of “good people” and Jason Brewer is one of those kind of people. Let me introduce you to one of my favorite players and good friend…..Jason Brewer. Jason C. Brewer is an American trumpeter who has his…
Where Have All Our (Trumpet) Heroes Gone?
While returning from two of my doctor’s appointments today, I had an interesting thought come to mind. What current trumpet players have replaced our many heroes of the past? Chronological List of Trumpet/Cornet Heroes of the Past (my opinion) Born during the 1800s Joseph Jean-Baptiste Laurent Arban (28 February 1825…
15 Reasons Why the Trumpet is The Most Difficult Instrument to play
Some may question the validity of this statement but those that do most often are wrong. I will list my reasons and give a light hearted account of why this is the case. 1. Trumpets most often play the melody so everyone knows if we play the wrong notes. Unlike…
Best light for your stand
We all from time to time need a little help when the stage is dark or our eyes have faded through the years. I recently came across this little wonder that has completely sold me and for that reason I have purchased four units for our Robson Chamber Ensemble. Some…
Why Do Trumpet Players Pass Out? Part II
Five possible causes of passing out with similar conditions to playing and releasing extended high notes on a trumpet. Material taken from Wikapedia.com 1. Syncope (faint) is a sudden fall of blood pressure resulting in loss of consciousness. 2. Valsalva maneuver or Valsalva manoeuvre. The Valsalva maneuver is performed by…
Why Do Trumpet Players Pass Out? Part I
No, this is not a joke for if you have ever had it happen to you, you will agree that it is a possibility. The high range exercises which I and several of my friends are practicing at this time may find us in a possible situation which should be…
Bent Mouthpieces- Good or Bad? Part 2
I felt it was only fair to share others musicians views on this subject and to do so I visited the Internet to collect these thoughts on the advantages and disadvantages of bending a mouthpiece. Some responses agree with me and some do not. It is not my job to…