When first starting out as trumpet players we have to locate the correct position for our mouthpiece. This sounds simple enough but after teaching for more years than I care to remember, this decision is more important than most people realize. The exact location can be determined by luck, comfort,…
These posts are written by: Bruce Chidester
Which Flugel Horn Is The Best?
While trying to complete my coverage of the flugel horn, I decided to see what typical trumpet/flugel horn players say about the many instruments available on the market today. I have included only the material found on one site in a span of two weeks- “The Yamaha Flugels are great…
Looking For A New Trumpet Case?
From time to time we all get a little antsy when it comes to our equipment and this is my case at this time. I have a perfectly good original hard case for my Bobby Shew Z trumpet but still “lust” for something new. This is the reason I have…
Remembering Don Jacoby
Jake is gone but not forgotten by many of us in the trumpet world who were fortunate enough to have known him. If you are interested in his background and accomplishments, I highly recommend Clint “Pops” Mc Laughlin’s site . If you are interested in what Jake was really like,…
Big Mouthpiece or Small Mouthpiece? That Is The Question. Part 3
What advantage is there for the use of two mouthpieces? This is a question which comes up often for many times we are faced with contrasting performance styles, i.e. Classical music and Jazz compositions. Generally the Classical music requires a darker, more “legit” timbre and the Jazz music requires a…
Big Mouthpiece or Small Mouthpiece? That Is The Question. Part 2
What constitutes a big or small mouthpiece? There are several areas which can be described as parts of a big or small mouthpiece. • Cup diameter- The distance between inner edge or bite of a cup is described as the cup diameter. • Cup depth- The distance from the top…
Big Mouthpiece or Small Mouthpiece? That Is The Question.
This has been a constant decision for all trumpet players. The large mouthpiece gives you a big, dark, rich sound but on the other hand, the small mouthpiece makes the upper register easier to play. I will try to illustrate the advantages as well as the disadvantages when trying to…
Are Spitballs In Your Future?
This product has been on the market for many years and my first contact is worth sharing. When first introduced to the brass playing world, the ease of cleaning my instrument with these objects was very appealing to my ears. So, I purchased a jar and ran one or two…
Christmas Special !!!!
If you are expecting to program some Christmas songs in the near future, you need to check this special offer out at trumpetensemblemusic.com. We are offering the “Ultimate Christmas Collection” for the special price of $20. This collection will increase in price once the Christmas season is over. In this…
How To Play A Flugel Horn
Most trumpet players approach the flugel in the same way they approach their trumpet- put it to your face and blow! Although this works, it might not be the best way to get the most out of your instrument. As I covered in a previous post, the two instruments are…