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 readers write in with their own views and opinions. This is a very fine example of such a reader. His name is Felice Sobrero and after viewing my post he left a comment on his experience with the same issue I was covering which was being able to practice in…

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 Music section  More user-friendly features  Improved security   “New”  Solo/Ensemble Music section  trumpetensemblemusic.com  “You are invited to visit our new and improved store and we will continue to offer the best material at the most reasonable prices”   Same name/Improved service

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High Range Methods- Current Approaches

This posting includes a warning! “What you are about to read and view, can be of help to playing more easily in the upper register. This material includes very reasonable and sensible methods and, if followed carefully, should improve you high notes. Also in this post are examples of extremely high playing and in no way should you try to achieve today what these players have developed through years of practice. Any attempt to duplicate their high notes can and will spit your lip wide open and cause massive bleeding and unmatchable pain and suffering. The author of this blog…

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A New Toy Gets A Look-Over

On an earlier post I showed what was used decades ago to alter your sound and octaves with the old Vox Octavoice. Now it’s time to see how things have improved in the digital world. Check out this video and learn what is possible to use today to improve or at least alter you sounds. Ultra-Simple Battery-Powered Vocal Effects Stompbox with Reverb, Echo and Pitch Correction Ultra-simple vocal effects stompbox with reverb, echo and pitch correction Gives you flexible, creative control in a battery-powered format Vocally tuned reverb places your voice in the perfect musical space High-quality, low-noise mic preamp…

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Why do trumpet players need an Amplifier?

Well, not all trumpet players really have to have an amp for our chosen instrument has all the power we need. Or does it? Have you ever played with a rock band? In most cases the band has a sufficient sound system but some times we are forgotten and need to boost our volume a little to be heard over the screaming guitars and drums. Another use of an amp is something I ran into recently when I started playing harmonica in a Blue Grass band. Yes I said a Blue Grass Band. At my age, I am very interested…

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Now Here Is A Great Idea!

One of my very good friends is Jen Houck and when she sent me this picture of her new trumpet bathtub, I ask her to share her experience with our readers. Please give it up for a great trumpet player and good friend Jen Houck “I have been following Bruce’s Trumpet Blog posts for quite a while now and have really learned a lot of very useful information here. I am an “older” come-back trumpet player always on the lookout for ideas to make my life a bit easier. Recently he posted a video on how to correctly clean your…

The OcToBrass Range Builder

They Say “If you haven’t tried it, don’t knock it”. So…..I’ve tried it, now I’ll knock it. A friend of mine asked me to try his new OcToBrass Range Builder and let him know what I thought of it. I will first list the claims its inventor advertises and give you my view of this revolutionary instrument which will do all things and solve all problems. Well, where do I start? “OcToBrass Range Builder TM is a new compact buzzing and practice instrument”. This toy has been around for a couple years and to describe it as a toy would…

Flow Studies by Vincent Cichowicz

Seldom do we have the opportunity to have student’s insight shared in the teaching method of a world class trumpet teacher. When this interview was brought to my attention, I wanted to share it with you. For those of you who did not have the privilege of visiting with Mr. Cichowicz, I have included a small amount of background about this wonderful teacher. Although I had the occasion to spend some time with this him, I did not study with him. Many of my friends did and the comments given in this interview reflect the same respect that all of…

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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 of the outstanding features are as follows- Rechargeable through the included USB cable Extended life on each charge Three levels of brightness Heavy duty clip for a secure connection to any stand Very flexible arm for easy positioning More than enough brightness for any situation Small enough to fit in…

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Bent Mouthpieces- Good or Bad? Part 1

This past week the advantages and disadvantages of a bent mouthpiece surfaced again. To those of you who may not be familiar with the term “bent mouthpiece”, let me explain. Many years ago in a far off land lived a very good trumpet player who wanted to play in a local band. When attending his first rehearsal, the conductor recommended to him that he should play with his bell above the stand so that he could be better heard. Knowing that his existence in this fine ensemble was in jeopardy if he did not comply, the young man obliged by…