Motivation- Where Does It Come From and How Can I Get Some? Part 2

I have found it interesting working with many musical groups each year and as I observe each ensemble I have mentally noted the results of motivated directors as well as less motivated directors. Each ensemble seems to reflect the influences of their director. The most proficient and musical ensembles will always have an energetic and inspired director on the podium. The bands which exhibit respect and professionalism in their performance will invariably have directors who reflect these same characteristics. The only exceptions were the bands who had recently replaced less than adequate directors with improved models. It will take a…

Motivation- Where Does It Come From and How Can I Get Some?

Motivate-verb 1. inspire, drive, stimulate, provoke, lead, move, cause, prompt, stir, trigger, set off, induce, arouse, prod, get going, instigate, impel, actuate, give incentive to, inspirit His hard work was motivated by a need to achieve. 2. stimulate, drive, inspire, stir, arouse, get going, galvanize, incentive How do you motivate people to work hard and efficiently? Most teachers are familiar with this term and are striving daily to prompt this action in their students. Everyone’s life is effected by the amount of motivation they posses. If you are on the low side of this characteristic, you are said to be…

Don Smith- One Of The Greats

Don Smith passed away February 13, 2010 after an extended battle with cancer. Don was born July 15, 1934 in Los Angeles, California. To the younger trumpet players, the name Don Smith may not register, but to the veteran musicians, the name is spoken with great reverence for this was one of the greats who played with such big bands as Les Brown and Harry James, and backed celebrities such as Ann-Margret. He also performed with the Air Force “Airmen of Note” and the N.B.C. staff to name but a few. I first met Don shortly after he moved to…

What Is The Difference Between New Orleans and Chicago Dixieland Jazz?

What Is The Difference Between New Orleans and Chicago Dixieland Jazz? The quickest answer to that question would be 930 miles. From a musical standpoint it is much more complicated and for that reason I will try to simplify it for you. Traditional New Orleans style of Dixieland usually include these characteristics • Strong marching band history • Instrumentation which is more mobile (banjo, brass instruments, woodwinds, marching percussion (bass drum player, snare player, etc.) • Strong emphasis on all four beats • Generally a more ensemble approach to performance • Use of solo performances is limited • Literature generally…

Wet or Dry- That is a Question

This question can mean different things to different people. To a mother of a new born baby, it has one meaning and to a city mayor, it might refer the drinking preference of his/her county. To a trumpet player still another and this is the person I will be addressing in this post. What is a dry embouchure and what is a wet embouchure? The difference between the two is the moisture content of the lip area while playing. A wet embouchure is one which has moisture (saliva) under the rim of the mouthpiece and between the lips and a…

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Some of My Favorite Trumpet Players

Today I wish to indulge myself. Through my life, many trumpet players have impressed me and for that reason I would like to share a few of my favorites with you. Today we will just sit back and enjoy history as written by a few gifted players. Because of the fact that this is a personal selection, I would be very interested in hearing your top picks for our trumpet hall of fame.

Famous Solos for Young and Comeback Players

Many times we would like to practice famous solos or duets which we knew at one time or would like to learn but because of limited strength and upper range, they are beyond our current ability. If you have the desire to play some of these beautiful solos/duets, you are in luck. I will be adding to this series as time passes and I’m sure you will find some materials which will suit your current ability. Most of these solos/duets will be lowered a third and in some cases a fourth to place the range within everyone’s ability. If you…

Famous Solos for Young and Comeback Players

One of the most difficult trumpet solos in print is J.S.Bach’s Second Brandenburg Concerto. Most of us own a copy but few have the courage or ability to actually perform it. Now you can be the first kid on your block to say that you have actually play through all of this imposing number. You just don’t have to mention that this version is written down a perfect fourth. It will be our little secret. Without this transposition, this wonderful solo would not be available to the less blessed players. When you couple the oboe part with the trumpet, you…

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