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 the New York Brass Quintet. It was through his, and his colleagues efforts, that brass musicians gain their rightful position in the Chamber Music world. In the following series of posts, I will share with my readers a short history of these dedicated musicians as they blazed their way to…

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 contribution to trumpet education and equipment advances have also been important. Before I continue with his many accolades, let me first tell you of the first time I met this giant of the horn. I first met Mr. Shew when I picked him up at a high school in the…

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

Musicians Fight Against The Wuhan Virus- Part 3

Trumpet Hacks of the Central Coast of California “Who are we? The trumpet hacks is comprised of four players. We are current or former members of the San Luis Obispo Trumpet Alliance, a 16 member trumpet group co-directed by Warren Balfour and Lyle Stubson. If you are not familiar with the Central Coast, we are near Arroyo Grande and Grover Beach, CA. As everyone knows, the COVID-19 virus has diminished all activities of various groups, not to mention businesses and schools. Back in April, 2020, two of my friends, Mitch Latting and David Johns, (members of the Trumpet Alliance) suggested…

Musicians Fight Against The Wuhan Virus- Part 2

Robson Ranch Rhythm and Roots Ramblers is a traditional Bluegrass/Country band that performs from driveway to driveway around the Robson Ranch (Denton, Texas) community bringing songs, stories and fun to our friends and neighbors.  Charlotte Ivy (the groups leader) along with Rachel Yeatts, Larry McCarley, Bruce Chidester, Michael Weaver and Chris Corbitt have found a way during this time of social restrictions to continue sharing their music with others! We would love  to play for you, your friends and your neighbors.  All we need is  good weather, shade and a big driveway!

Musicians Fight Against The Wuhan Virus

With all the discussion centered around the steps being taken to curb this terribly pandemic, few words are being shared about the legions of musicians who have taken upon themselves to help in this cause. I’m speaking of the many (actual numbers unknown) who are giving free concerts so that our friends and neighbors can enjoy  some relief from the constant bad news spread hourly by the medial. Many have decided to give from their abilities to entertain with live music. I have never seen such an outpouring of generosity from so many fellow musicians. In this and the following…

August 19, 2020 I Stopped Playing Trumpet!

August 19, 2020 I Stopped Playing Trumpet!

To my readers, this might come as a surprise for I have played this humbling instrument from my fourth grade days till now. You may ask why I have decided to forgo the trumpet and this is the purpose of this Blog. My decision to change comes from several different reasons and I will share with you those reasons. 1.Due to my heart attack several years ago, I was not able to get back my full vital capacity of air which, as we all know is important to a wind player. The large and even the Medium large horns which…