How To Play A Flugel Horn

written by on

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 constructed differently and their use and even playing style are different. Both the trumpet and the flugel horn are played basically the same. Both also play the same range of notes with the same fingerings. The difference between the two lies in the application and playing style of the player.…

Who is Jim Morrison?

written by on

When we speak of great trumpet players, names such as Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie, Maynard Ferguson, Wynton Marsalis roll from our lips. But how familiar is the name Jim Morrison, and I am not speaking of the member of the famous rock band of the ‘60s; the Doors? If you are unaware of this talented trumpet player, be prepared to welcome a new icon into your trumpet world. James Morrison was born November 11. 1962 in Boorowa, New South Wales. His talents as a multi-instrumentalist (clarinet, soprano saxophone, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, flugelhorn, bass flugelhorn, trombone, euphonium, tuba…

How Old Should Your Child Be When Starting to Play A Brass Instrument? Part 2

written by on

What mental requirements are necessary before the child should start playing an instrument? When speaking of mental requirements, I am not referring to a mentally challenged or impaired child. I am speaking of the average child with the usual mental capacity. To succeed at any musical instrument, the student must be able to understand the importance of regular practice. Practicing regularly to some might mean “practice when you feel like it” or “when it is convenient”. This is the type of student that will most likely tire quickly of the discipline required for advancement on a brass instrument. I have…

How Old Should Your Child Be When Starting To Play A Brass Instrument? Part 1

written by on

This seems to be a hot topic on the national trumpet bulletin boards and I’m not sure there is a definitive answer to the question. Each individual will have to make his/her own decision on this one. Some young players have been very successful while others have failed miserably at the quest. It will be my intent in this post to bring light on both advantages as well as disadvantages when considering a very young child’s first experience on a musical instrument. Important issues to consider when starting a child on a musical instrument- Does the child have any interest…

High Range Trumpet Methods- Introduction

written by on

One of the most asked questions from students is this, “How can I learn to play high notes?” Seldom do players ask how they can improve their tone, endurance or any of the equally important areas of development. While giving clinics both with the faculty brass quintet as well as individual clinics, I have often been asked, “How high can you play?” My answer to that question was usually “I can play one note higher than I am asked to play”. Although they seldom understood what I meant by the statement, my response did answer the question. I have never…

Old Trumpet Players

written by on

For those concerned about my current ability on the horn, let me assure you that even at the ripe old age of 78, I still have a few high C’s in my bag of tricks as illustrated by the following recording I did a few years ago shortly after my first heart attack and just before I was diagnosed with prostate cancer- Napoli You may also find this information of interest- 99% of the recordings I have posted on my site trumpetensemblemusic.com are “first takes”. Not bad for an old-timer!

Why Do We Have To Practice?

written by on

In two words……we don’t. Why do we have to brush our teeth? In two words……we don’t. But, if we want to play well just as we may want to keep our teeth, we have to do things if we want a favorable outcome. As a young aspiring musician, I spent endless hours in many practice rooms pounding out scales and exercises in order to improve my playing. As an older player attending North Texas State (now the University of North Texas) I spent on an average six to eight hours practicing every day. Now as an older (old) trumpet player…

Can An Old Dog Learn New Licks?

written by on

This morning I filled in for one of the trumpet players in a local Worship Band. To say it was a challenge would be understating the situation. The majority of the charts were “kicking” funk charts and something I have had little experience playing. On the drive home I mulled in my mind why I was uncomfortable playing funk rhythms and soon the reason came to me. I have never played in a Funk Band before! How could this have happened? Then, after reading Wikipedia’s definition of the term Funk Music, It came to me. Funk music began after most…

trumpetensemblemusic.com “Back to School Special

written by on

Once a Year “Back to School Sale” With school now open, we continue our annual “Back to School” Special. Order any three arrangements from trumpetensemblemusic.com and get a fourth arrangement free of charge. Your free arrangement will be in the same instrumentation and style as your three orders and will be equal in price to your most expensive arrangement.   What a deal!   Be sure to stock up for your concert season with this incredible deal which happens only once a year.   (Special offering is good from now till September 1)

How to Choose the Right Music for Your Wedding

written by on

We recently were approached by one of our readers by the name of Ronald Ross who volunteered to submit material pertaining to the selection of music for any upcoming weddings. We want to thank Mr. Ross for his contribution and be sure to visit his blog at Loud Beats for more interesting features. How To Choose the Right Music for Your Wedding It is a tough job to plan a wedding and it requires patience and ability to innovate instantly. Right from the beginning to the end, you are peppered with an endless number of snags and many choices. The…