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

written by on

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…

It Could Only Happen In Branson!

written by on

If you have ever visited Branson, Missouri, you might have enjoyed a frozen desert at Andy’s Frozen Custard. This small yet well know establishment has been praised for many years and to thank all who have supported their store, they offer free Sundays once a year. This past Saturday just happened to be the day we were treated to a free desert. The small establishment was inundated by hungry patrons. My wife and I took advantage of this kindness earlier in the day and waited in the drive through for almost twenty minutes as car after car was presented with…

Only “9” More Days Remain!

written by on

Announcing TrumpetLessonsOnline.com has now launched! Checkout our FREE Preview lessons here before signing up. _____________ 25% discount through January 31st of this year! Use code “25OFF” when registering for this discount. _____________ For the past year, we have been compiling important information to share with our readers and students which will answer many questions they might have about playing the trumpet. For almost six decades I have been performing and teaching trumpet and now I have made available an easy and productive series of video lessons compiled for trumpet players of all ages and all levels of performance. Because of…

Some of My Favorite Trumpet Players

written by on

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.

“Kimigayo” (The National Anthem of Japan)- What Secret Does It Hold?

written by on

I recently decided to start including National Anthems from around the world in my trumpetensemblemusic.com site. My most recent arrangement was a wonderful composition from Mexico and I am very pleased at how it turned out. Due to the fact that I have had a fascination with Japan for several reasons, including my practice of Karate, I thought it would be fun to write an arrangement based on the National Anthem from Japan. Upon first listening to this “shortest and oldest anthem in the world” I was very disappointed. My first opinion was that it was too short, the beginning…

History Was Made In Cuba

written by on

When two great trumpet players get together, something will definitely happen, and it did when Dizzy performed a concert in Cuba with a very young Arturo many years ago. Equally talented on this concert was the baritone sax player who I do not know. If anyone can help me out with his name, please let me know. For the younger players, this is a very good example of what we refer to as “Smokin”!

Last Day For Discount!

written by on

Announcing TrumpetLessonsOnline.com has now launched! Checkout our FREE Preview lessons here before signing up. _____________ 50% discount through December 31st of this year! Use code “earlybird” when registering for this discount. _____________ For the past year, we have been compiling important information to share with our readers and students which will answer many questions they might have about playing the trumpet. For almost six decades I have been performing and teaching trumpet and now I have made available an easy and productive series of video lessons compiled for trumpet players of all ages and all levels of performance. Because of…

BIG NEWS!

written by on

Announcing TrumpetLessonsOnline.com has now launched! Checkout our FREE Preview lessons here before signing up. _____________ 50% discount through December 31st of this year! Use code “earlybird” when registering for this discount. _____________ For the past year, we have been compiling important information to share with our readers and students which will answer many questions they might have about playing the trumpet. For almost six decades I have been performing and teaching trumpet and now I have made available an easy and productive series of video lessons compiled for trumpet players of all ages and all levels of performance. Because of…

It Could Only Happen To A Musician- Jim Nabors, Horses and a Mustang

written by on

The Jim Nabors Show Jim Nabor shows are seldom known for mishaps and to be in the middle of one can be very entertaining. I was present at one such show and I will try to set it up as accurately as possible. Jim Nabors was in the middle of one of his slow dreamy ballads as the lights dimmed and his almost operatic voice floated through the arena. If you have not had the pleasure of hearing his real singing talents, you have missed a great experience. Once he has dropped his Gomer Pyle image and character, he is…

It Could Only Have Happened To A Musician- It Happened At The Circus

written by on

If you live long enough, you will have experienced everything. As a member of the senior class, I would like to share personal stories which you may find humorous. Unlike the “How many light bulbs does it take to change a trumpet player? Answer: Unfortunately nothing can change a trumpet player,” type of jokes, these stories really happened and I can vouch for every one of them for I was there. The day the Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Circus band stopped playing. This fine organization has entertained audiences for decades and even under the most hazardous conditions, i.e. fires,…