Do You Ever Suffer From Stiff Chops? Part #1

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The number of people complaining about stiff chops seems to be growing and for that reason, I thought it time to address the problem. Symptoms of “stiff chops”- 1. Each morning when you begin to practice, your lips seem to be leathery or inflexible. 2. Many times your tone quality seems airy when you begin to play. 3. Flexibility exercises seem difficult. 4. More air is needed to start a note. 5. Playing soft tends to be difficult while playing loud is easy. 6. Low notes are a problem at the same time your high notes must be played loud…

Hypnotic Brass Ensemble

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In our never ending quest to bring to the surface brass ensembles worth watching, I thought you might enjoy this more recent offering which has its roots in a far off time and space. The time is the 1950’s and the space reference is Saturn where an important figure influenced the direction of this ensemble. A big influence in the development of Hypnotic Brass Ensemble was the father of these brothers and an important influence in the fathers life was Sun Ra, an interesting figure in the 70’s who professed to be from the planet Saturn. How more wild can…

Are you suffering from Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis?

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Recent studies have found that musicians are subjecting themselves to mold and/or bacteria which may lead to the development of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP), a lung condition characterized by shortness of breath and cough. The mold or bacteria has been found in virtually every instrument tested by Dr. Mark Metersky (University of Connecticut Health Center). His complete story can be read at – http://today.uchc.edu/features/2010/sep10/lungdisease.html Read also a brief News report published in the September issue of the professional journal Chest – WIND INSTRUMENT MUSICIANS AT INCREASED RISK FOR LUNG DISEASE NEWS BRIEFS FROM THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE OF CHEST Article | 09.07.10…

Should I Teach or Perform?

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Many young students are faced with this decision before they graduate from a college or university and the decision can sometimes be difficult. I have had the pleasure to play on both sides of the music stand and will try to give you the pros and cons of both areas in music as best I can. Some advantages for teaching music in an educational setting- • If you love working with young people, you will have a very satisfying career. • Summer vacations time can be spent in rejuvenating yourself, writing or other creative activities. • Insurance benefits and many…

The Three Levels of Accomplishment

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Whether taking a test in English or performing on a recital, we can demonstrate one of three levels of ability. C level performers- C level performers expect to perform adequately and nothing more. If the passing grade is a C and you are content with that level of accomplishment, chances are very good that the C will be your final grade. Usually C students are content to spend the semester doing just enough to get by. Musicians are the same in that they will perform as well as they are expected, as long as the bar is not so high…

TERRY EVERSON: “Idea Number Twenty-Four” for Trumpets

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While searching through some of the better videos on Youtube, I can across an interesting idea. How would several trumpet ensembles compare when performing the same number and I selected Mr. Terry Everson’s composition “Idea Number Twenty-Four” for Trumpets as our test piece for it is extremely challenging and tests the ability of only the better players. Our first recording was a studio recording done by the composer and his friends. This is our standard for this recording should and does give you the best possible performance. Our next example is a live performance done by the Boston Trumpet Ensemble.…

Everything Goes ‘Round In Circles

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To quote one of my favorite singers, Billy Preston, everything goes ‘round in circles And so does the history of this cornet. Once upon a time in the city or Waterloo, Iowa, a young seventh grade boy worked odd jobs and regularly delivered over 100 newspapers in order to save enough money to purchase his new Bach Stradivarius Cornet to play in his school band. The year was 1956 and the price of the instrument was a staggering $300 which in that day ways a great deal of money. The young man played his cornet for the next three years…

Tromba Mundi

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About Tromba Mundi Founded in 2007 for the sole purpose of the exploration, promotion and performance of new works for trumpet ensemble,Tromba Mundi has recorded several world premiere compositions and continues to commission new music for the genre. Tromba Mundi is dedicated to drawing the attention of students, professionals and brass music aficionados to the thrilling sounds of the trumpet ensemble! Each member of the ensemble is a professional performer and pedagogue from various universities across the United States. Members have performed frequently with ensembles such as the Cincinnati Symphony, Baltimore Symphony, St. Louis Symphony, Phoenix Symphony, Summit Brass, New…

Bugles Across America- Providing Free Live Taps to Honor the Veteran

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Mission Statement…from Tom Day, its Founder BAA was born in 2000 as a result of the Law being passed, stating that Every Qualified Veteran can have Military Funeral Honors. In short, at least two people to fold and present the flag and provide live Taps.With this in mind, Bugles Across America, a not for profit, was started. Government nfp forms were filed and we received an official IRS 501c3 number. This has been reviewed and renewed. BAA files a tax return with the IRS and the Atty.General of the State of Illinois. All returns are viewable at GuideStar During the…

The King Has Passed

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You would have to be over 75 to have vivid memories of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra before Adolph “Bud” Herseth helped create the modern fame of one of the world’s great musical enterprises. For Bud — and everybody from lifelong colleagues to radio listeners who never saw him in person called him Bud — joined the CSO as principal trumpet in 1948, at 26 years old, and held that seat for an astonishing 53 years, staying on with the orchestra as principal emeritus for three more seasons and not retiring from the orchestra until just before his birthday in 2004.…