The Great American Shoot Out (Part 3)- Solo Flute vs. Trumpet Trio & Double Bass

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Transforming a Baroque Flute solo to a Trumpet Ensemble was a real challenge. It began as a Trumpet Duet but quickly changed to a trio primarily because of the constant playing which gave the advantage to the flute over the Trumpet. The next hurdle was to musically divide the three parts evenly and still retain the same musical flow of the original solo instrument. It is my wish that we have added the same excitement and authenticity of the period by featuring our Trumpets in the same way Vivaldi accomplished with his well known Vivaldi – Trumpet Concerto for 2…

75th Anniversary of Jazz at University of North Texas- And We Were There

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Being with my kids at jazz festivals is nothing new for the Chidester family. All three of our children have been involved with jazz their whole lives. Each has competed in high school as well as college and most of my life has been spent directing ensembles on stage and in contests as well. Some programs are more remembered than others as the photo above illustrates. Not only was our oldest son Scott, performing on the same stage as his old man but was representing the rhythm section on drums with a different band than I was in. As you…

Another Great American Shoot Out- Vocal Ensemble vs. Trumpet Choir and Bass

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This was a very challenging project for most of the charm in the vocal score hinges on the text rather than the rhythms and pitches. I do feel that we were able to come close to the original even facing this obvious advantage for the singers.   Now check it out as a vocal number at…..

The Great American Shoot Out- String Quartet vs. Brass Quartet

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This is not the first time that the two ensembles have been compared, but it might be the first time that the characteristics of the two have been discussed in full. I expect a large amount of input on this subject so read carefully with an open mind and feel free to share your opinion with your humble servant. For subject material I chose the first movement of the very popular String Quartet No. 8 by Dimitri Shostakovich. My choice of the first movement was decided in order to put the Brass Quartet at a disadvantage because of the extremely…

Are Universities a Thing of the Past? Part 2

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After posting “Are Universities a Thing of the Past?”, I have come across a few interesting changes in the subject sent to me which I would like to share with you on this subject. Two very important changes have been made since my departure at our university which might be of interest to my readers. Many colleges and universities are doing away with tenure. For those who may not be familiar with this term, I will explain. “Tenure, length and conditions of office in civil, judicial, academic, and similar services. Security of tenure, usually granted in the civil service and in…

$1.00 off each of these newly posted Jazz Trumpet Quartets

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Discount  applies to only the following- A Foggy Day in London Town A Foggy Day in London Town- Trumpet Quartet – Trumpet Ensemble Music A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square A Nightingale Sang In Berkley Square-Trumpet Quartet w/Cello (Bass) – Trumpet Ensemble Music I’m Beginning to See the Light I’m Beginning To See The Light- Trumpet Quartet – Trumpet Ensemble Music Autumn Leaves Autumn Leaves- Trumpet Quartet – Trumpet Ensemble Music Bill Bailey Bill Bailey- Trumpet Quartet w/Bass – Trumpet Ensemble Music Birth of the Blues Birth Of The Blues- Trumpet Quartet | Download Trumpet Music PDF – Trumpet Ensemble…

Are Universities a Thing of the Past?

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This may be strange to hear this from a retired University Professor but just as fashions and musical styles change with time, so does the importance of advanced education. Decades ago, it was imperative to frequent the hallowed halls of the learned institutions for at that time it was a common law that in order to compete for a good job, you had to have a college degree or face the reality that you would not have a chance at decent employment. Today’s work force has changed and for one to amass great debt for advanced degrees seems questionable now…