The past year has had many unexpected turns which can test one’s faith and understanding of life. April of last year began unexpectedly when it was discovered that my wife had developed cancer in her right eye. After its extraction we were faced with the saddening fact that the cancer had already moved to her liver. We began immune therapy with a new drug developed especially for liver applications. Unfortunately, it had no effect in her case, so she then began a new treatment which she is continuing at this time. Her doctors have kept track of her condition through…
True Art Comes in Many Forms
True Art Comes in Many Forms Recently I have been visiting with a master of engraving who contacted me via our Facebook page. His first work was made for a talented young trumpeter and given to him as a present! After visiting more with this gentleman, I was able to…
Enough Energy to Power the World!
There has always been street bands but the group “Lucky Chops” has raised to bar to the stars. This young and talented ensemble is off the charts when speaking of showmanship, energy and creativity. Their non-stop performances will make most listeners want to go home and take a nap. Check…
The Trumpet Players Ultimate Problem Solving Check List (Re-Posted from Nov. 2013- and still good)
Disclaimer: There ain’t no such thing, but this is as close to one as you will find. This is a product born by need and a very sleepless night. It is my intent to list the most common problems facing trumpet players today and I will offer a few suggestions…
“Small Big Band” arrangements added to “trumpetensemblemusic.com”
Our sister site- trumpetensemblemusic.com has launched a new section of arrangements which will feature charts for a smaller big band consisting of only seven musicians. This instrumentation includes the following- Alto, Tenor saxes, Trumpet, Trombone, Guitar, Bass and Drums. With this instrumentation we are filling the needs of the smaller…
The Best Seem to Keep up With the Times- Santa Fe and the Fat City Horns (revisited)
By Brock Radke (contact) Monday, Jan. 25, 2021 | 2 a.m. Learning new skills has become standard operating procedure for most of us during the pandemic. It’s no different for the many talented musicians making a living in Las Vegas. For Jerry Lopez and his band Santa Fe and the…
How To Increase Strength and Speed In Your Valve Fingers
This trick came to me by way of the great cornet player and leader of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, Mr. Merle Evans. While enjoying the very infrequent resting period during one of the circus performances, I asked Mr. Evans if he knew any tricks to improve…
Better Than a Mouthpiece Brush!
Easier….. Faster….. Better….. Throw away your old, contaminated mouthpiece brush and get this handy and inexpensive machine for all your mouthpiece cleaning. List Price: $69.99 Price: $39.99 Magnasonic Professional Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner GET IT NOW!!!!!!!
Put Your Hands Together For Chad Boydston
How did you got started and when? “My dad was a trumpet player and was good enough to stay state side with the 2nd army continental band during the Vietnam war. He had to play taps a lot for those not so lucky. I would eventually inherit this phenomenon,…
Coincidence- Environment-Or Something Else?
Events in our lives can be attributed to many influences. Some are accidental, some are planned and some just happen for no reason at all. In this post, I would like to describe a very unusual situation that even I can not understand. After giving you a short description of…