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…
RIP Pauly Cohen, Lead Trumpeter
We would like to thank our friends at TRUMPETBOARDS.COM for sharing this wonderful documentary on one of the lesser know but highly influential lead players of our time.
My Apologies To Those With Perfect Pitch
The ability the keyboard player to cover the singers modulations was amazing! Obviously the performance was not enhanced by digital pitch correction. I’m glad I missed it the first time for I would have had a headache for days and would have changed my vote to the Democratic Party. Be…
“Welcome back Susie”……ah……. MGySgt Susan Rider
We welcome back an outstanding trumpet player as well as one of the kindest, most caring individual I have ever met. MGySgt Susan Rider has participated in all the important presidential activities as far back to the Clinton years and continues to musically support our country while performing regularly in…
Historically (Hysterically) Important Advice for Cornet/Trumpet Players- Part #2
This is part #2 from the advice given in the duet collection Celebrated Practice Duets by Arthur Amsden. Don’t fail to pour water through your cornet before beginning the day’s work; never mind WHY, just DO IT and note the benefit of this simple advice. allow yourself to acquire a…
Historically (Hysterically) Important Advice for Cornet/Trumpet Players
On February 1, 1918 a wonderful collection of duets was published by Arthur Amsden which was titled “Celebrated Practice Duets”. We are indebted to the composer for sharing his compositions with us and if you are in need of a very large (70) collection of excellent duets of varying difficulty,…
Why Were the Early Brass Quintets Important in the Spread of Quality Brass Chamber Music? Part 1
the University of Northern Iowa Faculty Brass Quintet Until the formation and concertizing of Brass Quintets in the 1950s, most brass performers could only be heard as part of an Orchestra / Band or Jazz ensemble. All this changed when Mr. Robert Negal decided to form a quartet known as…
Starting Over…again part 6- Reprinted from 2017 (We are way ahead of the others)
This is what is being advertised as the “New” way to practice in limited spaces. Watch the new advertisement and then read what we were discussing more than 5 years ago. One of the greatest joys I have experienced while writing this blog for the past 7 years is when…
How Can I Learn To Play Jazz?
I have been involved with jazz music most of my life and have been asked that question often. Many books and systems have been written on this subject and most will improve your ability to improvise, but I have learned through close observation of many players, not everyone can excel…
When I Grow Up I Want To Play Like Bobby Shew
That is a strange statement coming from a nearly eighty years old trumpet player, but that is how I would have liked to have played. Bobby has had a tremendous impact on the trumpet world, not only because of his beautiful sound, range and very gifted improvisational skills, but his…