A shofar (pron. /ʃoʊˈfɑːr/, from Hebrew: is an ancient musical horn typically made of a ram‘s horn, used for Jewish religious purposes. Like the modern bugle, the shofar lacks pitch-altering devices. All pitch control is done by varying the player’s embouchure. The shofar is blown in synagogue services on Rosh Hashanah and at the very end of Yom Kippur, and is also blown every weekday morning in the month of Elul running up to Rosh Hashanah. Shofars come in a…
With the support of the Royal Swedish Academy of Music, this ensemble took part in the 1988 International Competition for Brass Quintets in Narbonne, France, where it won first prize. The quintet has played a major role in expanding the modern repertoire of brass quintets. Since its founding, it has…
My response to the discussion posted on TPIN There seems to be a flurry of excitement on the TPIN site about the comfort of your lip or the “rest as much as you play” discussion, and for that reason, I would like to add to the discussion. Everyone would like…
Musical employment can take many forms. Some musicians spend their careers in symphony orchestras. Some make a living performing in theaters in New York and Las Vegas, and some may find employment on the road with big bands. In each case, the thrill and sometimes disappointment is worth all of…
From time to time I think up some interesting challenges for my readers and this post is one of the most practical when learning or improving ones double tonguing technique. Everyone recognizes the “Orange Blossom Special” but few have had the courage and desire to perform it on a trumpet. There might…
The newest instrumental ensemble at Robson Ranch, Denton Texas is “The Jazz Notes”. This ensemble plays all forms of jazz, including Dixieland which is featured here as they rehearse for an up coming driveway concerts.
Trumpet Hacks of the Central Coast of California “Who are we? The trumpet hacks is comprised of four players. We are current or former members of the San Luis Obispo Trumpet Alliance, a 16 member trumpet group co-directed by Warren Balfour and Lyle Stubson. If you are not familiar with…
Robson Ranch Rhythm and Roots Ramblers is a traditional Bluegrass/Country band that performs from driveway to driveway around the Robson Ranch (Denton, Texas) community bringing songs, stories and fun to our friends and neighbors. Charlotte Ivy (the groups leader) along with Rachel Yeatts, Larry McCarley, Bruce Chidester, Michael Weaver and…
The Pandemic March- Score
With all the discussion centered around the steps being taken to curb this terribly pandemic, few words are being shared about the legions of musicians who have taken upon themselves to help in this cause. I’m speaking of the many (actual numbers unknown) who are giving free concerts so that…
To my readers, this might come as a surprise for I have played this humbling instrument from my fourth grade days till now. You may ask why I have decided to forgo the trumpet and this is the purpose of this Blog. My decision to change comes from several different…
Welcome back and today we will discuss another major element in ones technique that may improve your musical performance. This post explains how visualization can improve your performance This again couples words with your notes but in a slightly different way. For several decades I have used this process on…
Welcome back and today we will discuss another major element in ones technique that may improve your musical performance. This post explains why the length of each note dictates its dynamic level. Using again an example of a spoken sentence and how it mirrors musical interpretation, repeat the following- “…
Welcome back and today we will discuss another major element in ones technique that may improve your musical performance. This post covers the importance of the correct use of individual note dynamics in your music. Read this sentence out loud- “I want that car” Notice how the intent of the…
