Jazz Is Alive and Well in Sherman, Texas…

written by Bruce Chidester on January 7, 2025

If you have not spent some time in Sherman, Texas, you have missed an event that you would have remembered for the rest of your life. If you are a Jazz fan and have not experienced the amazing collection of Jazz memorabilia in Sherman, Texas, you are not a true Jazz fan! If you think you know a lot about the history of Jazz, you are delusional! I encourage you to experience a true transformation back to the time of the big bands, tight Jazz combos and the legacy, history and “feel” of America’s only true art form. You need…

Uncategorized

Is There A God and Can He Perform Miracles? Part 2

written by Bruce Chidester

After reading our first post, Is There A God and Can He Perform Miracles? Part 1 – Trumpet Blog , some may ask why these miraculous changes occurred? Were they simple coincidences or is there actually power in prayer? Only each individual will be able to answer this question. But,…

Uncategorized

Is There A God and Can He Perform Miracles? Part 1

written by Bruce Chidester

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…

Pounding Pain In The Back Of The Brain Continued

written by Bruce Chidester

Read first…. Pounding Pain In The Back Of The Brain – Trumpet Blog Today was a very productive day with a specialist responsible for CT scanning my complete circulatory system. While spending three hours on an examination table in my local Dr’s. Office, I gained additional information on why high,…

“Free Arrangement Contest”

written by Bruce Chidester

Due to the fact that I have been regularly posting arrangements on our site for the past 13 years (ugh) I, from time to time, run out of ideas to work on. I am offering a contest to my friends which should both generate inspirations for me as well as…

An Old Toy Gets A Look-Over

written by Bruce Chidester

To admit that a product of the 60s is still interesting to anyone is a surprise. But after rummaging through my bin of “the old and discarded,” I ran across a friend I had not seen in decades (many, many decades). Let me introduce you to the Vox Octavoice I.…

Product Reviews

Why do trumpet players need an Amplifier?

written by Bruce Chidester

Well, not all trumpet players really have to have an amp for our chosen instrument has all the power we need. Or does it? Have you ever played with a rock band? In most cases the band has a sufficient sound system but some times we are forgotten and need…

Which is more important in the development of a student- the teacher or the environment? Part 3

written by Bruce Chidester

In the previous post we discussed the advantages of private lessons on a student’s development as well as the contributing factors to the development of the self-motivated student. Self motivated students , as I will discuss will begin to have a profound effect on the players around them. This influence…

Could Meditation Help In Playing the Trumpet? Part 2

written by Bruce Chidester

Starting to Meditate Now that you have decided on a mantra to use, we will now begin our crash course in general meditation. I am in no way instructing you to use the Transcendental meditation form for I am not a qualified instructor and to do so would be against…

Could Meditation Help In Playing the Trumpet?

written by Bruce Chidester

A Little Information and History about Meditating Meditation is many things to many people. Some think it is a religious experience. Some think it is a cult. And some, including your author are aware of its benefits to better health. I will try to summarize the technique and benefits of…

Which is more important in the development of a student- the teacher or the environment? Part 2

written by Bruce Chidester

The importance of personal contact on a regular basis cannot be over stated for the concentrated time given on a one to one basis is fundamental in the concept of private lessons. During a lesson, the instructor is able to listen, evaluate and make recommendations to the student drawing from…

Which is more important in the musical development of a student- the teacher or the environment?

written by Bruce Chidester

This post has not come easily for I’m not sure that I will be able to articulate my thoughts effectively. The ultimate goal will be to cause thought, evaluation and deep reflection on a very debatable issue which is “Does a student’s improvement depend on the ability of the teacher,…

How to Get Established in a New Area

written by Bruce Chidester

After relocating to a new area, whether it be for employment, school, or just to move, we are faced with a similar problem- How do I get established in this new area? For a musician to get established is different from other activities. If you want to play baseball, you…

Trumpet Trends & News

Sleep Apnea Part III

written by Bruce Chidester

As a member of the group listed as male, old, and heart issues, I for some reason fell into the central sleep apnea category. And as a candidate with all of these factors, of course I ended up as an “extreme case” of central sleep apnea. I am the posted…