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,…

Trumpet Trends & News

I May Never Enter Walmart Again!

written by Bruce Chidester

With all the concerns about the Coronavirus, what most are cautious of is our everyday contacts with other people. Visiting Walmart for our basic needs has become an issue. My wife decided to try the drive through option now available for both prescriptions as well as all of our other…

Lesson Plans for Professional Players- part 3

written by Bruce Chidester

Be able to play all of the material listed below; Tone and flexibility All of Earl Irons “27 Groups of Exercises” Charles Colin’s “Advanced Lip Flexibilities” Valve technique and range exercises Herbert L. Clarke’s “Technical Studies For The Cornet” Walter M. Eby’s “Scientific Method for Cornet and Trumpet- Part 4”…

Lesson Plans For Those Without An Instructor Part 2- Lesson plans for Younger Players and Comeback Players

written by Bruce Chidester

Areas to be developed by younger players and comeback players- Tone and flexibility Valve technique and range exercises Sight reading and etude playing Ensemble playing Always be preparing a new solo The attached material will give you specific exercises to use in order to begin to develop the areas listed…

Lesson Plans For Those Without An Instructor- Part 1

written by Bruce Chidester

We have all had private lessons at some time in our lives and, in most cases, realize the importance of this experience. Unfortunately we are sometimes left to our own schedules or are in an area which does not include competent teachers and for that reason I wanted to address…

A Close “Look” At Tight And Relaxed Embouchures

written by Bruce Chidester

Many times we speak of a big sound as compared to a small sound when playing trumpet. In most cases one is able to hear the difference but knowing how to create a bigger sound is more of a problem. Now we have the solution! Not only are we able…

How Much Should I charge for playing my Trumpet?

written by Bruce Chidester

One easy answer would be to charge what your playing is worth. Another would be to charge what people are willing to pay. We all have been approached with this question, “How much do you charge to play your trumpet for us”? In order to establish your true value to…

Tips for Improving Your Sight Reading

written by Bruce Chidester

Many times we are held back by our inability to read new material quickly and accurately. This weakness can surface while playing in a band, on a gig, or in a recording session. Some players seem to be able to read anything placed on their stand while others fumble with…

What is Really Happening in Your Body When You Play Trumpet?

written by Bruce Chidester

The arguments go back and forth as to what happens in our body as we play trumpet. Some say the tongue arches to increase air velocity in the upper register while others say it is the lips which produce the faster vibrations and still others say that it is the…

Buying A New/Used Trumpet Is Like Buying A New/Used Car

written by Bruce Chidester

You may think this is a strange comparison but the selection of each is very similar as I will try to illustrate. Guidelines when purchasing a new car • Should I buy a new car or a used one? • Do I need a new car? • What do I…

Trumpets In The Sky, Or A World Wide Hoax?

written by Bruce Chidester

I will give no explanation for this occurrence and would like your opinion as to what is going on. Share your thoughts on this very interesting phenomena.