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…
Since 1997, I have been a member of the trumpet/cornet section of “The President’s Own'” United States Marine Band in Washington, D.C. This ensemble has the distinction of being the oldest continually active professional musical organization in America (it was established by an Act of Congress in 1798). Its primary…
From time to time we come in contact with the very gifted and realize these people are capable of great things. This was the case for me when I first met and worked with Susan Rider. Susan comes from a very tallented family and her father and I had many…
Here is an interesting trumpet trio you might enjoy….. My Country Tis’ of Thee- Trio
From time to time new innovations crop up which, according to their inventers/designers, will revolutionize all trumpet playing. In a few cases, we are benefited by these improvements but in most cases the new ideas fall way short from their advertised benefits. Case in point is the continuing push for…
As most of my readers know by now with my heart attack from two years back, one of the side effects was that I lost about half of my vital capacity (total air intake). While in physical therapy, I asked my therapist if it would ever come back and in…
Now that is a question that I am sure you have never been asked! Most selections of bore size are limited to either large bore or extra-large bore and an option of a small bore or even a medium bore never enters the picture. Here is a quote from the…
My last post dealt with my favorite trumpet players and today’s post is similar, but this time I would like to introduce you to my favorite brass ensemble, the King’s Brass. This was the brass ensemble that influence me into forming my first trumpet ensemble. I have followed the King’s…
The group performing is called “Ten of the Best” and the three soloists are Allen Vizzutti, Otto Sauter and Larry Elam.
A good friend, after reading my last post, sent me this news clipping dated May 1984 which makes reference to the “NTS” One O’Clock Lab Band. I think you will find this very interesting.
