Brass instruments – Trumpet Blog

Trumpet High Range Development- Part 3….. “What Method Books Have the Secrets to High Note Playing”?

written by Bruce Chidester on March 11, 2024

First of all, if these books have all the secrets, they are no longer secrets. Now down to facts. All high range methods are based on known features and how these features differ will explain why some techniques work and some don’t. I will discuss general categories which will help to explain the theory and application of these different approaches. Pedal Tones and how they work. Many methods utilize the practice and effects of pedal tones when trying to increase one’s high note range. Pedal tones include all notes played below the normal limitations of the instrument; any note…

THE 2024-2025 KING’S BRASS AUDITIONS

written by Bruce Chidester on February 13, 2024

If you have not heard this talented brass ensemble, where have you been for the past 50 years? This is the ensemble that got me started thinking of trumpet ensembles. Tim Zimmerman was the first person who inspired me to pursue an active interest in trumpet ensemble music. The Kings Brass was the first ensemble to demonstrate what could be done with our chosen instrument. There would not have been a Branson Trumpet Ensemble if it weren’t for Mr. Zimmerman support in our early years in Cedar Falls, Iowa. The amount of dedication Mr. Zimmerman has given to great brass…

Living in the Inseparable Worlds of Art, Music and Drama

written by Bruce Chidester on March 31, 2023

Choosing a title for this post was not easy for what I wished to describe is as fluid as an oil painting, as subtle as a string quartet and as emotional as a masterfully delivery text in a play. From a musical composer, transcriber, or arranger’s standpoint, the choice of instruments in a composition is as important as the colors on an artist’s pallet or an actor’s interpretation of a text. In each case, there is only one perfect combination of elements to produce a perfect finished product. This realization was what prompted me to leave my comfortable bed at…

NEW Series- Concert Trio Pieces For All Instruments

written by Bruce Chidester on January 1, 2023

We have had several requests to offer some of our original trio compositions for various combinations of instruments. In order to fill these requests, we have opened a new category of arrangements/compositions called “Concert Pieces” which we will add to regularly. This new section of offerings will address these requests in that each arrangement/transcription can be performed as a trio with any three matching instruments in either Treble or Bass clef. To illustrate the flexibility of these pieces, we have included our first offering below, recorded with several applications. Marimba Trio Sample Trombone Trio Sample Clarinet Trio Sample Full length…

Product Review- “flowStick” and “flowDisk” for Trumpet

written by Bruce Chidester on December 27, 2022

When I first came across this product, I was eager to find out what this item was promoting. After a couple Emails, my questions were to be answered; shortly after its (their) arrival. The following Claims has been recently posted on their Web site. 1.“Tool for Brass Instruments- Trumpet, trombone, cornet, french horn airflow and sound 2.Airflow training with music and the instrument- The flowStick makes it possible! 3.An airflow you can hear and feel 4.The bore of the flowStick is a sophisticated system with blowing edges inside for optimal feedback on the air intensity. 5.Flexible for everybody 6.The air consumption…

I’m Finally Satisfied After Several Decades!

written by Bruce Chidester on January 3, 2022

One of my all-time goals was to make a brass ensemble arrangement/transcription sound as impressive as a string ensemble. In my opinion, it was accomplished with this work by G.F. Handel. We all would (should) admit that there is nothing as rich and warm as a string ensemble and to expect brass instruments to even come close to this wonderful sound would be impossible. As you listen to my recording, realize that even though I am satisfied with the results, there is still room for improvement. You might wonder why I am so excited about this combination of instruments and…