Why Do We Make Misstakes? Part #3

Physical limitations

“Not all horses are race horses”

This was one of the many comments given to me by a former boss while teaching at UNI. This came from my first employer by the name of Dr. Myron Russell. I respected this older gentleman in many ways. He was intelligent, kind, honest, and fair in all he did. I miss his conversations and his wit and this statement was one of those simple comments which could change a person’s outlook on everything.

The statement “not every horse is a race horse” can apply to trumpet players also. Not every trumpet player can be a lead player or a solo performer. Even though we are told every day by talking heads on television that “you can be anything you want”, it is not true. Some people are destined to be second chair players their whole life. I am a good example. When I’m asked to join a new band, the first thing I find out is which chair I will be playing. If they say lead, I find out how high the parts go. If the lead part exceeds a D or Eb, I inform the leader that this is out of my comfortable range. It would be better to pass up a job because of the range of the lead part than embarrass myself on a part out of my comfort zone.

Some players are gifted with a high range and others are not. In my case, the second chair is my favorite location for a couple reasons. I have enough range to play lead when the first player needs a break or if a solo needs to be played. Around Branson I have been able to perform with many bands and have the reputation as a good “second trumpet” player in a big band setting. Combo work is different for the only trumpet usually is limited to a D, as are musicals. Playing a second chair position requires a different mindset than a lead player. Second chair players must have the following strengths.

A second chair player must be able to-

• Sight read well
• Play jazz solos on call
• Be able to adapt to any lead chair players style
• Adjust and improve any intonation problems in the section
• Anticipate errors in the section before they happen

As I get older, other physical considerations come to mind. Another fellow musician suggested that I try playing on a bar stool during a combo job. I thought that his use of a stool was because of his age. Later, I found myself needing assistance because of a motorcycle accident where I injured my leg. After one combo job using a stool, I never tried standing up all night again. If you have an opportunity to sit the job out on a bar stool, do it. The evening will pass very quickly.

Physical limitations may limit one’s ability while the same limitations are surmountable problems for others. A student of mine came to me and informed me that due to a farming accident, he was missing the third finger of his right hand. I asked him to play for me and instead of using his missing third valve finger, he used his little finger. I was amazed! He functioned as well as any of my students. I have very fond memories of students who, when faced with physical obstacles, have overcome them.

Another of my students came to me and as he played, I noticed a pronounced budge on one side of his neck. We visited about this and I suggested that he see a physician to make sure there would not be any damage to the neck while he performed. The physician cleared the student and for two years he continued playing with this budge. Shortly before his senior recital he complained about neck pain and said he sometimes spit out blood. Again I asked him to see a physician and the report he received was not good news. The Dr. told him to stop playing the trumpet in fear that he may rupture his throat. I agreed with the diagnosis but the student was determined to finish his degree by playing the recital. In his next lesson, he showed me what looked like a wide dog collar. The student was so determined to finish his requirements that he had a leather-smith fabricate a leather collar which he snapped on when he played his horn. The collar worked, he played his recital and finished his degree on time. This was another case where physical conditions may stop some players and in other cases the performers accomplished what they wanted to accomplish.

Physical limitations can be obstacles too large to surmount. You may not be a lead player but there are other things you may excel at. You may have physical limits that might slow you down but not stop you. Limitation in any form will test one’s dedication and perseverance.