RevoBrassHead

To quote my old trumpet professor, Raymond Crisara, "There are only 12 notes, you just have to put them in the right order."

I just arranged a part of Anton Bruckner's 5th Symphony, 1st movement for Revolution. It just sounds like a great big organ, and it should considering that was what made him famous in the 1800s. Thick writing, though. Parts are for 3 Sop, 4 Mello, 2 Bari, 1 Euph and 1 Contra. If your have a copy, its at the 1:00 mark.

I have done plenty flapping of the lips! I do understand that when you are in college there are many demands made upon your playing. Numerous ensembles and your lessons, and none of them will give you a break. Another trick I have utilized is some sort of hot/cold therapy. Run warm to hot water over the lips really helps get the blood flowing. Also, sucking on ice cubes will help keep any swelling down. Also, when you are practicing, make sure to take breaks. Sing through your music while fingering is a great way to do this. Make sure you know the rhythms and the notes before you waste your lip hashing it out. It is something we are all guilty of and can avoid. I hope this helps!

You can find it here with instructions to buy it: International Trumpet Guild Email me through the message board and I can help you.

A bit of trivia: There is a picture of a teacher (left) and student (right) on web-page I left a link for. The student is a former Madison Scout.

Having experience in brass instrument repair, you are charged more for where the dent is rather than how bad it is. There are exceptions, though. For example, A large dent in the bell is probably less expensive than a smaller dent in the bell crook. Take it to a shop and be specific about what you want done. Also, many shops will get 'accessible' dents out when you have them clean the horn chemically. Accessible dents are usually the bell flair, but not the crook. Hope this helps,

Daniel, Thank you for your well thought response. I agree with many of your statements. I did not mean to imply that people who play high notes do not also focus on fundamentals. However, I have seen that case many times. The purpose of my post was to make sure that there was some acknowledgment of the importance of fundamentals. You are right, high notes are exciting, and fun to play and it is not my place to put a damper on anyone's ambition. But it does take a musically mature person play them in the correct context. I have been to too many music conventions where trumpet players are trying out new instruments by trying to see how high this horn will let them go. I only ask that if someone is wanting to get higher, then do so intelligently. For a reference, the link below is to a well thought out page regarding high playing and it includes a PDF of a good exercise to work on high playing with. High Note Playing Webpage Thank you,

The Cavaliers Brass DVD is a useful tool for any music educator. Being from Texas, this DVD served as a reminder of what I had learned, but had forgotten. Both Caption Heads on the DVD teach in Texas and Eddie Green, to whom they credit much of their teaching philosophy, used to teach in my old school district. The DVD is divided into four main sections: 1 Old Techniques, New Traditions 2 Exercises and the Daily Drill 3 Teaching and Rehearsal Strategies 4 Warmup and the Show On the DVD, Mark McGahey and David Bertman discuss the benefits and uses of a "Daily Drill" and fundamental routines. You watch and listen as the Cavaliers play the exercises and the narrators discuss what is going on for you. They stress planning and having goals for rehearsals. It also includes an audio recording The Cavaliers 2003 show, Spincycle. I hope this helps. From and educator's standpoint, you might also look at "Essential Musicianship for Band: Ensemble Concepts" by Eddie Green, David Bertman and John Benzer. It is a full band daily drill. Get the Conductor Book and it explains their philosophy and provides you with many exercises that fit into that philosophy. I have found that The Cavaliers DVD and this book work well together. You can find this book at Penders.com. Again, I hope this helps

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!! Someone finally mentions Clarke!! As far as finding that breaking point: everyone has one. Patience with what people have been saying about slowing things down is the key. Have patience!

As brass players, we consider ourselves fortunate that we do not have to constantly fork over money for reeds that wear out. Then why do we always buy a new mouthpiece?? I have a fair collection that I have built up. The best way to find a new mouthpiece is: Go to a music convention, such a the International Trumpet Guild Conference or Texas Music Educator's Association. At events like these, many vendors set up booths to sell their merchandise. This gives you a chance to play on many different styles/brands/sizes of mouthpieces. Also, the vendors will ask you about what kind of sound you want and will listen to you to match your goals. While they are intent on selling you their brand, they are knowledgeable and most willing to help. Or Go to a music store and spend some time trying out what they have there. In other words, try out mouthpieces to figure out what feels right to you. Do not get a huge/extra small mouthpiece just because your friends might be doing it. That said, a new mouthpiece will not give you an improved range or strength. Only correct practice can give you that. With that said, I cannot leave it there, but it is overall too much to go into right now. However, a former trumpet teacher of mine has a great website with many trumpet tips and a good high range exercise is included. Dr. Wurtz at SFASU I know this is a lot to digest, but I hope it helps. Roger Williams Revolution DBC Brass Caption Head

There is one important factor when considering consistency: fatigue. As brass players, we often are playing with some degree of fatigue. Do not forget to rest and let your muscles heal. Many of the professionals I interact with advocate a day of rest in your routine. This does not mean that you cannot practice. For example, rather than bringing the horn to your face, listen to recordings of players whose sound you admire and/or finger and sing through your music in different ways to experiment with phrasing. Remember, most of the mistakes we make are mental, not physical (misted keys, fingerings, rhythms, etc.). Often, these problems will escalate into creating some physical barrier to performance. My college trumpet professor, Raymond Crisara, said many great things to me during my studies with him. One such saying is, "Remember, there are only twelve notes, just put them in the right order." I hope this helps. Roger Williams Revolution DBC Brass Caption Head

Does it really matter what the highest performed note was? No. Practice your fundamentals, let your muscles rest and heal, and help your corps. be better by working hard. For those of you not in corps.; yet, anymore or missed the chance; don't forget that a high note is a single person achievement not a common goal for the benefit of the organizations' goals. Also, 99% of all notes you play or will ever need to play are below high C. Roger Williams Revolution DBC Brass Caption Head