Michael Oldemeyer

I picked the trumpet in 5th grade because my dad played trumpet when he was in high school band. A year later I was about to quit because I wasn't any good, then my director switched me to baritone. It's been great ever since. All my corps experience and 3/4 of the girls I've dated can be traced to that instrument switch. :) Michael Oldemeyer

This season MBI is marching 15 baritones (5 on each part) and 4 euphoniums. If I had my wish, I would have 4 people on each baritone part and then have a 3-4 euph split. The top euph part would match the lead or second baritones, depending on the music. When I was with Regiment, we had 13 euphoniums and 7 baritones. Actually, that would be the ideal situation for Brass, but I've got to fight one battle at a time. :) Michael Oldemeyer

Actually, they're really only about 2 pounds heavier. We actually trained for it Regiment by putting weights on the ends of the horn during the early season practices so that within a few days, the Euphonium by itself felt really light. But those first few practices---man my arms were screaming! Matt I thought about trying that with the dudes at MBI (just bought four new euphs this season), but it wouldn't fly. However, during warmups/technique we each put a dollar on the table and the last guy to break takes the cash. There's nothing I like more than taking money from college students. :) Michael Oldemeyer

I've never used any other than Schilke mouthpieces. When I play euphonium, I use a 51D. The two years in MBI that I played baritone, I used a 51C4. I tried a couple smaller mouthpieces on baritone, but the sound was too thin. The Schilkes have had really nice feels. Michael Oldemeyer

My single favorite is from the end of Regiment's 1989 show when the sopranos restate the theme from the beginning of the finale. They're standing in a diagonal line with the low brass marching directly toward them. Then the full hornline blows the stadium apart. I love that. Michael Oldemeyer