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I have seen and played a 3 Valve G Flugel, it was a modified Yahama, very out of tune and I would not recommend this option. As far as I know, neither DEG or Kanstul made or make a G Flugel Bugle in 3 valves. DEG did make a 2 Valve G flugel. Randy

I have played both of horns and would not consider either, even if given to me for free. I am a loyal Schilke owner and love them, for any amount of money nothing else comes close in tone, response, slotting, projection, and control in all registers over all dynamics. Randy

Due to returned emails, and more requests, I posted the file on alt.binaries.sounds.midi subject line is THX

Just a quick note, if you emailed me asking for the midi, and did not give your email address, please resend with that info, Thanks.

I have a midi of the THX, email me if you want it.

Check out some of these solos at your music store: Hindemith Sonate Kennen Sonate Arutunian Concerto Copland Quite City Mendez - La Virgin de La Macarena A. Reed Ode For Trumpet Anderson Trumpeters Lullaby Hering Concertino Enescu Legende Lovelock Concerto Bitsch 4 Variations on a Theme by Scarlatti Böhme Concerto Bozza Rustiques Ewazen Sonata Stevens Sonata I am working up the Michael Haydn Concerto in C on a 2 Valve G Piccolo. Randy

Schilke MII was my first and I have been a loyal Schilke owner of a set of Schilke trumpets/cornets. Randy

If you are looking to learn how to arrange, the best method is get a score from an established brass arranger, of the same type of ensemble, whos work you respect and study it. Another good way to learn to arrange is to do it, have it played, and do it over and over until writing what you hear in your head becomes as natural as speaking. The real art of arranging for brass IMHO is to understand the timbre differences between various instruments, how these differences interact both in unisons and chordally. This will give you a vast color pallet of sound from which to create music. What you do with melodic lines, counter point, harmonic stucture is really up to you as the arranger to create your idea of how the music is to sounds. Arranging for a Brass Quintet, Brass Band, G Drum Corps (2 Valve), G Drum Corps (3 Valve) , Bb/F Band Corps, or what ever brass group is differnet. Each group although seeming to share common instruments on the surface, has vastly different timbre pallets for the instruments unique to that group. If you have specific questions I would be happy to discuss point by point on arranging for specific brass ensembles. Randy

A ton of good questions, let me tackle a few. On the issue of buying a used bulge on Ebay, don't! I have purchased an entire hornline of bugles, I have never paid more than 25% of the going price for a bugle on Ebay. Look in the Marketplace section of DCP or on RAMD for horns for sale announcements from corps or individuals. Depending on the area you live, consider joining an alumni corps, they will be more than happy to provide you a horn and give instruction. Plus playing along with people on the same part will help you quickly gain confidence. As far as instrument, soprano, mello, baritone, all have thier pluses and minuses, no instrument is harder or easier per say to play. Playing baritone does require more upper body and arm strength, so if you don't think you can (or want to) do it then stick to a smaller horn. I have taught many woodwind players to play brass in my private studio, in some cases because they wanted to play the brass instrument and were willing to work at it, they quickly passed up students who have played for years. You know how to read music, count rhythms, use air, all you need is instruction for your chops and articulation. If you are looking to march a junior corps with trumpet and F mellos, then see about borrowing a trumpet or mellophone from your high shcool band, if you are on good terms with the band director. If that is not an option, consider renting a trumpet from a local music store, a very economic way to see if it is what you want to do, before you pay hundreds on a used or new horn. Good luck and best wishes on your goals. Randy

Brian Yes, all 2 V horns are in excellent shape, I hand picked them from various sales over the past 7 years. Since you mentioned it, I am starting a corps with the 2 Valve horns G Force, and we are off to a great start in 2 camps. Randy

Tarni-shield will remove light tarnish before it puts on a protecive coat. You lightly rub on Tarni-shield with a soft cloth, wait a few minutes, rince with warm water, wipe dry with a soft cloth, it is that easy. Wright's has micro bead abrasives and the sponge can leave a mark in the finish. I only use Tarn-X in worst case applications, i.e. a nearly coal black antique horn found at a fleamarket. And if you dilute it 1:1 with water before application, you are not left wiht a haze. Hope this helps. Randy

If you live in the Pittsburgh area, are over 16, and want a drum corps experience for only $175, we have a bugle waiting for you! We have a few spots in every section: Soprano, Flugel, Mello, French Horn, Baritone, Euphonium, and Contra. Uniforms will be ordered March 31. You need to attend one of the next 5 camps to be measured and save a spot. G Force or director@GForceDBC.org for more info. Randy

Bb Schilke X4, B5, MII C Schilke CX4, S22C D/Eb Schilke E3L F/G Schilke G1L Bb/A Pic Schilke P5-4 Bb Flugel Yamaha YFH-731 Bb Corner Schilke XA1 Eb Soprano Cornet Schilke Eb 3 Generic Herald trumpets on my studio wall holding my banners from "Statue of Liberty" in 86, "We the People 200" in 87, and "Pan-Am Games" in 88. 1 DEV 2V Picc 20 DEG 2V Sops 4 DEG 2V Flugels 8 DEG 2V Mellos 4 DEG 2V Frenchies 18 DEG 2V Baris 4 DEG 2V Euphs 9 DEG 2V Contras 4 KSB-102 Power Bore Sops 1 KMB-180 G Mello Randy Remember: He who dies with the most horns wins!!!! (and this is just my brass list)

I have always used Tarni-Shiled from 3M, it was recommended when I bought my first Schilke in 1980. It is a non abrasive cleaner. One application every two years keeps my Schilke's factory new. For my G Bugles, once a season is sufficient. I have used Tarn-X on some flea market finds to get the intital black crud off, then apply the Tarni-Shileld. Randy

Sales are picking up for the "If it's not in G, It's not Drum Corps" shirts! It's not to late to order one and have it under the tree for your drum corps fan! G Force Shirts Show your support for drum corps in G, while helping the G Force uniform fund. Happy Holidays Randy

I have a schilke X4, B5 and MII, all with Beryllium Bronze tuning bells, all are great horns. I use each in different performance settings. For my money the X4 is far and away the best horn in terms of free blowing huge dark wall of sound. I have tested every horn out there, and I own a complete collection of Schilke trumpets and cornets. My advice, look no further than Schilke. Randy www.GForceDBC.org

Tarnishield from 3M... on my indoor horns can last 5 years between polish sessions, for my bugles can last 2-3 seasons. At worst all I need to do is rub a cloth over any water spotting around the water keys. This polish is recommended by Schilke as the only polish to use. Randy it's a bu(G)le, not a bu(Bb)le