An Unexpected Evening
I was already to crash out last night with a box of Lemsips when I got a call from a mate I play in a Big Band with. He was just calling to ask if I was coming to the…
My Cup Mute(s)
If you’ve read my other mute posts you’ll know that I use a jo ral harmon and straight. So you won’t be surprised to read that I also have a jo al tri-tone mute. However you may be surprised…
My Students; Destroying The Competition
Later on today I have a few of my students going in for their trumpet exams. I’m sure they’ll do very well as over the past few weeks they’ve been making me very proud.Last week my students played at…
The 1 to 7 Arban Challenge
Recently I’ve found that my practice regime has been lacking (to put it mildly) and as a consequence my progress is flat lining. So in an effort to re-inspire and pick myself back up I will be trying a 30…
Jo Ral Straight Mute; The Strongest Straight You’ll Find
Like most trumpet players I started with a Dennis Wick straight mute, which I used all the way up to the Conservatoire. It was there I met serious trumpet players in and out of college. This gave me the chance…
Swingin’ at The Skakespearience
The big band gig I did last week was a really good one. The audience seemed to love it as the evening was filled with copious applause, 2 standing ovations and 2 encores. The only thing they seemed a little…
Blue Juice – The Valve Oil Of Kings
The subject of; “who makes the best valve oil?” is a widely disputed topic as there are 2 main features you look for Some do one better than the other but it’s Blue Juice that seems to be get it…
Trial and Error – The Experience That Build A Musicians Extra Bag
Spending my life playing the trumpet I’ve gone through all sorts of equipment, mutes, trumpets, valve oils, cases, music etc. This is why I will dedicate one post a week to writing about my experiences with these different things. Good…
Transcriptions and All That
A short post today as I’ve got to head off to Stratford for a Big Band gig, check my Dep for Fiddler on the Roof, clarify details for a wedding on Sunday and do 2 monster transcriptions for an MD…
Fiddler On The Roof
Slightly more interesting to play than Oklahoma but slightly longer to : ) It’s an ok show to play but not as exciting from a trumpet point of view as a Chess or Copa. Still there’s more to do in…