The Soundboard

[arran01]

Hi! I'm new to the Board so apologies if I make any mistakes.
I have returned to playing the trumpet in the last few months after a 26 year break, when I played from age 13 to 16.

I have got myself a teacher and she has helped me with my breathing, mouthpiece buzzing and other exercises that are already making a difference. I'm also playing in a swing type/jazz band.

However, I really would be gratfeul for some advice:
(i). I have a Hsinghi B flat trumpet I got when I was 12 that was second hand. I am looking to upgrade but even the second hand Bach Stradivarius trumpets on ebay are a little out my league, selling around £500 ($900 approx). My limit is around £325 ($600 approx). Any advice on a range of models without specifically recommending one in case its not permitted?

(ii).I note people use a range of mouthpieces. I am sure they were just as many when I was younger but no-one ever explained to me what the difference is. Is there an article I can read?

(iii). I'm working my way through Arban's exercises; am working on Haydn's Trumpet Concerto and the band pieces, and I seriously want to improve. Is there any useful progression books or courses I can find out about.

Many Thanks for taking the time to respond to this query and letting me join the forum.
Gordon
(Scotland, UK)
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Gordon MacLeod

[ksievers]

welcome aboard Gordon.

maybe the best advice I can give you is to believe about 1% of what you read (what about this forum? )

get a Bach 3C and use it for everything

and the house is built on lyrical playing. So lots of songs (Concone, Bordogni, etc)
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Karl Sievers, DMA. Professor, School of Music, University of Oklahoma; Principal Trumpet, Oklahoma City Philharmonic; Bach Artist/Clinician; General Manager, National Trumpet Competition

[arran01]

Many Thanks for your helpful response Karl.
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Gordon MacLeod

[Billy B]

I spend about a third of my time on a daily routine with long tones, slurs, Clarke and Schlossberg. The second third is music. Either etudes or solos of varying difficulty. Sometimes I will read through an entire book of solos for young players. The third part is the Getchell, Arban, Goldman, Thiecke set.
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Bill Bergren

[arran01]

Thanks Billy that's helpful too.

I will try and look up the items you and Karl suggest and go through them.

Much obliged,
Gordon
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Gordon MacLeod