Eclipsehornplayer

I wan't to play in Jimmy Buffet's band.

What a gig, lots of fun, great tunes, and your called a Coral Reefer Horn, how cool is that?

I love Jimmy's music....

Ahh, back to Margaritaville I shall now go....

bandman

I've been following this thread and you have perhaps changed my dream job! Yep, playing with Buffet would be a kick! You can play with him, but I want to play the second book along side you!

trumpettrax

Ok - here's my sob story! hehe

When I was a kid, my dream was to attend Eastman, play in a major orchestra and teach trumpet at a University. One day as a sophomore in HS my dad came and asked me what my plans were. I told him the above. He asked me how I was going to pay for that. "Dad, I'm going to be a musician I'm supposed to be poor and starving". He looked at me and said "That's stupid!" Well, I never did it. I'm 40 years old now and started taking lessons again. (Wow, long story huh?) I think it's probably too late for the dream job, but I'm working on doing some solo work in churches maybe even a Phil Driscoll thing. My teacher says I have the potential, but I know I lack the confidence! Anyway, this may never happen, but I have to have a goal!

So, does anyone think it can still be done and not just a dream? Mr. Carroll? I hope there are some psychologist out there for all my problems! hehe

Thanks

ecarroll

TTrax,

Welcome to TM and it's Ed, please...

You said it best -- you must have a goal.

As I mentioned earlier in the thread, I love avocational music making. There's absolutely nothing wrong with having a "traditional" job (what do you do, by the way?) and having a parallel musical life filled with practice and performance (a church is an ideal venue, as are community groups, etc.). Keep in mind that every member of the top British brass bands are amateur musicians and (trust me when I say this) a group like Black Dyke plays rings around many "professional" ensembles.

Keep your eye on your goal and work hard. Who knows what will happen???

Best,
EC

trumpetmike

Ed - how true

Although, there are now quite a few bands who provide quite generous expenses and retainers for their players (especially those on key seats). They probably do more rehearsals than many professional groups as well. At this time of year - Contest season - it can easily be every night of the week, and weekends.

Siegtrmpt

After a really precarious 20 years of flying airplanes (which is also a "dream career" for some) I'm back to trumpet playing full time teaching 30-40 students and performing in a variety of groups.....some professional.....some close....and some not so good but trying. While the money in the flying profession can be pretty good the time away from home is a big price to pay. The money freelancing on trumpet isn't great but it's enough to do what we want to do which is more family oriented than professionally oriented. When the kids grow up maybe I'll resurrect my full time flying/part time trumpet dream. I'm thankful that I have options in this country that allow me to pursue jobs that are meaningful, productive and also fun to do. It's not that way everywhere in the world so I'm thankful for what I have.

trumpettrax

Ed,

I currently work in Nuclear Security. I work rotating shifts 4day on 4days off. So, I end up working 6 months a year. That sounds great huh? Well, it is pretty nice, but it doesn't always work out like that. There is that thing called overtime (which I do appreciate). I work basically a month of days and then a month of nights. While on my 4 days it's hard to find time to practice while working 12.5 - 13 hour days. Then if I have the 3-4 days off it's fun. I have much time. It's just sporatic.

I think I read in another forum (many moons ago) that you had/have a student that teaches in Austin?

Thanks for the comments!

ecarroll

tt,

Re Austin, yes, a fabulous player and wonderful guy named Nate Mayfield. Nate's a Juilliard grad, studied with Reinhold Friedrich on a Fulbright, and will be my assistant (yowza bowza) at Chosen Vale this summer. PM me if you'd like his address.

Best,
EC

someone

I think it'd be really neat to be able to make horns.

ecarroll

Someone,

Trumpet making is an interesting culture. I grew up in the Schilke shops (both Lake and Wabash) when I was a kid in Chicago. Also, my father worked there for a decade or so from the mid 60's.

Lots of memories(!)

Best,
EC