mattcraig06

Ok so I'm playing this show at my college, and the first run was pretty glorious, wore down on the chops but was doable. This first show, was pretty rough of this run. Any tips for worn down chops? Also when a veteran like yourself gets sick, do you have more trouble with accuracy and sound and range? Thanks Tony!

Matthew Craig

Keith Fiala

Worn down chops... try playing extremely soft middle register long tones in short sessions. This will help re-center your appeture. Try backing off on volume to help conserve energy.

As far as being sick affecting your playing... yes, it does - if you let it. Trumpet playing is EXTREMELY physical. I saw Maynard play sick several times... but he always seemed to put it out of his mind and played the show. Nothing was more important to him than his audience and the music.

Hope this helps...

kadleck

Matthew -

Keith makes some very good points. Many show conductors want everything loud & louder. If you do run into this, spend some quality practice time playing quite softly. I agree, it does focus the appeture. And, as much as I hate to say it, warming down after the show (or any big blow) is very helpful. (Again, very softly.)

As for playing sick - we all just try to work through it. It's no fun. I remember in college being incredibly ill and having to play principal on Mahler #2. Here I had wanted to play this piece my whole life - then when it finally comes up I have a cough, runny nose & fever. I got through it, and kept a box of Kleenex right next to my straight mute. Oh well.

Tony