TrumpetMaster - View Single Post

trumpeterb · 11-30-2003, 11:31 AM

1. Tell us how you would improve a trumpet with a new feature or design.

The new feature that I would add is a single-piece leadpipe with a semi-integrated mouthpiece. When I say semi-integrated, what I mean is that the backbore is part of the leadpipe. The end of the leadpipe is threaded, and the cup and rim of the mouthpiece can be screwed onto the leadpipe. This would make it possible to change the cup and rim, while still having the "integrated" mouthpiece look and feel. The gap would be eliminated completely. In addition, the horn would be a ML bore, reverse leadpipe, amato water keys, heavy weight bottom caps, counter sunk top caps, and a larger bell (5 or 5 1/4 inch). The finish would have to be silver plated with gold highlights.

2. Give us a theme for the trumpet.

SOLAR FLARE. Solar flares are like off-shoots of the sun and its energy. These flares reach far into the universe, and many even come in contact with our atmosphere. I think that such an outreach of energy and power would justly represent this horn.

3. Short story.

Gus was a simple man. No, there was nothing special about Gus...just a plain old everyday janitor at a local mall in Pittsburgh. Gus was used to that way of life; you know, get up, go to work, take a lunch break, work again, go home......without any family around anymore, Gus just seemed to have lost that desire to live, or at least to live well. Oh, but everyone at the mall loved Gus. He always portrayed a happy, kind, and loving man. Of course this was only a mask behind which the real Gus existed. Day after day, month after month, year after year, Gus would put on his janitors overalls, work gloves, and name badge, and head into that lonely place we call the world. His world had been this way for years....but it changed one day. After taking the transit bus to work one morning....Gus didn't drive, you see, at least not after the terrible motorcycle accident ten years ago, Gus noticed something different. There was a new, but pleasant face behind the counter of the music store that was located just inside the main entrance of the mall. Trying to get a better look, Gus pushed his wide and well-used broom down the hallway towards the music store entrance. "Hello," he heard her voice for the first time. "Welcome to Pittsburgh Music, can I help you with something?" Gus just stared, and could not believe that such a beautiful woman was standing just before him. "Uh...no, that's ok," replied Gus. "I was just cleaning the floor and noticed that there was a new employee in here."

"My name is Adrienne. I used to work at the bakery down the street, but making doughnuts and bread all day long started getting old. I thought I would try the music store scene for a while."

"Well, Adrienne, welcome to our mall. My name is Gus, and if there is ever anything you need, you be sure to let me know."

"I will do that, Gus, it is a real pleasure to meet you." Adrienne could not look at Gus without smiling, and don't think for one minute that Gus didn't see the twinkle in her eye.

Each passing day, Gus looked forward to sweeping the hallway by Pittsburgh Music. Every day kind words were exchanged between Gus and Adriennne. It took every bit of courage in his soul, but Gus finally decided to ask Adrienne out for a cup of coffee at the local coffee shop.

"I would love to get coffee with you, Gus, I am done working at 8. Meet me here, and we can go to Bruno's Coffee House. I heard that there is a really good jazz combo playing there."

The date was set.....Gus agreed, turned, and walked away with elation, sweeping the floor the entire way down the hall way. Gus had a lot to think about over the next few hours....what should we talk about....how do I politely ask her to drive.....I really hope I don't screw this up. Just be yourself.....honest is the best policy.

Eight o'clock came, and Gus met Adrienne outside the door of the music store. "Would you mind driving? You see, I was in this accident years ago, and I haven't been able to drive since."

"No problem. My car is parked right outside. Let's go."

Upon entering the coffee house, Gus started to absorb the atmosphere. The smell of the coffee, and sound of the jazz combo, and the beauty of the woman at his side. "Listen to that tremdous trumpet playing, Gus. I used to play trumpet, you know. Years ago. I gave it up when I graduated from school."

"Now that you work at a music store, did you ever think of getting back into it again?" asked Gus.

"I had thought of it, but I just can't afford the trumpet that I would like to have....it is called the Solar Flair, and it is made by a company called Eclipse Trumpets. It is a great horn, but unless I win a contest or something, I guess I will just have to keep on dreaming." Her response caught Gus a bit off guard.

"Dreaming is a good thing. I used to dream....a lot. I used to dream of a family....you know, a wife, kids, grandkids, the whole nine yards. I guess that dreaming is all I will ever have."

"Gus, I have known you now for a few months, and I have been wanting to tell you something....I really think that I am falling in love with you....I know, I know, it sounds weird, but hear me out......you have been the only person in the mall that has shown me the friendship, compassion, and love that I needed over these past few months. I really hope that I may be able to help you make your dreams come true."

Well, after eight months of courting, Gus and Adrienne were married. As for a family.....well.....let's just say the my father and his new wife wasted no time having me, and then my brother and sister.

Now and then, you can still catch Gus at the coffee house. He is retired now, but he still enjoys returning to that very same coffee house where he and mom had their first date. He has dreams that I may someday play a Solar Flair Eclipse trumpet with a jazz combo at that coffee house....and as you have already seen, dreams can come true. Let's hope, for Gus's sake, that this one does.

4. Why should I win the contest.

I cannot say that I should win because I am the best trumpet player entered into the contest, because I doubt that I am. I cannot say that I should win because I have the best story, because I probablydo not. I cannot say that I should win because my new idea for a trumpet is totally innovative, because it is not that innovative. I can say, however, that I am a very serious trumpeter, and I have always been willing to take risks and chances on new equipment, and in life in general. I would love the chance to play an Eclipse, and this contest may be my only chance to ever do so. Like Gus and Adrienne from the story, I am a dreamer, and I hope that you can help to make this dream a reality.

11-30-2003, 11:31 AM	#12 (permalink)
trumpeterb Pianissimo User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 58	1. Tell us how you would improve a trumpet with a new feature or design. The new feature that I would add is a single-piece leadpipe with a semi-integrated mouthpiece. When I say semi-integrated, what I mean is that the backbore is part of the leadpipe. The end of the leadpipe is threaded, and the cup and rim of the mouthpiece can be screwed onto the leadpipe. This would make it possible to change the cup and rim, while still having the "integrated" mouthpiece look and feel. The gap would be eliminated completely. In addition, the horn would be a ML bore, reverse leadpipe, amato water keys, heavy weight bottom caps, counter sunk top caps, and a larger bell (5 or 5 1/4 inch). The finish would have to be silver plated with gold highlights. 2. Give us a theme for the trumpet. SOLAR FLARE. Solar flares are like off-shoots of the sun and its energy. These flares reach far into the universe, and many even come in contact with our atmosphere. I think that such an outreach of energy and power would justly represent this horn. 3. Short story. Gus was a simple man. No, there was nothing special about Gus...just a plain old everyday janitor at a local mall in Pittsburgh. Gus was used to that way of life; you know, get up, go to work, take a lunch break, work again, go home......without any family around anymore, Gus just seemed to have lost that desire to live, or at least to live well. Oh, but everyone at the mall loved Gus. He always portrayed a happy, kind, and loving man. Of course this was only a mask behind which the real Gus existed. Day after day, month after month, year after year, Gus would put on his janitors overalls, work gloves, and name badge, and head into that lonely place we call the world. His world had been this way for years....but it changed one day. After taking the transit bus to work one morning....Gus didn't drive, you see, at least not after the terrible motorcycle accident ten years ago, Gus noticed something different. There was a new, but pleasant face behind the counter of the music store that was located just inside the main entrance of the mall. Trying to get a better look, Gus pushed his wide and well-used broom down the hallway towards the music store entrance. "Hello," he heard her voice for the first time. "Welcome to Pittsburgh Music, can I help you with something?" Gus just stared, and could not believe that such a beautiful woman was standing just before him. "Uh...no, that's ok," replied Gus. "I was just cleaning the floor and noticed that there was a new employee in here." "My name is Adrienne. I used to work at the bakery down the street, but making doughnuts and bread all day long started getting old. I thought I would try the music store scene for a while." "Well, Adrienne, welcome to our mall. My name is Gus, and if there is ever anything you need, you be sure to let me know." "I will do that, Gus, it is a real pleasure to meet you." Adrienne could not look at Gus without smiling, and don't think for one minute that Gus didn't see the twinkle in her eye. Each passing day, Gus looked forward to sweeping the hallway by Pittsburgh Music. Every day kind words were exchanged between Gus and Adriennne. It took every bit of courage in his soul, but Gus finally decided to ask Adrienne out for a cup of coffee at the local coffee shop. "I would love to get coffee with you, Gus, I am done working at 8. Meet me here, and we can go to Bruno's Coffee House. I heard that there is a really good jazz combo playing there." The date was set.....Gus agreed, turned, and walked away with elation, sweeping the floor the entire way down the hall way. Gus had a lot to think about over the next few hours....what should we talk about....how do I politely ask her to drive.....I really hope I don't screw this up. Just be yourself.....honest is the best policy. Eight o'clock came, and Gus met Adrienne outside the door of the music store. "Would you mind driving? You see, I was in this accident years ago, and I haven't been able to drive since." "No problem. My car is parked right outside. Let's go." Upon entering the coffee house, Gus started to absorb the atmosphere. The smell of the coffee, and sound of the jazz combo, and the beauty of the woman at his side. "Listen to that tremdous trumpet playing, Gus. I used to play trumpet, you know. Years ago. I gave it up when I graduated from school." "Now that you work at a music store, did you ever think of getting back into it again?" asked Gus. "I had thought of it, but I just can't afford the trumpet that I would like to have....it is called the Solar Flair, and it is made by a company called Eclipse Trumpets. It is a great horn, but unless I win a contest or something, I guess I will just have to keep on dreaming." Her response caught Gus a bit off guard. "Dreaming is a good thing. I used to dream....a lot. I used to dream of a family....you know, a wife, kids, grandkids, the whole nine yards. I guess that dreaming is all I will ever have." "Gus, I have known you now for a few months, and I have been wanting to tell you something....I really think that I am falling in love with you....I know, I know, it sounds weird, but hear me out......you have been the only person in the mall that has shown me the friendship, compassion, and love that I needed over these past few months. I really hope that I may be able to help you make your dreams come true." Well, after eight months of courting, Gus and Adrienne were married. As for a family.....well.....let's just say the my father and his new wife wasted no time having me, and then my brother and sister. Now and then, you can still catch Gus at the coffee house. He is retired now, but he still enjoys returning to that very same coffee house where he and mom had their first date. He has dreams that I may someday play a Solar Flair Eclipse trumpet with a jazz combo at that coffee house....and as you have already seen, dreams can come true. Let's hope, for Gus's sake, that this one does. 4. Why should I win the contest. I cannot say that I should win because I am the best trumpet player entered into the contest, because I doubt that I am. I cannot say that I should win because I have the best story, because I probablydo not. I cannot say that I should win because my new idea for a trumpet is totally innovative, because it is not that innovative. I can say, however, that I am a very serious trumpeter, and I have always been willing to take risks and chances on new equipment, and in life in general. I would love the chance to play an Eclipse, and this contest may be my only chance to ever do so. Like Gus and Adrienne from the story, I am a dreamer, and I hope that you can help to make this dream a reality. __________________ Bach Bb 43 Bach C 229 Bach Eb/D 229 Stomvi Elite Pic King Flugel Horn Cerveny Bb Rotary