| This is such a fine post from the Herald, I thought it needed to go in here.
From "tradjazzman."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well isn't America great. We can post "our" opinion with no problems.
So with that said here goes>>>
I don't care how much we practise, who our teachers are, what MPC we use, or what high note method books we practise out of............... we all are different and have different limitations. Some folks will NEVER play double C's and I don't care how much they practise. Now I"m not saying we can't improve our range, I'm sure we ALL can. But for some the sky is the limit, for others it could drive us crazy or away from the horn if we think the reason we can't do it is because we don't work hard enough.
Just as not all singers will have the same range. We are all different. Our teeth are different, as well as our chops, lips, etc, etc. Natrually some people are set up to be able to soar above the rest. Some of us don't have that set up. I mean if every trpt player that didn't have the perfect teeth, etc, and played off center, etc etc.... had to quit because he couldn't be the utimate lead man well........... then that is sad. If we look at it as if we are not working hard enough, and that is why we can't do it, it could drive some of us away from the horn.
I remember a time I was going to quit because no matter how hard I practised I just couldn't play real high above high C. Heck that was 30 years ago and I would have PAID for just a high D. Then I started to realize that hey maybe I should start working on jazz improv, etc. You know sometimes a good jazz chair player is as hard to find as the utimate lead man. And a good jazz man with a strong D-E-F (that he can use) is also cool. Anyhow over the years I have worked my range up to around a F, and I am very happy. It is strong, and clear and I get work. But no matter what I play, how long I practise I'll never play like Maynard. And guess what...........Im ok with that. I didn't give up, I just realized that is life and I worked on other aspects of my horn/ playing.
The good news "We don't all have to play double C's to be great trpt players". Alot of great music to be played below high C. Keep working on that high range and it will improve, and get stronger. But don't beat yourself up if you can't blow double C's......... we are ALL not set up for that. For those of you that are be sure to say "thanks" once in awhile.
Just my 2 cents.
Ben
__________________
Dave Bacon |