I'm not going this year to Denver, or next year to Thailand.
I came to that conclusion after thinking about Denver being over 5500' and I
would only get approx. 85% of the oxygen that I would get compared to at sea
level. Most players perhaps may find it somewhat more difficult to play up
there, and they won't get the sound even from their own horns that they are
accustomed to hearing. It may be difficult in making a decision while trying
other trumpets as well. So in my own personal thoughts or opinions, it could
be that Denver could be more of a detriment, then a positive experience, for
players not accustomed to playing at those altitudes. It takes a week or so,
for me to get acclimated to those altitudes. I usually personally play a
couple of Jazz festivals each year in the mountains, and most of the
musicians have a terrible time playing. However in the past it really didn't
bothered me that much, but since my health issue, I'm not sure how it will
effect me either. In July, I have a Jazz Festival I'm playing in Mammoth
Lakes Ca. and it's at 8500'. I hope I can play it without to many problems.
If I have too many problems, I'll just have to leave early, as much as I
would hate to.
I do also realize hopefully that there will be some players, such
as Don Herman or aka, "Wild Don" that are from the Denver area that will
have no problems at all, and I'm really going to miss meeting him.
At the ITG last year, I met some great guys and, I was really looking
forward to going to Denver. However after considering all that's gone on in
my life this year with me, I finally decided it may be best for me not to go
this time. I sincerely hope that you all have a great time, and that the
altitude doesn't bother anyone. A couple of suggestions I could make is to
drink a lot of water, and ONLY if you CAN, as I'm not a MD, but for me
personally, I have found that taking aspirin helps in reducing the swelling
of the chops from the lack of oxygen in the mountains.
I do hope to attend other ITG meetings in the years to come.
Have Fun !! And Be Safe !!
Flip Oakes
Flip Oakes “Wild Thing Trumpets”
COME AND HEAR THE DIFFERENCE
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Flip Oakes
2559 Mottino Dr.
Oceanside, Ca. 92056
760-643-1501
760-643-1511 FAX
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