TrumpetMaster - View Single Post

Sol · 06-03-2005, 08:05 AM

I would agree that the Sheep Mentality is evident concerning the choice of equipment. Look at the number of people that play large mouthpieces. They look at some of the finest players, notice that they use the Bach 1 size, and choose that model for themselves. Not to say that this is necessarily bad...on the other hand, the desire to conform can be quite strong...

Bb or C? In the US, it is customary to play the C now. For better or for worse. Just as it is customary to play the Bb in the UK. Suffice it to say that Mr. Murphy or Mr. Smith could play either trumpet quite well, if they so desired.

Look at the advent of the rotary trumpet. This trend was started by Mr. Herseth in the US, and carried on by Mr. Smith. Now it too has become customary to use rotary trumpets on certain works, for better or for worse. I am not really in favor of this custom personally, since it makes no sense to me to use these instruments on Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven. But what are you going to do? If you are in a position that you can be a trendsetter, then go for it. If you aren't, and need to conform, well, what choice do you have?

06-03-2005, 08:05 AM	#16 (permalink)
Sol New Friend Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 38	Sheep mentality I would agree that the Sheep Mentality is evident concerning the choice of equipment. Look at the number of people that play large mouthpieces. They look at some of the finest players, notice that they use the Bach 1 size, and choose that model for themselves. Not to say that this is necessarily bad...on the other hand, the desire to conform can be quite strong... Bb or C? In the US, it is customary to play the C now. For better or for worse. Just as it is customary to play the Bb in the UK. Suffice it to say that Mr. Murphy or Mr. Smith could play either trumpet quite well, if they so desired. Look at the advent of the rotary trumpet. This trend was started by Mr. Herseth in the US, and carried on by Mr. Smith. Now it too has become customary to use rotary trumpets on certain works, for better or for worse. I am not really in favor of this custom personally, since it makes no sense to me to use these instruments on Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven. But what are you going to do? If you are in a position that you can be a trendsetter, then go for it. If you aren't, and need to conform, well, what choice do you have?