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Old 10-03-2005, 02:22 AM   #8 (permalink)
rikrdo
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Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Sunny So Cal
Posts: 33
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Hello Getzen.

I am VERY familiar with your situation.
Back in the day I was a decent player as well...played in various groups.
Pop, Salsa, Church and Lead in our College Big band for a few years.
I joined the Navy, got married....got out, got divorced and didnt play my horn for about 15 yrs.
About 1 1/2 yrs ago I decided I really missed playing and started over again.
Long story short....
I am re-married and have a 5 1/2 yr old daughter. I work midnights and dont have ANY time to practice. I play occasionally with my Church worship band but thats only about once every other month.
If I practice 1 hr a week, thats a lot for me...but what I have found to be extremely helpful is a product called Chop-Sticks. If you are familiar with the "Pencil exercise" you will have an idea what these are about. If not you can search the topic and it will explain the concept.
I use the Chop-Sticks about 5-10 min a day , a few times a week (I dont even use them on a regular basis) and I find my chops are staying in OK condition.
I am realistic enough to know that I will never be a great player but I am right with you in that anytime I hear a trumpet it makes me want to pick mine up and blow.
Check out www.chop-sticks.com
I think it will help you out.
BTW...I have NO affiliation with the company AT ALL !!!
Good luck and dont ever give it up !
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