Quote:
Originally Posted by RaeRayMusic  I currently am playing lead trumpet in my school's Jazz band. And so far I haven't been asked to play anything above a high 'C' which I can manage but now I'm being asked to play a high 'F' and while I can technically get the note out it's really out of tune and sounds weak. The concert's in a month and my director really expects me to be able to play it, and strong.
I wanted to know if anyone had any advice or exercizes I could use during practice that would really help?
Thanks,
Raeray  |
Everything already said is valid and true. High range playing is like weight-lifting- you can't just "clan and jerk" a note you need.
Working up to strength with the High F you need will take time, and, again, is like weight lifting. I am a believer in the Claude Gordon methodology of using arpeggios and long-tones. It's tedious and dull, but will accelerate your progress. Most young trumpeters I know think that hours spent on rep alone will do the trick. That just isn't true. But it doesn't have to be complicated. I do a program of S_L_O_W arpeggios, whole notes, from 3rd-space C down to low F#, then up again. After this loosens things up, I then begin to progress S_L_O_W_L_Y up in half-steps to high C. At my age, I don't work out my ultra-range much anymore- once I'm loose, I can get whatever I need. Remember, a la Claude Gordon:
REST AS MUCH AS YOU PLAY
3 tries at a note, then STOP
BE PATIENT!! You'll be pleased with results gained from measured, deliberate effort
-and finally (and most importantly),
WHAT WORKS FOR ME MAY NOT BE RIGHT FOR YOU!!You may have to shop techniques, then, as I did, synthesize a number of them into a routine that feels good and works for YOU. Any teacher who says "This is the only way to do it" does you a disservice. A competent teacher will be sensitive to your unique mechanics and personality. Don't get wrapped up in some pro's routine either- the short answer is that trumpet technique is like a golf swing: 99.9% of the "tips" you try probably won't work. Experimantation is one thing, but if something doesn't work, move on.
Hope this helps!