Graham

In December, I will be going overseas for a month and 5 days.

I'll be travelling around the UK and France and staying in hostels, and am wondering if it's worth me finding an alternative to bringing a trumpet with me?

I feel that not playing at all for a month is going to be detrimental, but I am doubtful of being able to find enough time during my trip to practise.

Would it be worth getting myself one of those P.E.T.E. devices to keep my embouchure active as far as muscles are concerned? Would a month with just the P.E.T.E. be too long?

I don't have a problem taking a trumpet, as I have an "expendable" one that isn't my main horn, but the issue might arise in finding the time!

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!

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ComeBackKid

It sounds like your schedule and the hassle of lugging a trumpet everywhere is going to be too much. I think that the P.E.T.E device should be a reasonable alternative and a month should not be too long using it exclusively.

Have fun on your trip.

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Paul Du Bourg

Graham,

Had the same problem last year.

Took family to UK as well as ski holiday in Livigno Italy, total 4 wks away.

Took mouth piece only but blew for maybe +-10 minutes every day.

Didn't lose a thing but really pleased to get back to the horn after the trip.

Sounds like back packing trip.

Did same thing in 1985, a long time ago now!!

Great fun and good luck.

Cheers

Paul
Jo'burg

stumac

Hi Graham,

Last year we spent 4 weeks driving around England, not much time for any practice, take a kelly mp for some buzzing and if you get a chance visit Taylor in Norwich and Eclipse in Leagrave, I only managed Eclipse and ordered a MS in gold plate, awesome horn. Also visit Phil Parker in London.

Regards, Stuart.

tedh1951

G'day Graham,

I travel quite a bit and the solution to the horn is a cheap pocket trumpet - takes very little space (I include it in my carry-on baggage). My wife and I toured for 3 weeks through China and I too struggled to find practice time - I finally realised that 10 mins a couple of times a day was 'easy' and ....... I ........... just ............ did ........... it.

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Ted

Graham

Ended up getting one those P.E.T.E. things, and will take a mouthpiece with me. I might if I'm really lucky be able to borrow a pocket trumpet from a friend, come to think of it!

__________________
Bach Strad 37 Bb
Bach Strad 229 25 C
Amati Kraslice Bb Cornet
Boosey & Hawkes Imperial Eb Soprano Cornet (New Toy)
King 606 Trombone

trumpetnick

Pocket trumpet is much better than any "device"

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1956 Olds Ambassador Cornet
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If you don't know where you are going, you 'll end up someplace else

kadleck

Agreed!

rowuk

Sometimes a break can offer new perspectives. You know yourself, if you will realistically MAKE TIME, then go for it. If not, then invest in yourself in different ways. Change what is important to you during that time. Check out the musical/art scene wherever you are, get REALLY hungry about creatively playing the trumpet when you get back.

4 weeks off means 12 weeks to get back to where you before - if your perspective remains the same. If you grow as a person during that time, so will your playing. Take measure of yourself and then decide if half ass is as good as HUNGRY.

You'll do the right thing!

Absence makes the heart grow fonder

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