tennis_the_menace

Hello Manny! and everyone else on the forums!

I am a sophomore in high school, and I really love the trumpet. I am seriously considering majoring in music in college, trumpet performance or music ed. I am just not sure if I am good enough. I do think I am a good player but I am not the best player at my school. I practiced a lot this past summer and have improved a lot. I am still practicing a ton, I am trying to become a better all around trumpet player. I know i still have the rest of this year and the next two till college, but I want to be really prepared for my auditions. What should I be doing to prepare for college? What should I expect?
thanks,
Elaine

Manny Laureano

Before we can have an intelligent discussion, what does your teacher have to say about it?

Are you involved in any ensembles in and out of school?

How much do you practice every day?

Do you want to perform or teach band in a good school?

What would you do if you had a wish to be granted?

Thanks,

ML

tennis_the_menace

Thanks for responding so soon!

I actually have not talked to my teacher about this yet, I won't see him for another week.

I am in the band at school (1st chair 2nd band, out of four bands.), I play in church once a month.

I am practicing an hour eveyday right now.

on your fourth question, i'm not sure yet.

if i had one wish......... it would be to improve my range just a little bit.

Manny Laureano

Dear Elaine,

At your age the most important things for you to be involved in are good groups and regular lessons with a good teacher. If there's an opportunity for you to play with another youth ensemble in addition to school I would say "Go for it."

You need to begin to surround yourself with other kids who love music as much as do you. You'll learn a lot from kids with similar interests. Anything that helps you continue to enjoy playing is what you want to be around.

Listen to good players, live or recorded. You don't have to break the record stores doors down and go crazy buying CD's. Find one or two artists you like and listen very, very closely until you really understand why they're great. Expand after that taking your time.

The bottom line? Do things that you enjoy and don't worry about school for a little while yet. Just enjoy. The answers will come sooner rather than later.

ML