Rick Chartrand

Dear Wilmer

I'm a pro player and Ive been playing for 15+ years and have been switching back and forth between a Bach 1c and a Holton Heim #2 (10c) for about a year.

I recently made a decision to drop the 1c and work the Heim because my chops simply have to many transition issues between the two mouthpieces.

I have developed a really nice round sound on the Heim and it just sings, not to mention the great endurance and high notes. But I love the dark rich sound of a 1c and Miles. Ive been told by many to work this mouthpiece and I will be able to acheive any sound I want over time.
Any ideas, techniques or arpegios you can sugest?

By the way Miles used this same mouthpiece and I started playing 15+ years ago because I saw him in concert. I also have a Red Martin Committee T3467RE and love it. I have my own style and sound but really would love to develop a tone like Miles had before he died. I dont even come close because he was playing for 50 years when I saw him, but I'd like to start develop a deeper darker tone.

By the way Wilmer, did you ever work with Miles and/or meet him? If so how about some stories?

Rick AKA Trumpet Man

wiseone2

I haven't a clue about Miles' technical approach to playing. At the end of his career he ambled around the stage with the bell pointed to the floor. His mouthpiece was a tub. It might have said Heim, but it was altered. The mouthpiece was bent as I recall.

I met Miles on many occasions, but I won't talk about it
Wilmer

Rick Chartrand

Dear Wilmer

No one really know Miles Technical approach to playing I guess I read his autobiography and very little (if anything) was said in there.

As I understand it Wilmer the reason he pointed his bell to the floor near the end was because he had so many health problems (back problems I think) that he was unable to stand errect and play normally. He further added to this stance by having his Heim bent so that it WOULD point to the floor. I suppose he wanted to keep good tone with supporting an open throat, so he bent his Heim...if that makes sence.

Anyway, any arpegios you can sugest for me developing a darker tone on my Heim? Do I need to concentrate on playing loudly? Soft?

That must of been cool to meet Miles , but I totally respect it if you wont talk about it.

Thanks Wilmer

Rick AKA Trumpet Man

wiseone2

There are no quick fixes for the trumpet player. Quite frankly, it sounds as though you are doing things just right. Your range is good, your sound is the area you wish to change.
The Cichowicz flow studies are a good starting point. Play the first study with as open a sound as you can muster. Play it as you feel it. Listen to the sound. Try changing the vowel sounds while playing the study. Go for the sound you, and only you, hear as your sound. Bend notes in the study. Make the seven notes of the tune cry or soar. You can be as creative as you want with this simple melody.
Go now to songs and ballads done the same way, it's about you making that gorgeous sound that only you hear.
Wilmer

Rick Chartrand

The Cichowicz flow studies, ok Im gonna have to either look those up on the www or goto my music store and get the book Monday.

Now this is what I love about trumpet playing...a whole new area of study and challange!

Thanks Wilmer

Rick AKA Trumept Man

Spitty

Ryan Kisor told me once that he felt playing lots of long tones daily at a very low volume gave him a dark, warm tone.

Jimmy Owens also recommends lots of long tones - so maybe give that a try as well.

Good luck.

Cheers,
Spitty