Chops as we age

TrumpetLucian · 05-07-2009, 03:44 AM

Hello all,

I'm not new to the site but decided to start posting a bit. I ask this question with the most respect, I value the opinions of the great players whose minds I can pick.

My question is this, as a young player what can I do to not damage/injure my chops? I have no idea how old you are, I just know that you have lots of experience. So how have your chops changed? Do you wish you would have done something different from a young age?

I'm a busy college sophmore now. I play everything from back up band show choir shows (Demanding lead parts) to Jazz Combo (to develop soloing). I also march Div. 1 Drum Corp (playing upper lead). I take care of my chops (Chopsaver, Burts Bees, plenty of rest, etc) But want to know more on the subject. Thanks for your thoughts!

Perry

kadleck · 05-07-2009, 10:35 AM

Hi Perry -

I am 44. My chops have certainly changed over the years, but probably (as they say at the tire store) from normal wear and tear. I try/tried to do as you are doing - take care of myself. But demands of being an everyday freelancer will eventually catch up with people. Most often it's manageable but requires one to modify their habits. In college, it seemed like I could play all day long on a 5-10 minute warm up. Now, I panic if I don't get to a gig 90 minutes early (so that I can play for an hour then relax for a 1/2 hour. I was 120 lbs. and breathing was simple. Currently tipping the scales at 161, breathing is sometimes labored. When I turned 40 my 20-20 vision gave way to needing reading glasses. Ah ... aging!

But these things are inevitable. Everything works out, it just takes a little longer to get it going. It sounds like you are doing the right thing. Play as much as possible (all styles) - just be smart (without babying yourself). Don't try to compete with electronics (we never win), always warm up well, warm down after a hard gig, occasionally turn down the 11PM salsa gig (if you have a 9AM orchestra rehearsal the next morning), and remember that there is NO substitute for rest. Sometimes just putting it back in the case can be a career saver.

Tony

Solar Bell · 05-07-2009, 11:08 AM

Yep, you're getting old and fat Tony!

MJ · 05-07-2009, 11:41 AM

Tipping the scales at 161

Solar Bell · 05-07-2009, 12:43 PM

I got him by 12 years and about 40 pounds!

kadleck · 05-07-2009, 06:42 PM

Keep in mind - I'm like 3 feet tall. 161 is huge for a short guy!

Solar Bell · 05-07-2009, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kadleck

keep in mind - i'm like 3 feet tall. 161 is huge for a short guy!

Stand up for that solo Tony!

Oh, never mind.

MJ · 05-08-2009, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kadleck

Keep in mind - I'm like 3 feet tall. 161 is huge for a short guy!

Vulgano Brother · 05-08-2009, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kadleck

Keep in mind - I'm like 3 feet tall. 161 is huge for a short guy!

Does a low center of gravity help slotting in the upper register?

Fluffy615 · 05-08-2009, 12:56 PM

I've got 4 yrs, and about 200lbs. on him and can't play half as well!!!!!

05-07-2009, 03:44 AM	#1
TrumpetLucian Pianissimo User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Indiana Posts: 61	Chops as we age Hello all, I'm not new to the site but decided to start posting a bit. I ask this question with the most respect, I value the opinions of the great players whose minds I can pick. My question is this, as a young player what can I do to not damage/injure my chops? I have no idea how old you are, I just know that you have lots of experience. So how have your chops changed? Do you wish you would have done something different from a young age? I'm a busy college sophmore now. I play everything from back up band show choir shows (Demanding lead parts) to Jazz Combo (to develop soloing). I also march Div. 1 Drum Corp (playing upper lead). I take care of my chops (Chopsaver, Burts Bees, plenty of rest, etc) But want to know more on the subject. Thanks for your thoughts! Perry

05-07-2009, 10:35 AM	#2
kadleck Artist in Residence Mezzo Piano User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: new york Posts: 686	Re: Chops as we age Hi Perry - I am 44. My chops have certainly changed over the years, but probably (as they say at the tire store) from normal wear and tear. I try/tried to do as you are doing - take care of myself. But demands of being an everyday freelancer will eventually catch up with people. Most often it's manageable but requires one to modify their habits. In college, it seemed like I could play all day long on a 5-10 minute warm up. Now, I panic if I don't get to a gig 90 minutes early (so that I can play for an hour then relax for a 1/2 hour. I was 120 lbs. and breathing was simple. Currently tipping the scales at 161, breathing is sometimes labored. When I turned 40 my 20-20 vision gave way to needing reading glasses. Ah ... aging! But these things are inevitable. Everything works out, it just takes a little longer to get it going. It sounds like you are doing the right thing. Play as much as possible (all styles) - just be smart (without babying yourself). Don't try to compete with electronics (we never win), always warm up well, warm down after a hard gig, occasionally turn down the 11PM salsa gig (if you have a 9AM orchestra rehearsal the next morning), and remember that there is NO substitute for rest. Sometimes just putting it back in the case can be a career saver. Tony

05-07-2009, 11:08 AM	#3
Solar Bell Moderator Utimate User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Metro Detroit Posts: 5,526	Re: Chops as we age Yep, you're getting old and fat Tony! __________________ Chuck Willard *The Willard of Oz* "Don't be afraid to see what you see." Ronald Reagan The average response time of a 911 call is over 4 minutes. The average speed of my 9mm is 1250 fps *When seconds count....the police are only minutes away.*

05-07-2009, 11:41 AM	#4
MJ Forte User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Naptown Posts: 2,412	Re: Chops as we age Tipping the scales at 161 __________________

05-07-2009, 12:43 PM	#5
Solar Bell Moderator Utimate User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Metro Detroit Posts: 5,526	Re: Chops as we age I got him by 12 years and about 40 pounds! __________________ Chuck Willard *The Willard of Oz* "Don't be afraid to see what you see." Ronald Reagan The average response time of a 911 call is over 4 minutes. The average speed of my 9mm is 1250 fps *When seconds count....the police are only minutes away.* Last edited by Solar Bell; 05-07-2009 at 06:52 PM.

05-07-2009, 06:42 PM	#6
kadleck Artist in Residence Mezzo Piano User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: new york Posts: 686	Re: Chops as we age Keep in mind - I'm like 3 feet tall. 161 is huge for a short guy!

05-08-2009, 12:56 PM	#10
Fluffy615 Piano User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: New Jersey Posts: 261	Re: Chops as we age I've got 4 yrs, and about 200lbs. on him and can't play half as well!!!!! __________________ Live Long and Prosper The black is the notes, the white is the page.....play the black!!

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Mouthwash bad for the chops?	trumpet_man	Trumpet Discussion	9	04-09-2009 12:58 AM
Chops and Trumpets	jazzdude9792	Trumpet Discussion	9	11-26-2007 06:13 PM
Humidity vs. Chops	stewmuse	Trumpet Discussion	9	09-19-2006 01:35 PM
Chops	Spleeyah!	Trumpet Discussion	1	06-28-2005 10:15 AM
Physical Chops, Mental Chops, and Concentration	trickg	Trumpet Discussion	15	06-14-2005 11:01 PM

Unleash Your Anger
Copyright 2006 TrumpetMaster.com	All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:56 PM. Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v2.2.0/Links 1.01 Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.7.2 Copyright ©2000 - 2009, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd. Content Relevant URLs by vBSEO 3.3.0