whwright

But don't be TOO hard on me. I'm a sensitive trumpet player, after all...

I'm also a middle-aged engineer who likes to play. I play regularly (mainly at church) but I really don't have a good practice regimen.

I occassionally "sub" for a local "swing band," and I split lead with their regular. The day before yesterday I played with them at a three-hour swing dance with a short break in the middle. Yesterday I played with them at a wedding reception. We played for an hour-and-a-half, took a thirty minute break, and then played for another hour. There was maybe thirty seconds between charts, and I had a blast both nights.

But by the end of each second set, I was WORN OUT. I could still pull off a "high C" but I was really reaching way back. My lips were like mush, my back hurt, and my cheeks were sore. I kept telling myself "sit up straight and don't pull on the horn." (Or something like that anyway.)

This morning (it's a Sunday as I write this) I played three services at church. It was really a chore, and I didn't play nearly as well as I am capable of. I felt nearly worn out from the beginning.

This may sound like a stupid question, but: should I have been worn out? I know I'm a wimp, but would "most players" be worn out in a similar situation?

Wayne.

Solar Bell

Hey Wayne,

As the lead player in a very busy swing band, I can tell you that the swing charts are a lot harder than they sound.

If you are not playing regularly in the band, I can see where you might get worn out in the second set.

I don't get worn out in that situation, but I am doing it all the time, including playing in church with my wife, an organist.

I think you probably just need to spend more time practicing, but more important, playing and rehearsing with the band.

Practicing on your own can never simulate the real thing.


-cw-

bandman

Wayne,

I appreciate your post more than many people here. I posted something very similar on another board.

http://www.ibowtie.com/brassforum/vi...2603&highlight=

Now I'm a band director. I do play my horn ALMOST everyday. I have been sick a lot over the past few years, but I refuse to give up.

Your question is not stupid. Yes, a non-pro is expected to be worn out in a situation like that. LIke I said, I play more than most people, but I'm so worn out it is not funny. What makes me worry is that I have a few jobs this week and I'm just not physically ready to play them.

kadleck

Wayne -
Many "pros" find themselves in that same situation too.

I would agree with Chuck (solar bell). Trumpet playing is very physical. If you played for 5 1/2 hrs. that day but don't usually do so, it's normal to be "shot" at the end of the day. If you run 1/2 mile every day, and then go out and try to run 4 miles, it's going to take a toll on your body. Same thing with trumpet.

When I'm playing a lot, my 2 1/2 hour show seems like nothing. If I go on vacation (playing say, 10 mins. a day) and then come back to work, that same show seems almost impossible. Seriously.

And Chuck is right - we can practice on our own, but nothing replaces the gig environment. We just do the best we can.

Good luck -
Tony

Clarence

wayne, im gonna tell ya you something that jon faddis taught me and if you do this right not only will you gain endurance,but you will gain high range as well.
Listen my peep's this is a cool free lesson.

VERY SLOWLEY PLAY F /A/C/F.
The key here is to play as soft as you can!
It,s weird the way it works.
It's like your pumping air into your lips.
Then try it cromaticly in a desending fashion.
Remember the key is to play very soft but not to soft!

whwright

Thanks for the encouragement everybody. My wife says trumpet players are all ... well ... you get the drift. But we know better, right?

Clarence: Are you suggesting something I should do as part of practicing at home, or something to do when I start feeling worn out?

Thanks again!

Wayne.

Clarence

hi wayne,
make that a part of your warm-up.
and the first thing you play.
the key is to play very soft.
rest for a bit and go again.

whwright

In what octave?

Clarence

the first to the third.

B15M

I get the back ache all the time. Why does that happen? Even when my chops aren't tired.