June 08, 2006
Summer Music Camps
As the school year comes to an end, many summer music camps around the country are just beginning. The International Trumpet Guild maintains a list of camps that may be of interest.
Many of the camps are geared to older students, but several are designed for very young musicians as well. Music camp is a great way to keep your playing skills sharp over the summer break. Find one in your area and give it a try!
Posted by Damian at 09:04 AM | Comments (0)
February 23, 2006
Summer Camps
Although it may seem early to be thinking about Summer Camp, now is a good time to begin looking into Summer Band Camps. The International Trumpet Guild maintains a good list of camps for trumpet players. Camps are often a great way for students to get a chance to learn from and play with professional players that they otherwise would never get a chance to meet.
Posted by Damian at 10:40 AM | Comments (0)
July 24, 2005
Support School Music
In this era of tight budgets, school music programs are often the first to be cut. Even though the federal government lists music education as a "core academic subject," many local school boards are choosing to cut music first.
Fortunately, there is an organization that is dedicated to helping parents and students fight cuts to music education programs. Take their test and grade your school's music program to see where it stands.
Posted by Damian at 09:07 AM | Comments (0)
July 03, 2005
Brass Camp
What's it like to attend a summer music camp? The Oregonian newspaper has a great article today on a Brass Camp held in easter Oregon's Wallowa mountains.
Posted by Damian at 08:45 AM | Comments (0)
July 01, 2005
One-Handed Trumpet Playing
After posting yesterday about the correct way to hold a trumpet, I came upon a site that pays tribute to trumpet player James F. Burke. Burke's right arm was injured at birth and he was never able to use it. He learned the trumpet (cornet actually), at a young age, always playing with his left hand only. He went on to become a famous soloist and teacher.
Posted by Damian at 01:45 PM | Comments (0)
June 30, 2005
Holding The Trumpet Properly
If you've ever watched a group of 5th grade beginning trumpet players, you've probably noticed some very "creative" methods for gripping the horn. Some grip the valves at the very bottom with only the index finger and thumb of the left hand. Others wrap the whole left hand tightly around the valves, ignoring the tuning slides. Some try a right hand only grip, relying on the thumb and little finger of the right hand to do all the work.
Many playing problems can be avoided by simply holding the trumpet properly. The International Trumpet Guild Youth Site has a great article with photos that discusses the right and wrong ways of holding the trumpet. Check it out.
Posted by Damian at 04:46 PM | Comments (0)
June 14, 2005
Youth Symphonies
Many student trumpet players are looking for avenues other than their school band where they can increase their skills. Youth Symphonies are one such place. There are many youth symphonies in cities around the country. If you're looking to stretch your skills, look for one in your area soon, as many of them hold auditions over the summer for the fall playing season.
Posted by Damian at 09:17 AM | Comments (0)
June 07, 2005
Summer Music Camps
It may be getting a little late to register for some summer camps that start early, but if you are looking to keep in shape and even improve your chops over the summer, try a camp. It is a great way to get some concentrated playing in and get the focused attention that is so hard to get in band class.
Posted by Damian at 03:42 PM | Comments (0)
College Trumpet Programs
Most of our Haydn trumpet players are students, of course, and the question of where to study after High School comes up from time to time. Here is a good list of college music programs.
Ever wonder what the college repertoire is? Here are some links to various highly respected trumpet programs and their repertoire lists:
Better get practicing!
Posted by Damian at 12:46 PM | Comments (0)
