{"id":487,"date":"2016-12-10T16:03:57","date_gmt":"2016-12-10T16:03:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/carlsaunders.com\/?p=487"},"modified":"2016-12-10T16:03:57","modified_gmt":"2016-12-10T16:03:57","slug":"hitting-the-wall","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/carlsaunders.com\/?p=487","title":{"rendered":"Hitting the wall . . ."},"content":{"rendered":"

Carl,\u00a0I am a comeback player and have been very fortunate to have some wonderful teachers. While I have managed to improve my playing considerably in many areas I have not been able to increase my “own it” range above high D, Eb. I can play up to that range with good endurance for hours but when I try to go above it most times\u00a0I hit a wall and\u00a0air escapes out the side of the mouthpiece. Why do so many players seem to have this problem and what are your suggestions to get beyond this?<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Thanks,
\nKen<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Ken……….. Without seeing you in person and only going on\u00a0what information you gave me here, I will give you two scenarios<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

1. There are many very good trumpet players who would love to be able to play with good endurance for hours up to D and Eb. That is a good range to be able to play solidly. There are four players in the section, the lead player, the second and split lead player, the\u00a0third player\u00a0(who should be a good\u00a0section player and able to play\u00a0occasional not too demanding lead parts), and the fourth player (who should have a bigger set up and able\u00a0 to build a foundation of good intonation\u00a0that makes it easier for the higher players). It’s a team effort and everyone has a role. Everyone wants to play high notes but everyone is not physically equipped to play high notes. The old Zen axiom “find yourself” is in play here. Place yourself where things are natural for you and where you’re comfortable. Immerse yourself in the pleasure of playing beautiful music, in tune and blending. The more you do that the better you’ll become as a trumpet player.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

2. If you are an in-demand working (professional) lead player or desire to be,\u00a0then the E, F and G would be needed. Again, from what information you gave me, always keep the first scenario in mind and in play but try some different mouthpieces as you do. I would suggest a little shallower cup and or a shallower cup with a little bigger hole, or try your same size piece with a little bigger hole. Hopefully you can get the air to go through the\u00a0horn instead of escaping out the side of your mouthpiece. Remember always use the least amount of air to get the job done to its fullest and never let the band leader ask for less.. Good skill and some luck..\u00a0 Carl<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Carl,\u00a0I am a comeback player and have been very fortunate to have some wonderful teachers. While I have managed to improve my playing considerably in many areas I have not been able to increase my…<\/p>\n

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