Children of Alt-X

Practice Log 7/Performance

Hi all

I did some workout routines for the lips and breath most of the week prior to the performance on Sunday.  Sunday morning came and I was a bit nervous about it, but...you know, there was a part of me that was so ready to do it!  I was concerned that Fightinggale and the kids wouldn't make it for a bit.

Leslie and her kids got there and I stayed with Matthew a bit before showtime.

As for the performance, I believe the horn section did well, with the 3 numbers we did!

My mind, my heart and my soul are begging for more!! My dreams are about concert halls and drum cadences!

I want more!!

Practice Log 6/rehearsal

Well, I already feel as if I am improving; during my morning practice, I managed to hit high E(Concert D flat, I think). I managed to barely touch the F above that, before I had to get going.  I worked a bit on tonguing and tone during lunch.

I went my second rehearsal with the Worship Team and found Crystal and Willie there but nobody else(at that point).  Willie had just landed a new job, so Crystal decided to celebrate by getting some food and cake for the whole band.

Unfortunately, we had 3 people out; our drummer, Josh had some sort of accident and they had to watch him closely at the hospital.  I believe they we were worried about him having a collapsed lung;  Shelley got sick, so no keyboards; Chris's wife Lindsey had strep, so he stayed home with her after doing a full day of band camp, so our trombone player(and horn section leader) was out.

Crystal worked out a trumpet part for me "Those Who Trust" on the fly; that was so cool!

We did pretty well with Israel Houghton's "You are Good"; I even felt good enough to take last note up to a high C#(concert B natural), which surprised me a bit. Still need to work a bit on timing and making sure that I do not get lost.

More later

IHS

Auf Wiedersehen!

Practice Log 5

Well, I had a good sectional rehearsal with Chris and Crystal this evening(trombone and sax).  We played for about 2 hours and worked on some runs.  Still having a few issues with playing with confidence sometimes(especially playing in 6 sharps and playing in the upper register). 

One little tip for trumpet players.  2 things you really need to gain that confidence -- prayer and air!!

And last but not least, Practice!!!!

Practice Log 4/rehearsal

Well, this week, I believe I have improved my embouchure a bit, and I have hit high E flat, during some of my exercises.  Working on simple songs in the Mel Bay book.

Worked on "Friend of God" as well and had a rehearsal tonight with the worship team.

This was interesting.  I googlemapped the location and I still go lost in the middle of the night. I was able to reach Chris who invited me to play and he was helping me get there amidst saying things like "Oh he's on the wrong side of Coles Ferry. He's in Kentucky somewhere."  

  

Chris was able to guide me to Clearing Manor.  We had the rehearsal in a barn.  Oddly enough, this was a good place to play.  

I did not choke on "Friend of God" as I had thought that I would.  I choked on the other piece(it had a 6 sharp key signature and lots high b's.)

Chris will work with me on Sunday after church to get ready for the next week. 

I must admit; It does feel good to play again!

Oh yeah, here's a vid I found of that song with 6 sharps

Israel Houghton - Lord You Are Good

Practice Log 3

Hi all

Still practicing. My mom helped me today with it;  I did some amagios and she gave me some tips for more air control.  We went to Sam Ash Music to pick up a mute too.

One of my church members asked me to join them for a practice session this Wednesday evening playing "Friend of God", which is a popular worship song down here.  Mom and I worked on it a bit today.  We'll do it again on Friday evening.  

We should be playing it on Sunday 7/19/09.  

Its a gig(not a paying gig mind you, but still a gig).  

Here's a few tips I found helpful from an online source.

Trumpet Lesson #1 - Air and Embouchure