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Trumpet

On February 24, 2008, I got a trumpet from my neighbor Chad Wynne (it is now March 9, 2008 as I write this). He had found it a while back and turned it in to the local police department. Nobody claimed it so he got to keep it after six months. He has never used it and the chance of his kids using it are low now. I love it. I haven't played a trumpet to speak of since I quit in 6th grade, although I did play the tuba for four years in high school. I'd say I've already surpassed my ability in 6th grade though I have been only playing for about two weeks now! I enjoy the fact that it is so linear. A guitar is so parallel that it takes a different kind of mind. Maybe that's why I've been stuck at my guitar level for so many years. The trumpet is a gas. I can play up to a high G sometimes, but hit the high E consistently. I'm sure I'll get it up there. Managing tunes with one sharp and one flat OK, no problem with most accidentals. Occasionally try two sharps or flat but not quite ready for them yet. I'm pretty psyched about improving my playing. I need to find out if I need another mouthpiece. Currently playing with a Yamaha 11C4. I'll have to pick up some of my dads stuff when I go home this summer, maybe I can get a mean old mouthpiece or maybe play his old trumpet.

Reborn as a trumpet player after almost 40 years. Never too late to teach an old dog.

Of course challenging this aging brain is probably good for keeping the altzheimer's at bay, but I noticed a big improvement in my speaking and singing voice too. I'm sure there is something to exercising of muscles, probably especially the diaphragm.