One of the hardest things I've ever done..

Goal 9: Find a band to play trumpet in

Over the past couple of weeks, goal 9 has attracted mixed feelings.

Since 1994, trumpet has been a very large part of my life.  Originally a "last option" option (my arms weren't long enough for trombone, arms too short for flute, hands not big enough for clarinet/saxophone, no space for percussion), my Amati trumpet and I became good friends.  Not only has trumpet provided me with a way to expand my lungs and prevent asthma from taking control of my life as it did from a young age, but also opened up a new world of friends, music and experiences.

My Amati.  Tough, reliable, mellow sounding and will always be a fond part of the musical instrument collection.  As I improved, the Kings came along.  Firstly, a King 600 student model.  Beautiful and crisp sound, fanfare abilities beyond belief.  I loved it. 

The King 600.

Come a few years later, my ambitions to become a jazz legend were once again aided by King trumpets and their silver flair model.

The King Silver Flair - upturned bell once created by accident but now manufactured to enhance sound and emulate the man below...

Dizzy Gillespie - jazz legend (and not bad looking!)

Trumpets and I toured various states, played countless Bands Festivals, woke up many a person with a spirited Reveille, played "The Last Post" at assemblies and blasted rehearsals from the back of the room just because as a trumpet player you can do that.  It's the trumpeter's ego and I love it.

University saw a decrease in playing as did starting work but there is still a strong love for a simple instrumet.  Three valves mean you don't rely on octave keys or tricks to get range - you work for it.  Many a blood nose on a hot summer rehearsal can prove that!

Since 1994, there has been a man who has been there to encourage, guide, push and support my love of playing and music in general.  Afterschool rehearsals in my lounge room as we duetted to various music stylings.  The early days of hand written ditties before I progressed to real music.  Playing so all the neighbours could hear in Mount Waverley and later Wantirna.  Learning new techniques to play screech trumpet much to the annoyance of anyone in the house at the time.  Learning the tricks of the trade (like if you put 1 part milk to 2 parts water through your trumpet, you build up the vertigrease meaning a more mellow sound or how Mr Sheen is better than any valve oil on the market).  Breaking down complex pieces or parts to ensure even the trickiest parts fell into place.  Painting his old trumpet blue because blue trumpets are just so much cooler.

Unfortunately, Eric passed away on the 17th August.  Now I am very fortunate in the sense I have not lost friends or siblings, but the loss of a mentor is one that is hard to describe.  For a man that passed on so much of his love of music to me, there was only one small token of my appreciation I could give so there was no hesitation that his send off would include a musical tribute.

Choosing a piece was hard.  Initially thinking of the classic jazz items, it was settled a sombre flugel (a larger-piped trumpet with a haunting sound) piece from the film "Brassed Off" (one of Eric's all time favourite pieces and films) would be the perfect tribute.  "Adagio" (an Italian tempo marking meaning restful or at ease) from Rodrigo's "Concierto de Aranjuez" talks of missing home and missing what's there and that couldn't be more apt.

It was with that, I tackled one of the hardest things I've ever had to do.  While not the perfect performance, I hope it was enough to show him that after all these years, I have listened to every instruction...

- Soft, flat tongue to reduce sharpness of sound

- Timing isn't everything.  Do what feels right

- Slow, deep, controlled breath (at the right gap of course)

- Play loud.  Make mistakes louder.

- ALWAYS clear your spit valve before a solo

- Enjoy music - that's what it is about

Goal 9 will have a little bit of sadness attached to it now.  I hope to play in a band but finding the right one will now be more difficult without his expert opinion.  Nevertheless, the motivation to play will return and I look forward to the day that occurs.

With that, enjoy the Adagio from the film, "Brassed Off"