I quit after four years as a kid because the only option was to take marching band (NO EXCEPTIONS!) and the marching band director had him some busy hands… ick. Also, practicing two hours before school (starting at 5 am) and two hours after school (ending at 4:30 pm) just wasn’t in the cards for me. I tried to join jazz or pep or orchestra, but I never took marching band, so no dice. I wonder what kids in wheelchairs did?
So, any brass players out there, especially trumpet? I’m looking for advice encouragement, free resources for music, etc. I know nothing about my instrument (brand, etc) and all the online places I can find are like “ne1 in2 jazz? i think jazz is teh r0xx0r!”
I was really quite good when I was in elementary and junior high (orchestral and jazz bands) and was scolded for not going on with it in high school. Sorry Mr. Leaper.
Are you only looking for online or free resources? If you have a college nearby w/ a music program you can sometimes get students to give you lessons for a cheap rate.
Find yourself a cheap instructor who can help make sure your embouchure is correct. You don’t want to get started with bad playing habits early.
If you’re really dedicated, take time to emphasize the fundamentals. Playing actual tunes will be a lot easier down the road if you give yourself a solid foundation.
Check your local junior colleges and community groups; they might have a volunteer band or orchestra, and good lines on local used instrument stores. Pawn shops will have a couple trumpets most likely; look for ones inthe cases, not ones that have been hanging on fishing wire in the front window for 37 years.
Got me a BA in Music Performance (tuba). That’s why I’m a computer geek. No, really!
I don’t remember seeing many musicians of any instrument in wheelchairs, now that you mention it. The typical stage setup is not particularly wheelchair-friendly, for one thing.
I’m actually looking to get into the trumpet too (guess it’d better be a REALLY big trumpet then).
To the OP: I’m interested in the trumpet or trombone - but I dont know how to get a feel for either instrument so that I know whether I’d enjoy this one or that. Anyway, I don’t have any advice - I’m sorry. Just saw your post and felt compelled to mention that I’m in the same boat. (figuratively speaking)
I’ve played a cornet in a school band but that was a long time ago. I can still manage something resembling a tune though; last instrument I played was my nephew’s tuba. I could probably play from sheet music if I had a reminder where my fingers are supposed to be for each note.
I played Baritone or Euphonium if you want to call it that for 7 years all throughout middle and high school but since and was pretty good too but I havent played since I graduated on '03, but I still feel I could pick it back up with little problem and maybe I will someday, I started playing bass around 11th grade and have had a lot of fun with that.
I played trumpet in Jr. through Sr. High and haven’t touched it in slightly less than four years, much to my chagrin.
How about a local community college? I was briefly in a jazz band through my friend, even though I didn’t go to that school they were always looking for members. If they won’t let you in for free, it probably won’t cost too much if you only take the one class.
