[Trombone-l] Thoughts for a restart in mid-life.

[BJMCHAFFIE@aol.com]

Great advice.  However Adding one small contribution.  Don't wear yourself 
out in the beginning..   just take it slow.
 
beldon wade
 
 
In a message dated 7/18/2007 8:40:59 PM US Eastern Standard Time, 
pricetaylor at comcast.net writes:

Greg, welcome to the club of those that laid off the horn for a number of
years but somewhere buried in the psyche was the need to play again.

I'm sure others will have a lot else to say here but I'll start.

One - I'm glad you have a number of horns...that's cool of course.  BUT....I
really recommend that you focus on playing one of them - for now.  King 3B
with what, a 6 1/2 A or AL, or 7C mouthpiece?  Whatever, pick something and
don't change for awhile (2 or 3 months).

Two -  Maybe Paul Kemp, Sam Burtis, Wayne Dress, Tom Ervin (and others!)
will jump in here.  My suggestion - split up your practice time into 2
segments.  One is to play long tones - even for 10 minutes at first.  Finish
with some pedal tones to get the blood flowing back into the lips.  That's
it.  Don't overdo it.  Your instructor can probably help you with your other
practice.  

Your purpose at first is to create the best tone and intonation possible.
Be patient....you'll get results, this is exactly like working out with
weights...you'll really notice the difference in 3 weeks.  You are building
your embouchure muscular back.

Unless you have real intonation problems (in which case playing trombone is
very difficult!), I don't recommend doing this exercise with a tuner.

Three - Don't go too crazy with your practice.  Play everything slowly and
in good time.  Maybe even half as slow as it's marked at first.  This is way
harder than it sounds.  Then speed it up.

Within a month or so you can progress to Rochut book one or something
similar.

Four - Since you are into playing jazz, you'll need to develop your facility
and flexibility.  Since you are "re-learning" don't be afraid to play what
are called the alternate positions.  While they might not sound as good as
the "normal" positions (like the D above the middle C - normal 1st position,
alternative 4th position, on your King those are likely slightly flat and
sharp respectively), you'll be amazing how much more proficiently you'll
play if you can get beyond those traditional positions.

I'm not a teacher per se, but I have my own experience plus I've learned a
heck of a lot from good players who are out there on this forum
(professional or not).

Good luck - and welcome back!

Price

-----Original Message-----
From: trombone-l-bounces at maillists.samford.edu
[mailto:trombone-l-bounces at maillists.samford.edu] On Behalf Of Greg Jones
Sent: Wednesday, July 18, 2007 5:28 PM
To: trombone-l at server5.samford.edu
Subject: [Trombone-l] Thoughts for a restart in mid-life.

I haven't played trombone in 15 years or so and never really learned
properly to begin with.  I taught myself every bad habit in the world.al by
myself!



Having laid off the horn for 15 years, I began staring longingly at my old
King 2B (Which never left its stand in my office.) and thinking about
playing again.but the proper way this time.  I have been reading the e-mails
on the list with great interest, and have a great respect for those on this
list, many of whom I have admired over the years.  So now that I've gotten
nerve to ask.am I nuts to do this and spend this kind of money at 39 years
old.  Is it mid-life crisis early?



I had my old 1938 King 2B overhauled and love it more than ever.  A
wonderful instrument!!  I bought a new King 3B since that is what I played
before for jazz, and recently acquired a 1940's Olds Recording with a slide
and valve section.  I just started lessons with an instructor, but still
have doubts that I have lost my mind.  I thought learning to read this time
might be helpful.



My wife is supportive.so far.  She hasn't said a thing about vacationing
with our new "child in the black leatherette case."  She continues to
encourage me.  However I still think it may be a bit late in life for such
things.  I've also had some profession musician friend who have given advice
and been kind enough to answer questions as needed.



While I'll never be the next Alex Iles, or Dick Nash, I would be happy to
help by playing music for the Salvation Army band or some local bands.  I
don't have any delusions of being a "professional", but rather just want to
challenge myself and keep my "gray matter" working before I get too feeble.
(HA!)



Your thoughts would be appreciated.  I'd also be curious to have any
feedback on playing valve trombone since I've rather enjoyed practicing both
slide and valve horns.



Thanks!



Greg Jones

Toledo, Ohio

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