Jazz

It's been a long time since I got to listen to live Jazz. Recently I joined the Jazz band at LLCC, but I've been a bit overwhelmed by the talents of the other trumpet players. Because of this I called my friend that is a Jazz trumpeter and retired band director and asked to take some lessons. While talking to him he invited me to come hear his band.

Tonight I went and did just that. It was great to get to hear some great players playing the classics. It reminded me a lot of my college days when we'd go to the Jazz place in Kirksville. One of the dentists in town (aka Dr. Wisdom) bought this house and turned it into a place for Jazz performances. Usually it was him on a piano, Chris Ellman on drums and a mix of horn players from Truman.

Hopefully some day I'll be good enough to play in a group like Don's or Dr. Wisdom's.

Jazz Band

Ok so on a whim I decided that I needed a challenge this fall. I haven't played anything outside of church music in almost 4 years. I signed up for the local community college's Jazz Band. Tonight was the first rehearsal. Ouch I am SO out of shape when it comes to range. My chops are like jello right now.

What's really interesting is that two of the trumpeters in the band are former adjudicators from my high school days in solo and ensemble contest. One actually remembered me which I'm a bit scared of since he always ripped my solos. Myself and one other student are the only ones that are not Jazz gurus in the trumpet section. We were looking at each other in awe of the others. I feel like a little Freshman again like high school looking at the almighty senior trumpet gods. I did find out my senior year that they're not gods, they're just older, but don't tell that to any freshmen.

To all my music major/degree friends out there. Any help on basic theory websites or basic improv would be greatly appreciated.