On Saturday I had a Winter Concert with the Community Band. I have not been in a formal concert since high school which was about 17 years ago! I did not get to practice the day before but I spent most of the morning working on long tones
and blowing through the lead pipe just keep my chops fresh.

The concert went well. Of course I can think of many places where I could have played better. Hindsight is 20/20. All in all, considering I’ve only been playing for about 2 years – I think I did well. 
Here are some random thoughts:

• One song was just too difficult for me – the Finale movement of
  Handel’s Water Music Suite.  Despite hours of practice, I still
  fumbled about and struggled to meet it’s difficult requirements.  I
  would love another crack at it once I have more time to develop as a player.
   
• On the other hand, I thought I did very well on God Bless
  America/America the Beautiful, Sinatra In Concert, Victory at
  Sea, Show Boat, Die Fledermaus and the Stars and
  Stripes Forever. 

• There were two songs that I was familiar with but only because I played
  them in high school.  They were A Christmas Festival and Sleigh
  Ride.  Unfortunately I played the bass clarinet back then. 
  Trumpet is a whole new world in comparison.  Still, I managed to hold
  my own.  

• My endurance was not the best but I think I did ok.  I think I will
  add some endurance exercises to my practice routine.  There is nothing
  worse than starting a song and not having any chops.

• I lost count in several places throughout the concert.  In most cases
  I was able to get by because I was familiar with the tune and knew where to
  come in.  Other times I sat and watched as my part sailed by. 
  That is unacceptable.  6/8 time gives me fits.  All these things I
  will work on next year.  My sight reading must improve.

• One thing I did experience – being directly behind the percussion
  section.  There were a few times when their playing got so loud – I
  could not hear myself and it confused me terribly.  It is really
  unavoidable and no ones fault but I hope that never happens again.

We are off until the middle of January but I plan to continue to work hard
during the off time to be a stronger player when we start working again. 
These concerts are a great gauge to see how I am developing as a player.