I have one of those funky breathing devices with the ping pong ball and the
tube.  I brought it around the same time that I decided to play trumpet
hoping to use it to improve my playing.  It sat on my dresser for months
until recently I decided to give it a try.  After talking to my teacher
about it I decided to use it regularly when I practiced.  I would take big
full breaths into it – keeping the ball suspended.  Complete inhale and
exhale with no hesitation between the two.  It made a tremendous difference
in my playing.  Transferring that same feeling of moving air COMPLETELY
improved my tone and attack.  Before starting on a new element of practice
(long tones, slurs, articulation, etc) I would use the device to remind myself
of how to breath completely.  It is very similar to blowing through the
lead pipe but more exaggerated.  It still gives the effect of moving air
through the horn.

I had my first lesson in MONTHS on this past Tuesday.  It was a great
reminder that I should back in the habit of meeting with my teacher at least
once a month.  One of the things that I enjoy most is trading 8s and 4s
with my teacher.  As much fun as it is playing with CDs and midi tracks on
my computer – there is nothing like communicating with another human being on a
musical level.  It definitely adds to the experience.  My next few
lessons I would like to focus on music theory and learning to play basic chords
on the keyboard.  I've been reading a few books on the subject but there
are some holes that I need filled in.

At the suggestion of a friend I am reading a new book called "Effortless
Mastery:  Liberating the Master Musician Within" by Kenny
Werner.  I'm only through about 60 pages or so but it really makes me look
at music in a different light.  It talks about a lot of the unnecessary
pressure that we put on ourselves as musicians and how it can hold us back from
enjoying the experience and blessings of creating music.  Maybe I'm biased,
but I think trumpet players are guilty of this more than anyone else.  We
have so much that we THINK we have to worry about – chops, equipment,
range…  it is easy to get caught up and forget about why we choose this
wonderful instrument to begin with.

I posted a new sound file on the Sound Room
page.  I created the accompaniment using Band in a Box.  When I first
started working with it I wasn't very impressed with the quality of the midi
files.  I have since upgraded my midi bank and it sounds 110% better. 
Much more realistic.  This is also my first recording using a JoRal Bubble
mute.  I need to do more mute work.  It is a different blow and I'd
like to be more comfortable with it as I like the sound very much.

My new horn (and the story behind it) will be here tomorrow.  Check back to
the site on Tuesday or Wednesday for details and pictures!