Well I have gotten my focus back. It seems as if the distractions or lack of focus comes in waves… a few days here and then something will happen to just knock me right back on track. This time that something was a song by Terence Blanchard called “Sing Soweto”. A beautiful tune that was inspired by a terrible event (the Soweto massacre in 1978). It is a simple song but it spoke to me so much that I took the time to transpose the head. I wish I knew how to figure out the chord changes for songs. I would surely take this tune and plug it into band in a box for recording. I may still do a version without accompaniment – stay tuned for that. Right now Terence Blanchard is easily my favorite player because of his playing and his writing.

I am beginning to work with the methods of Carmine Caruso in addition to my regular practice routine. His 'musical calisthenics' are designed to coordinate and strengthen the muscles needed to play a brass instrument. My current teacher introduced me to the “six notes” at our first lesson. I remember them being very difficult for me to complete then and that was about 6 months ago. I am doing them now and they are much easier than they used to be — that tells me my chops are indeed getting stronger. There is nothing better than finding something that used to be hard — easy. Progress. Grab it and hold on to it for those days when you're ready to throw your horn out the window. I have talked to several people who use this method and they all had good things to say about it. I look forward to the new challenge and benefits that it will bring.

A quick comment about equipment ? as a beginner I used to find that I was easily swayed by the comments and suggestions of others. While this information is valuable and definitely helpful I have discovered that when it comes to equipment (mouthpieces, horns, heavy valves caps, etc) it truly comes down to the feel of the player. What works for John or Jane may not work for you. When it doubt ? try it yourself and come to your own conclusions. Don?t be afraid to go against the grain to get the feel and sound that YOU are looking for. Let folks argue and say what they say ? you?re the one playing the horn, not them.