I got to spend some time with a friend on Sunday afternoon playing the trumpet and listening to tunes. I got compliments on my improved tone but I need to work on my technique. In an earlier journal entry I mentioned that if you are practicing and sounding horrible — you are working on the right things. I think I am at the point where I need to make a few items in my regular routine more challenging. I need to start sounding bad again.

My friend said a mouthful when he said – “the woodshed is a tough place to be.” This definitely rings true when you're working on something new and difficult. I think I've become comfortable with the stuff that I've mastered and now I need to take it to the next level. I am going to spend some extended time working on some dominant 7th scale patterns and also improve my finger dexterity. Time to start sounding bad again. I am also considering adding time to practice sessions. I will perform my fundamentals open horn and after hours I will try and get in some time playing on the harmon mute. Even if it is only 30 minutes of playing along with recordings, working out solos or licks.

On another note I returned to singing with my church choir today. I've been singing in the church since I was 5 years old and it was something I took a break from about 2 years ago. I really enjoyed myself. While there is the obvious spiritual benefit that I get from singing I also enjoy the challenge of learning a new song and preparing to present music for Sunday services. It also gets me used to performing in public again — something I hope to do with the trumpet when I am confident and ready.