A few folks who visit this site regularly probably noticed that the soundroom page was missing. I pulled it about 3 or 4 weeks ago. More than anything I yanked because I was getting a bit frustrated over my lack of range. I would visit a trumpet talk bulletin board and read about other new players who were able to wail out high Cs. I've even gotten emails from other rookie players who seem to be well on their way to high C and beyond. Of course after a while I got self conscious and I assumed that there were more than a few players who found my lack of range a complete and total joke. “Look – this egghead has a website, practices everyday and he can barely play a G on top of the staff…. LOSER.”
If you read through my old journal entries – you know this is a reoccurring complaint from me. It is not as if I have any desire to become a high note or lead player. The type of jazz that I aspire to play does not require it. It becomes an issue for me when I try and play one of my favorite heads and the notes are in my danger zone. Because I struggle to play them it is almost impossible to apply any feeling (forget about tone). I put that in bold because I want to make that crystal clear. Someone told me long ago that this was a never ending battle for a trumpet player. Not just for range but for tone, articulation, double tonguing… everything. I have to use this as motivation to keep working. I have had conversations with many players (including my teacher) and they all tell me that I am doing the right things and it will come. The heart of the problem is I am not the most patient person in the world and I have been pretty patient with this endeavor – mainly because I can't imagine NOT playing trumpet. When you hear that other players can do it after two years and you can't – you immediately start to question everything you're doing.
Its one thing to have a problem but to have it out front for everyone to see is completely different. I have to remind myself however that I put this site up to be honest and share this journey with others. One of the things I love about GREAT jazz is the honesty involved. This site will reflect that honesty as well. I could easy boast of notes that I can't play or abilities that I don't have but what is the point of that? I'm planning on putting the sound room back. I knew when I started this – it was not going to be all roses and daisies. If it was easy – everyone would be doing it. When I figure it out and come through (and I will figure it out) – it will be an inspiration to other players who struggle as well. I know I am not the only one with this problem — probably just one of the few (if not only) with a web site documenting it.