I was hoping to post on my experience with the jazz combo workshop Saturday but my body had other plans. I had to bow out due to illness. Somehow I managed to catch the flu Monday night and I’ve been totally out of commission. Today marks the 6th day of not practicing. I made one attempt at long tones on Thursday and another yesterday and both times it sent me into uncontrollable coughing fits. I think it would be better for me to wait for a full recovery before getting back in the saddle. I can’t even enjoy listening to music because my ears are so clogged up I can’t really hear that well.

It will be interesting to see how my chops react when I first get back on the horn. I have read that players who use excessive pressure have a more difficult time coming back from multiple day layoffs. I’m pretty sure I do not use too much pressure and this may be a good gauge for me. Rest assured I will share the results.

To say that not playing is driving me nuts is an understatement. I’ve been at it for three years now practically on a daily basis. Not practicing for 6 straight leaves me slightly out of sorts (of course it could be the medicine). At the same time it reminds me of the things that are vastly more important – my good health. As much as I love music and playing the trumpet I appreciate getting up in the morning with the full use of my limbs and my senses performing at 100%. If you are reading this message now and you can say that – consider yourself BLESSED.