I strained my back yesterday shoveling snow out of my driveway. Because of it I am having a hard time getting a focused practice session in. I have problems standing up AND sitting down! I’m still trying to get some playing in but it has become pretty difficult. Hopefully it will go away with rest so I can get back to business. I should probably go get it checked out but being a typical “guy” – I don’t see any reason to visit a doctor unless I’m bleeding…

As you read in my last journal entry – I have been considering moving down a bit in mouthpiece size. Earlier in the week I got a Kanstul B4S mouthpiece and I’ve begun working with it. So far it sounds and feels great. It adds a bit of edge to my sound and has the things I liked in my Monette B4S — additional comfort in the rim and a slightly easier upper register. The tone is also big and focused. Granted, it has been less than a week behind the horn and the honeymoon with a new mouthpiece does not last very long. I still think moving down a bit in size will give me a few benefits including the edge that I want and more endurance.

I’m still pretty excited about the jazz workshop. Part of me wants it to start tomorrow but the other part of me wants more time to get better with my scales and chords. I’ve been working on it pretty diligently and I hope I’m ready when the time comes. I have this fear of being in a room with musicians who are 10xs better than me and I just stand there holding my horn with a dazed look on my face. How is THAT for nightmare???