The holidays were very good to me – or I was very good to myself.  I purchased a Conn Vintage One flugelhorn and it is simply the best thing since sliced bread.  Just as I felt that the Lawler was the end of my trumpet search – the Conn will satisfy my needs for a very, very long time.  If you want to see pictures and read a brief review, check out my equipment page.  To say I am happy with it would be a drastic understatement.

A year ago I made journal entry describing my goals for 2003.  I’m going to take a moment to review each…

Improve in all aspects of my playing – I can definitely say that I have made some serious improvements.  I have a long way to go before I get where I desire but every little bit helps.  If I can make similar progress in 2004 I will be doing very, very well.  This year I made overall playing my focus instead of  improvisation because I felt as if my technical abilities were holding me back.  I still feel that there are other areas that need my attention but I will try to incorporate more improv in my daily study.

Learn all my major and minor scales – I have learned all of my major scales except for 1.  Not where I wanted to be at all.  To say I need to really step up in 2004 is an understatement.  I also realize that I am learning scales by route which is not helpful with regards to jazz.

Play solos at church – I didn’t do this one.  My excuse is I wasn’t playing well enough to do it.  This is another item that will be moved into my list for the new year.  If nothing else I will play at the annual talent show.

Learn basic chords on the piano – While I know my way around the keyboard better than I did in January 2003, I still need to improve.  More than being able to play piano, I want to connect it with my trumpet playing and improvisation.  Right now they are still two different worlds.

As you can see, based on my answers, my goals for 2004 are pretty much the same as 2003.  One item to add to the list is returning to the Concert community band.  My schedule was very hectic near the middle of the year and I was forced to take a leave of absence.  In 2004 I plan on rehearsing and performing with the group regularly.  I think some of my lowest periods were when I forgot that music is the main reason why I picked up the horn to begin with.

Music is and always will be the focus.  More than any item above – this will be my goal for 2004.  Happy New Year everyone!