I had a very good rehearsal today. Tone production was great even in my upper
range. I focused on moving air and staying relaxed. My tendency is to allow
tension to creep into my body the moment I see a note that is considered high
for me. I noticed by staying relaxed and concentrating on air flow – playing the
horn is MUCH easier.

I spent some time working on scales. I am terrible at practicing my scales
and I have moved this up on my priority list – especially considering how
important is when improvising. Rather than looking at notes on a staff – I write
the scales out. For example:

Bb Scale:  Bb C D Eb F G A Bb

For some reason, trying to learn scales in this format are much
easier for me and it sticks in my brain better.  I think it also helps if
you want (and should) learn the scales in different octaves.  So far I know
C, Bb, G, F, Eb, D by heart.  That’s pretty pathetic.  Time to step it
up.