I had a break through performance today. To think I was considering missing this concert too! This was one of the first times that I felt as if I really helped my section. We only had four trumpets. Two players played 1st while another player and I played 2nd and 3rd respectively. Have you ever had one of those days where you seemed to be able to focus better than others? I was on top of my game and my chops were right there with me (it’s rare that I have both going at the same time). I think it was because I had a section by myself. That forced me to count the rests, match the volume of my band mates and really follow the music.

And what beautiful music we made! In particular I think we did really well on the Sinatra and Duke Ellington Medleys ? pieces we have struggled with in the past. We were playing at the Calvert Marine Museum on Solomon?s Island in Southern Maryland.

My only complaint was my chops totally died on the last song two songs and they both featured the trumpet section. I just did the best that I could to hang in there with the rest of the section (who was fatigued as well). This was my second performance with my B2 Monette mouthpiece. I had been playing on a B6 before. So far ? I love it. I think the fatigued came from playing louder than usual as I was the only person on the 3rd part.