In the past I always stated that I only wanted to perform or play jazz. I’ve come to the conclusion that this statement probably came from the same mind that said “I don’t want to play this game anymore!” when I was a kid. I’m sure you remember it – playing a game with older kids and getting crushed or defeated. “Since I can’t play and win… I don’t want to play…” you tell yourself. I’ve realized that this is probably where my non-jazz ideas came from.

The past few weeks I have gotten great joy from playing with my concert band. We are preparing for our fall concert and some of the music is quite challenging. We are performing Handel’s Water Music Suite, Richard Roger’s Victory At Sea and a medley of tunes from West Side Story. While it is difficult – it is really GOOD music. All of the songs mentioned above have prompted me to go out and purchase recordings so I could get a better feel for the music.

While jazz remains my music of choice, I still find that I can get pleasure playing other genres as well. I also know that the best way to improve in anything is to push the envelope. Challenge yourself. If the music is challenging it is helping me get better as I rise to meet the new watermark it has set.

I had one of the those evening practices where EVERYTHING went right. Long tones in lower and upper register came out effortlessly. Lip slurs were smooth and my articulation was great. It was one of those practice sessions where you want to play all night – not knowing how long this feeling will last. My biggest problem on nights like this is I forget to rest properly. I normally play for 15 and rest for 15. Last night I played for 30, rested for 15 and played another 30. Near the end, fatigue kicked in and my playing got sloppy. I’m anxious to see if the good feeling shows up again tomorrow when I practice.