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I started on trumpet and for a few years after I moved on I could still pick one up, play some high stuff, play some fast stuff, sound terrible, and have about 5 total minutes of endurance. In the last few years I've been lucky to make an air sound through one.

However, I still want to play a relatively high pitched valved brass instrument for all the usual reasons- more acceptable as a solo horn, brighter sound, more opportunities to play different music,...

I don't think I can really lock back into trumpet to a degree that makes anyone happy. Are there any HELPFUL tips for a bass trombone/tuba player to make a decent trumpet/cornet (my preference) impersonation without spending all his time on it?
I can play small trombone mouthpieces fine; with that and my hardcore Eb-ed-ness are there any decent, easily obtainable trumpet shaped alto Eb things that play well? I may just try to find another Olds marching trombone; I did like that thing.

I also want to learn drum fundamentals to express myself rhythmically. I think I could enjoy myself with a minimal setup, perhaps a snare, high hat, and tom? I remember seeing the drum playing Wooten drive his trio with just a snare and a high hat and realizing that HE could drive ANY group with one hand and one cymbal. I'd prefer a minimal setup for space reasons and because I really have no interest in being a well rounded percussionist.


Any ideas?


Thanks!
Bob

Bob, do you like technology?

This might be a great compromise....

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EWI" target="_blank

Bob Kolada wrote:I can play small trombone mouthpieces fine; with that and my hardcore Eb-ed-ness are there any decent, easily obtainable trumpet shaped alto Eb things that play well? I may just try to find another Olds marching trombone; I did like that thing.

Eb cornets are used in brass bands. I've seen 'em but haven't played one. The mouthpieces looked a little smaller than a Bb trumpet so that might be a downside for you.

Not sure if a marching mellophone could be had in Eb. (Mellophones are in F, aren't they???) I have seen mellophones that looked like jacked-up flugelhorns (or marching baritones that have been shrunk in the dryer) rather than french horns that are bent out to be held straight out from the face. One of those things might be OK.

You Don't Know What Love Is, Scott Reeves on "alto flugelhorn". I think I read that it's really Miraphone's "alto trumpet", but you might be able to find a mellophone with somewhat similar playing characteristics.

Couesnon Eb flugelhorn. That's Eb below Bb trumpet, or one octave below Eb cornet.



Said to be a decent flugelhorn, but I wouldn't know, they are very uncommon.

Hup

I got nothing for you.

I too have been working up my cornet chops. As you know playing different brass instruments involves similar components (embrocure, air, tongue, ...) in different ways. As I am sure you also know, in order to become a better trumpet player you have to spend quality time with it.

Start teaching elementary school band, and keep a trumpet nearby as your go-to "hey kid, it should sound like this" instrument (technical term). You'll not only improve your trumpet chops, but your transposition skills, as well. Worked for me, anyway.

Feeling the need to be cool and noticed more?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-ZyhNUW ... 0A327D08D0" target="_blank" target="_blank

TMurphy wrote:Start teaching elementary school band, and keep a trumpet nearby as your go-to "hey kid, it should sound like this" instrument (technical term). You'll not only improve your trumpet chops, but your transposition skills, as well. Worked for me, anyway.

+1

Bob Kolada wrote:I also want to learn drum fundamentals to express myself rhythmically. I think I could enjoy myself with a minimal setup, perhaps a snare, high hat, and tom? I remember seeing the drum playing Wooten drive his trio with just a snare and a high hat and realizing that HE could drive ANY group with one hand and one cymbal. I'd prefer a minimal setup for space reasons and because I really have no interest in being a well rounded percussionist.

Roy Wooten can probably play anything.

If you want a minimal drumming setup, I recommend getting a cajón. In a small acoustic group, it works well as a drum set replacement. It's played with your hands, but can also be played with brushes if you're doing swing. I can sound decent on mine, but in the hands of a real percussionist, it's amazing how many sounds a simple box can produce.