Gouache painting of Curly-Coated Retriever. 6 by 8 inches.

Medical school graduation gift many years ago.

I ordered two 5-piece mouthpiece cases from Great Leather, one in Wine and one in British Tan. They arrived today, and I am very pleased with the quality of the leather and the softness of the padding.

@bigdub Here are some paintings I have done this year.

I went to the website to see what they had. I was pleased to find they also make drumstick bags. Grandson #1 just graduated from Rice University with his performance masters degree in percussion. I know he carries a lot of drumsticks to his venues and his current bags are black heavy duty nylon cloth and not attractive. I talked with Dena Hamilton and selected a wine colored stick bag that will have a nice engraved label sewn on. She took care of everything personally. I felt quite impressed with her dedication to great products and great customer service. I will definitely consider a mouthpiece case in the near future.

Run hot water over the the lead pipe and the third valve insertion tube for about five minutes. It has worked for me several times.

@bigdub Get checked for cataracts. They typically filter out some blue. I see blues and greens much more vividly since I had my cataract surgery last year. Also I see distance perfectly. Need variety of half frames for reading, computer, painting, and music. I really like how I see now.

@bigdub I use the For Score program on my large iPad . I have all the trumpet parts for all of our community band’s repertoire loaded. I can quickly create or change playlists. The first time I look at a piece, I use my finger to highlight in red the important data such as key changes, codas , etc. If our director makes changes, it is easy to add them or remove them. It is much lighter and less fuss than hauling big folders of paper to practices and gigs. No additional music light is needed. Page turning can be done with a finger tap or a foot pedal. Revolutionary!

Placement of the right thumb can make a big difference in how the fingers of the right hand can move up and down without torquing the valves. When I was first learning, I hooked my thumb under the lead pipe and around the first valve casing. It made for a secure grip for an eight year old but it was tough on valves. I learned as an adult that placing the thumb tip against the second valve casing provided support for the rest of the right hand and the pinky ring provided secure positions front to back along the lead pipe. This works for most of the time. I revert to the first valve thumb wrap temporarily when the left hand is needed for muting. Then I immediately go back to propping the thumb against the second valve case.

@ssmith1226 strains my eyes!

@stephanurus Does water run through it?

@jolter The quality of the leather on my Great Leather cases has to be felt to be truly appreciated. Very soft and luxuriant. I also like having my name on them. Avoids mixups. I think you will be very happy.

@jolter search on this site for mouthpiece case. I bought 2 cases from greatleather and was very pleased.

@dale-proctor What is second from bottom middle column?

Re: Differences between Olds models

I had an Olds Fullerton Super from 1962 to 1989. When I began playing again, a few years ago, I got another Olds Super. Then I bought a brand new Jaeger Studio. I generally prefer the Jaeger, but occasionally I switch back to the super when I want the music to soar. Good for opera arias!

Does Marsalis use the same trumpet for classical and jazz?

@ssmith1226 Who did the painting?

@barliman2001 The trumpet bomb must be a good story.

@bigdub Here are some paintings I have done this year.

Gouache painting of Curly-Coated Retriever. 6 by 8 inches.