I am playing in small groups coached by local Phil players. They (and I) have done their research (studies by UC (Colorado ) and CSU). Last week the pros asked if I had a bell cover. I responded that I had left my Crown Royal bag in my kit bag. Then I remembered that I was wearing a Buff neck sleeve. I took it off and wrapped it around the bell. I could not tell any difference in tone or playability. Problem solved.

Another note -- the phrase "Science is Science" has become trite. Science is a process. The "Conclusions"
can and will vary considerably.

Best Wishes for a successful recovery!

Watched the Wynton clip -- i liked it but view it as an intermediate lesson. I have found teaching music or an instrument to be exceeding difficult. I remember when my son was in Jr. High playing clarinet in the school band. He brought home an assignment to play something by ear - or at least transcribe it. I sat at the piano and played a simple piece and asked him repeat it. He experienced much more trouble and frustration than i anticipated.

Some professionals in our Symphony offered a program of tutored chamber music groups - I am playing in one (trumpet) - instrumentation is:
Trumpet
French Horn
Cello
Vibes
Bassoon -- (Principal from the local symphony)

The bassoonist is writing arrangements and offering instruction on note shapes etc. Very cool.

I buy the large bottle of Ultrapure on line and refill the smaller bottle for my carry all. Once a week is generally fine. The weekly application includes wipe down of the valves and fresh Ultrapure application.

From a judgmental perspective - I feel the same as Rowuk.

Preferences depend on my specific mood and circumstances.
In the evening preparing dinner, i am fine listening to jazz, trumpet, big band, guitar, Segovia or classical flute. Depends on what i am preparing. If i want to sit down and listen -- it is objective oriented. Years ago while i was living in Denver, the classical station played all 9 Beethoven Symhonies on New Years Eve, ending with Missa Solemnis. On several occasions i would listen to the entire broadcast. On the other hand, i may
do the same thing with Miles Davis and Dave Brubeck.

My father was a wood worker - made the family furniture with a 10" Sears Table saw. I followed (almost) in his footsteps. I have have some tools - but can only be described as "handy".

We have been gradually remodeling our house interior. American Clay wall surfaces. The contractor let us know his true passion was furniture. We are expecting delivery of the finishing touch to my Trumpet room. Will post by the end of the week. (i hope).

ethan hawk

Not a good movie

These may not qualify for the top 5 or even 10. My experience playing with brass quintet or community band is that it is the rhythms that are the first obstacle to playing jazz. From my early years library, I found the following useful for introductory jazz rhythms:

Rhythms Vol 1 and 2 -- Charles Colin and "Bugs" Bower
Modern Dixieland Style Nos 1 and 2 - Henry Levine