Posts made by SSmith1226

This is a photo I took at a Community Band Concert.

The following is an interesting article from the BBC which gives a British perspective of Louis Armstrong’s legacy.

https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20240722-louis-armstrong-the-us-jazz-icon-with-a-controversial-legacy

@barliman2001

@barliman2001 said in A little humour:

Just happened upon this Norman Rockwell painting... I am sure someone can identify the trumpet!

I can’t identify the trumpet , but, As per my previous post on January 31, 2024,
“ On November 18, 1950 a painting, called “Boy Practicing Trumpet”, appeared on the cover of The Saturday Evening Post. This painting also featured puffed cheeks and a dog. The model Norman Rockwellused for thispainting was Tommy Paquin.The trumpet was borrowed from Rockwell's middle son, Tommy.
The slip covers for the chair are painted after the fashion of Rockwell's good friend, Grandma Moses. We can safely assume that she was flattered by the emulation.”

https://trumpetboards.com/topic/593/vintage-horn-eye-candy

Last evening, July 3, I attended a soccer game at Gillette Stadium, New England Revolution vs Atlanta United FC. Outside of the stadium the Naval Band Northeast Brass Band set up for a concert. Their performance was excellent and flawless. Below is an example posted in two parts.
Happy July 4!

Youtube Video

Youtube Video

According to Classic FM, “ From Henry Purcell to Joseph Haydn, here are some of the best pieces of music ever written for the trumpet.”
The article can be read, or listened to, with YouTube examples, at the following link:
https://www.classicfm.com/discover-music/instruments/trumpet/best-pieces-trumpet-music/

From the New York Times: “Premier military bands offer rare stability for classical musicians, who consider them a strong alternative to traditional orchestras. But signing up means shipping out.” This is the story of Ada Brooks, a Euphonium Player who after at least 10 auditions, was accepted by the West Point Military Band. “She Landed One of Music’s Great Gigs, but First Came Boot Camp.”

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/27/arts/music/military-bands-west-point-army.html?unlocked_article_code=1.vE0.YT4S.3aSO09y8TVKv&smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare&sgrp=c-cb

@barliman2001
More on the Cimbasso and its history.
Youtube Video

Trumpeter Tine Thing Helseth describes herself as a "Trumpet soloist, travelling musician, happy knitter, Lego enthusiast and coffee snob."
ABC (Australia Broadcast Company-Radio) did a one hour piece on her in their “Legends” series. You can listen to it at the below link. Included in it are many of her outstanding performances and interesting biographical background.

https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/legends/legends-tine-thing-helseth/103766482

@Dale-Proctor
That looks so realistic, it could be a Big Dub painting! Where is that, Scotland or England?

@robertwerntz
Thanks!

@Dale-Proctor
Thanks for your kind words!

On April 27, I played in a six piece band backing up the Lake Nona Arts Choir, a community based choir in Orlando, FL. It was a great experience for me as a comeback player who in December went through extensive open heart surgery. The ensemble performed 14 numbers. The following link is our performance of “We Don’t Talk About Bruno”, from Disney’s “Encanto”.

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/4VAujH2ozG2eBUC3/?mibextid=MeSgDu

In Englewood, Florida-

According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Columnist, Neil Steinberg, “A great trumpet is 'a thing of beauty, an extension of you'” The Chicago Sun-Times has published a fascinating, well written article, which takes a look inside the Conn- Selmer Company, trying to re-create the world's best, and most legendary trumpets. As a sample, the article quotes John Hagstrom, who says in the discussion of what constitutes a great instrument. “It’s the difference between a racing bike and a three-speed Schwinn,” said Hagstrom, who owns hundreds of trumpets and plays about a dozen regularly. “Lots of trumpets play well, but are not good compliments to the texture of an orchestra. A great instrument is a thing of beauty, an extension of you, of your voice. That’s really intoxicating. In the broadest sense, the trumpet is beautiful. It represents someone’s thoughtful solution to a struggle that is harder than it looks — a carefully balanced piece of tubing that makes possible your musical envisioning.”
The entire piece can be found at the following link::

https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/2024/04/18/trumpet-making-instrument-manufacturer-conn-selmer-chicago-symphony-orchestra-music

Youtube Video

In the interview Alison Balsom talks about the Wynton Marsalis Trumpet Cocerto. Here is a sample of it, followed by a review of her outstanding performance.

Youtube Video

https://www.theguardian.com/music/2024/apr/14/lso-pappano-alison-balsom-wynton-marsalis-trumpet-concerto-review-bristol

@robertwerntz said in Subcontrabass Trumpet:

@SSmith1226 ha! What do they keep Aphorns in!

@barliman2001 said in Subcontrabass Trumpet:

@robertwerntz Alphorns can be dismantled into small pieces!

In an interesting interview with Alison Balsom, when asked, “What does it take to succeed on this instrument?”, she answered, “It’s incredibly physically demanding to play the trumpet, and it’s not like weightlifting – it’s like dancing. You have to be really strong, and graceful and supple in that strength. But also, the muscles in your embouchure” – the position and use of the lips, tongue and teeth while playing – “are so small that it doesn’t take much for your lip to be gone – and then no notes will come out. The idea of walking on stage in front of an amazing orchestra and a full audience, but knowing that at any minute something might happen and you can’t get another note out – it’s a high wire act. You’ve got to stay calm. It takes a certain sang-froid in your personality to handle that pressure.”
A link to the rest of the interview:
https://inews.co.uk/culture/music/alison-balsom-interview-classical-music-2993333

Any suggestions for a case for my new horn?
Youtube Video

This is the license plate frame of a car I parked next to this evening. I will never think of knitting in the same way.