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BGinNJ Veteran Member
Joined: 02 Mar 2010 Posts: 380
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Posted: Wed Jun 29, 2016 9:25 am Post subject: Reminders of the past influence your comeback? |
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I went to a jazz gig over the weekend at a church fundraiser, because an old friend was in the band. Haven't seen him in years, but the first thing he asked me was "Did you bring your trumpet?"
Well, no, and I haven't been playing much lately anyway, but I was flattered. We probably played together a handful of times 20+ years ago, but he remembered me as a "pretty good trumpet player". He introduced me to the band leader later, who invited me to come to future gigs, sit in, get paid, even.
My comeback of late has faltered, in part due to a lack of playing opportunities, yet having far more with my guitar. It's much easier and more productive to stick with one thing, but this voice from the past is tempting me. Should I go for it, or dismiss it as nostalgia? |
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bamajazzlady Heavyweight Member
Joined: 22 May 2011 Posts: 691
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Posted: Fri Jul 01, 2016 7:23 am Post subject: |
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If you are still proficient at trumpet I say go for it. _________________ "Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending." - Maria Robinson |
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DaveH Heavyweight Member
Joined: 20 Nov 2001 Posts: 3861
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Posted: Sun Jul 17, 2016 1:48 pm Post subject: Re: Reminders of the past influence your comeback? |
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BGinNJ wrote: | I went to a jazz gig over the weekend at a church fundraiser, because an old friend was in the band. Haven't seen him in years, but the first thing he asked me was "Did you bring your trumpet?"
Well, no, and I haven't been playing much lately anyway, but I was flattered. We probably played together a handful of times 20+ years ago, but he remembered me as a "pretty good trumpet player". He introduced me to the band leader later, who invited me to come to future gigs, sit in, get paid, even.
My comeback of late has faltered, in part due to a lack of playing opportunities, yet having far more with my guitar. It's much easier and more productive to stick with one thing, but this voice from the past is tempting me. Should I go for it, or dismiss it as nostalgia? |
"Nostalgia" would definitely be a factor if I were presented with an opportunity to reconnect with the past.
I would be asking myself things like would I like to play with this person again, would I like to play with the other people involved, if there is an "official leader" will I like and get along with that person, do I like the music they play, would this be a motivation to practice on a regular basis, how much and where do they play and does that interest me, and so on.
I understand the connection between playing opportunities and motivation. I find it hard to maintain consistent practice and effort if I'm not being motivated by performance.
I'm pretty picky nowadays about how I spend my time. I've had playing situations in the past that I would probably like to do again if the opportunity arose. I've also been involved in some other situations in the past in which I would not have any interest or desire to repeat.
For me, it would depend on the way I responded personally to the above thoughts. |
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BGinNJ Veteran Member
Joined: 02 Mar 2010 Posts: 380
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Posted: Wed Jul 20, 2016 6:59 am Post subject: |
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Thanks for the advice. Turns out the band is taking the summer off anyway, so it's a non-issue. It was a reminder, though, that having a playing opportunity that I could get excited about is a motivating. |
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silverstar Heavyweight Member
Joined: 25 Nov 2004 Posts: 3769 Location: Solon, IA
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Posted: Wed Jul 20, 2016 11:22 am Post subject: |
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Part of the reason that I want to get back at the horn is because I truly do miss it, but another huge part involved not one, not two, but three different invitations from three complete strangers in a week asking me to play trumpet with them.
I am hoping to get my chops back enough to perform in some community groups over the next few months...and maybe even be the trumpet player for my church music group.
Good luck to your comeback! Remember to be patient and kind to yourself - that is what I am struggling with right now. haha
Lara _________________ I <3 my Bb Eclipse MR!!
I may falter, I may fall, but I will get back up and keep at it. Fall down 7 times, get up 8. |
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Turkle Heavyweight Member
Joined: 29 Apr 2008 Posts: 2450 Location: New York City
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Posted: Wed Jul 20, 2016 12:51 pm Post subject: |
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This is the reason you always need to keep your chops up! This way, you're always ready to say "yes" to a gig. You just never know where or when the next exciting opportunity is going to come from. _________________ Yamaha 8310Z trumpet
Yamaha 8310Z flugel
Curry 3. |
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DaveH Heavyweight Member
Joined: 20 Nov 2001 Posts: 3861
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Posted: Wed Jul 20, 2016 1:51 pm Post subject: |
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Turkle wrote: | This is the reason you always need to keep your chops up! This way, you're always ready to say "yes" to a gig. You just never know where or when the next exciting opportunity is going to come from. |
This is very true.
I need to keep this in mind myself. |
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GeorgeB Heavyweight Member
Joined: 20 Apr 2016 Posts: 1063 Location: New Glasgow, Nova Scotia
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Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2016 2:51 am Post subject: |
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I came back because I needed a challenge to get me past an extended period of grief after the loss of my wife. I always loved the trumpet and music in general and never forgot the challenge of playing one of the ( if not THE ) hardest instruments to learn to play well.
In September I will be involved with the local New Horizons orchestra and after that there are plenty of local playing opportunities, including a very good symphony orchestra. I am going to be a pretty busy 80 year old. _________________ GeorgeB
1960s King Super 20 Silversonic
2016 Manchester Brass Custom
1938-39 Olds Recording
1942 Buescher 400 Bb trumpet
1952 Selmer Paris 21 B
1999 Conn Vintage One B flat trumpet
2020 Getzen 490 Bb
1962 Conn Victor 5A cornet |
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Joe Manzanares Regular Member
Joined: 16 Jun 2012 Posts: 66 Location: Texas
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Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2016 11:32 am Post subject: |
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I came back because I missed the group playing. You know, being around other musicians and just jamming out. Having a blast with good company and just trying to be a better all around musician. _________________ JM
South Texas Alumni Brass Band
Selmer Paris Chorus 92B Bb
Selmer Paris Sigma Bb
Yamaha YCR-732 Bb Cornet
Courtois Bb Flugelhorn
Monette & Kanstul Mouthpieces |
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EdMann Heavyweight Member
Joined: 31 Mar 2007 Posts: 2481 Location: The Big Valley
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Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2016 2:08 pm Post subject: |
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In my experience from coming back almost 10 years ago, it was about the vibe. My kids were asking about the axe that sat idle in the closet (now there are 15 sitting in the garage), a colleague asked if I could play a jingle session, I was turning 50 at the time and reconnecting with old friends from hi school band, the vibe...
now it's a daily staple of my life, I gig regularly, play most every day and STILL can't play a good high A to kill myself, BUT I'm so much further ahead than I was in college, not even close. Just go, man!
ed |
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