Trumpet playng and physical condiion

[kehaulani]

What kind of physical shape do you really have to be in to play trumpet at a professional level?

I read, from time to time, that this is important. I've been a professional musician for half a century and have known many players to be in good shape and some to even be in superb condition. But I've seen my fair share of people in drug and alcohol addictions and other poor health conditions as well, and they played as well as anyone.

One could always make an argument that a good player who's not in the best of health, would play even better if s/he was in getter shape, but that's not what I'm talking about, here.

So I reiterate, do you think that one has to be in good shape to play trumpet?
_________________
"If you don't live it, it won't come out of your horn." Bird

Yamaha 8310Z Bobby Shew trumpet
Benge 3X Trumpet
Benge 3X Cornet
Adams F-1 Flghn

[HERMOKIWI]

Bobby Shew is a tremendous trumpet player.

That being said, I don't think he's run any marathons lately or will be trying out for the Olympic decathlon anytime soon.

He's put on weight, uses a walker and is 78 years old but none of that seems to have diminished him as a trumpet player.

So, being in great overall physical condition does not seem to be necessary to play trumpet at an extremely high level.
_________________
HERMOKIWI

[bagmangood]

It isn't necessary to be in good shape, but it certainly will make it easier.

(A lot of things in life are easier when you keep yourself healthy)
_________________
More than one trumpet
A "few" mouthpieces

[kehaulani]

[Brad361]

While I totally agree that good physical condition has a myriad of benefits, my experience is: in the 80’s, I was running at least seven miles per day, completed 12 marathons and MANY triathlons and shorter distance road (running) races. In comparison to today, I am NOT in good physical condition, but I believe that I play as well now as I did then. For me, physical fitness made little to no difference....oddly enough.

Brad
_________________
When asked if he always sounds great:
"I always try, but not always, because the horn is merciless, unpredictable and traitorous." - Arturo Sandoval

[LakeTahoeTrpt]

My take on this is the same take I have on equipment: a certain mouthpiece doesn't necessarily make me sound better, but it makes playing seem easier. A certain bore size doesn't necessarily make me sound better, but it may give me the result I want with less physical effort. Being in physical shape probably doesn't make me sound better, but it makes my playing seem more effortless. Most trumpeters I've played with will do as much as they can to make the best sound with the least effort.

[kehaulani]

That all pretty much pretty much mirrors mine, folks, barring some more drastic health issues, of course. Thanks, folks.
_________________
"If you don't live it, it won't come out of your horn." Bird

Yamaha 8310Z Bobby Shew trumpet
Benge 3X Trumpet
Benge 3X Cornet
Adams F-1 Flghn