Advancing age and trumpet playing

luckymrg · Posted: Sat Jul 28, 2007 5:33 am Post subject: Advancing age and trumpet playing

There will come a time in every trumpet players life when he becomes aware that his playing is in decline due to advancing age. Even though he may still be capable of a fine silvery tone quality and a moderate amt. of high register playing of very short duration when fresh, this happy situation is temporary and can deteriorate rapidly. The result is very depressing. Therefore, my question is, is it best to put the trumpet aside at this point or subject oneself to further dissapointment as the decline continues? What age is the limit? ( hint, my birthday was 11/24/27.) Com'on, guys, give it to me straight.! Thanks,

Paul

westview1900 · Heavyweight Member Joined: 09 Aug 2005 Posts: 1617

I have two words for you. Doc Cheatham. He played into his nineties and his best work was after age seventy.
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Pastor Joe · Veteran Member Joined: 28 Jan 2006 Posts: 152

Check out "Rosie" Ross, age 101. http://www.adlercentenarians.org:80/feb07_rosie.htm

Click on the links to the video and commercial, and you'll see him driving himself to his "gig", and still making some sweet music with his horn.

Never give up! (from a youngster of 54)
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Umyoguy · Posted: Sat Jul 28, 2007 8:08 am Post subject:

I think giving up the trumpet would be the worst tragedy. Simply scale back on your expectations and enjoy the simple pleasure of the sound.

Best,

Jon

Cheesehead · Veteran Member Joined: 03 Oct 2005 Posts: 146

DON'T GIVE UP! My trumpet teacher is 85 and has changed my life.

richardwy · Posted: Sat Jul 28, 2007 8:24 am Post subject:

As long as you can make folks happy playing a tune. DO IT!

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jhatpro · Posted: Sat Jul 28, 2007 8:27 am Post subject:

I put your question to a friend of mine, an alto player, who's 99. He said, "How old is this guy?" I said I think he's around 80. Nino said "Tell the kid to quit whining and start practicing."
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GenoValet · Heavyweight Member Joined: 30 Aug 2006 Posts: 1244

I saw Sweets Edison live on his 80th birthday at Jazz Alley, Seattle's premier jazz club (actually the entire NW's). Sure even he'd lost a step or two, but he was having an awfully good time & was visibly moved when we all stood & sang Happy Birthday. For my money, making music for the joy of it should never end & let the critics be d%^&*ed...

hose · Posted: Sat Jul 28, 2007 8:54 am Post subject:

I know several players who could not tolerate playing less effectively than they did in their youth. Some because their day job or life style interfered with maintenence and some because of age. This is a personal issue. Hopefully, you can continue to enjoy. Much of this comes from attitude. If I go to a lower proficiency community band, I get along better if I park my "professional" attitude at the door. I've found different things to enjoy at different levels of play.

I have recently found that a change of equipment can greatly enhance some deficiencies brought on by age. First my Lawler C7 step bore has made it easier to accomplish the same production with less effort. I have recently found a Karl Hammond mpc that has made my playing much easier. That and an attitude adjustment that says I don't have to strive to play first part helps. It has become more fun and a lot less stress to contribute to an ensemble on third part than star on the 1st part.

DaveH · Heavyweight Member Joined: 20 Nov 2001 Posts: 3861

mffan · Posted: Sat Jul 28, 2007 8:57 am Post subject: older players

Very refreshing post on this subject, with suitable encouragements. I am 64 and haven't lost anything yet, but didn't have superior talent anyway! I have kept busy over many years playing in various community bands of various orientations, church (wife is organist) and also singing in choir. Try and keep an optimistic attitude and listen to satisfying music as much as possible. You can contribute and feel useful. In my area there is a senior center dance band, with an eclectic bunch of instruments that is active. At Michigan State Alumni band days, both marching and concert, I have seen many older people progress into 80' and 90's play on, some even marching. We had a clarinet player coming well into his 90's. Just play within your limitations, we can't cheat the timeclock forever, although trying hard to do so is natural.

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hose · Posted: Sat Jul 28, 2007 9:06 am Post subject: Re: older players

mffan · Posted: Sat Jul 28, 2007 9:19 am Post subject: older players

Eldon Rosegart, an inspiration for many years, as are his like, sadly the ranks are thinning. Spartan Spirit keeps many going! There is always that next reunion and crummy football game! Go Green!

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Dave Rafferty Devillier Stencil (German) Besson 609
1960's B & H Embassy Trumpet, Besson 2-20,
Barrington trumpet.

www.kalamazooconcertband.org

EdMann · Posted: Sat Jul 28, 2007 9:41 am Post subject:

My man Thomas Scott of Van Nuys. Still going strong in his mid-70's. Runs, plays tennis, screams lead charts.

Had to post one for my old teach!
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dbacon · Heavyweight Member Joined: 11 Nov 2001 Posts: 8592

Doc taught us all how to play as long as we want.

Fleebat · Posted: Sat Jul 28, 2007 12:15 pm Post subject:

Hogwash. Play 'til you kak.

For one thing, trumpet playing doesn't have to be as physically demanding as a lot of people make it. I've always admired the players (of any age) who've found a way to play everything they need to play in a relaxed, easy way. If your playing is done with the kind of effort you'd need as a football lineman, then you'll see that decline.

Styles also make a difference for many. If all you know how to do is play high stuff, and you do it in a way that's overly physically demanding, AND your general fitness declines, you may reach a point where... um... you're sucking.

If, instead, you can improvise, play great stuff in the middle range as well, know a billion tunes, do your best to stay up on current styles and trends, bring something to the table besides mouse sounds, you can play all your life in some style or another.

I'm 51, playing for about seven years again after laying off for more than 20. I play far better, for far longer, with much more range than I ever did as a 21-year-old. Plus there's exponentially more substance in my improvisation and interpretation.

80-year-olds climb Everest. Doc only slowed down this year, and not because he couldn't play anymore. Maynard gigged nearly up to his final days.

Age, schmage. Spend the time playing rather than trying to figure out if you should play.

Rusty Russell

luckymrg · Posted: Sat Jul 28, 2007 2:36 pm Post subject: Advancing age and trumpet playing

I sincerely thank all respondents to my post. You have proven a point, that musicians are a special class of people, and the kindness and thoughtful response from everyone of you has lifted my spirits and made me realize everyone of you is 100% right.! There are countless beautiful lyrical ballads that compliment the majestic silvery tones of the solo trumpet, some easily memorized, and none very difficult. (wer'e not talking the 2nd brandenburg here!) Know what?, I'm going to my practise room subteranian den, where I will lay hold of my trusty xeno, and after a decent warmup, will play an Ave Maria with such lyrical richness, it would probably give you a lump in the throat to hear
it! See what you guys did for me? Many thanks to all,
Paul (luckymrg)

shastastan

mpre53 · Posted: Sat Jul 28, 2007 4:39 pm Post subject:

How old's Snooky Young? He has to be pushing 80.

Drizzt · Posted: Sat Jul 28, 2007 5:25 pm Post subject:

yeah everyone here has pretty much said it. NEVER quit. If you ask me, Its so inspirational to see seniors play. Seriously!