Beer improves trumpet playing

laurie · Posted: Mon Dec 20, 2004 6:58 pm Post subject: Beer improves trumpet playing

Hi all
Like most come back players I sometimes struggle to improve my playing. Some days are great and some days nothing seems to work, no range, no endurance, thick tounge, you all know the feeling. Well, the answer is beer! On those bad days I put the trumpet aside, get a beer from the fridge and find a shady spot in the garden to relax. I dont go near the trumpet for at least 24hrs. When I do pick up again the next day everything is fine. My band mates believe that it is the break from practicing that helps, I am convinced that it is the medicinal and restorative effects of nicely chilled beer! So, Next time you struggle to get your practice happening and nothing works, dont beat yourself up over it. Relax, have a nice cold ale and start again tomorrow, trust me, it works!

Merry Christmas to you all
Laurie
NSW Australia

_PhilPicc · Posted: Mon Dec 20, 2004 7:13 pm Post subject:

Hi Laurie,

Great idea on taking a day off.

One question, what does NSW stand for?

Confused in Clarkston?

Phil
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JohnOBriant · Regular Member Joined: 05 Dec 2004 Posts: 17

New South Wales, I believe.

That said, it is to be reminded that our friends under the legal drinking age not attempt this at home. Or not at home for that matter. While doing so responsibly wouldn't bother me too much, our law enforcement friends might disagree.

Above all things, relax!

archer49d · Veteran Member Joined: 06 Jul 2004 Posts: 141

Reminds me of the episode of Family Guy where Peter is a piano virtuoso only when he's downed a six pack, his virtuosity wears off as the beer did.

laurie · Posted: Mon Dec 20, 2004 10:29 pm Post subject: beer improves trumpet playing

Correct, NSW is New South Wales, A rather large state on the east coast of Australia.
Laurie

Claes-Tilly · Posted: Mon Dec 20, 2004 11:27 pm Post subject:

L.O.L !! Great stuff!!
I know yhat the French trumpetplayers drink a lot of wine ( red ) Is that also good ? How about whiskey?
By the way, whats the similarity between American beer and making love in a canot?...............f***ing close to water

Take care Classe Sweden

TrumpetSquire · Posted: Mon Dec 20, 2004 11:51 pm Post subject:

In all seriousness, I've found that a beer or two really DOES help my trumpet playing. I definitely play more relaxed, with a freer sound and better range--no joke. Alcohol does lower your blood pressure and relax you, so this really makes perfect sense. One of my best trumpet lessons in college was when I said "Aw, screw it, I'm having a 22-ouncer with lunch!" Had a lesson about 45 minutes later, and my professor kept saying "You really sound good today; see what happens when you PRACTICE?!?" I kept thinking, "yeah, that and a big glass of beer," but I didn't have the heart to tell him. After more than two beers I have to admit that intonation and articuliculation starts to suffer, *hic*

Conversely, I find it nearly impossible to play well if I drink coffee. It's a shame--I love coffee. I refuse to drink coffee until I've done all the playing I intend to do in a day, so usually I don't get to drink my coffeeat all! The caffeine just constricts my blood vessels too much, makes me a little jittery, and completely ruins my ability to breathe easily. Centering of pitches and breath control become next to impossible. I tried to practice Charlier #6 after a big cup of coffee a couple weeks ago, and I nearly through my horn out the second story window!

Anyhow, I've often thought about having a glass of wine with dinner before an evening performance, but I tend to adhere to the "don't drink before a gig" philosophy. Although I have heard that what was in Maynard Ferfuson's glass on stage was usually vodka, not water. I don't play jazz very well, though, and I'm definitely not Maynard Ferguson! Cheers!

cjdjazztpt · Posted: Tue Dec 21, 2004 12:36 am Post subject:

I too enjoy a beer or three while I am playing. Too much and the playing goes downhill...no good. After a few beers I am in the zone...(don't need the beer to be in the zone but it helps in relaxation)
A nice glass of a Sicilian Valpolicello Red wine goes great on gigs too. Just something to keep the whistle wet!

On big gigs and high profile gigs I usually have a nice Newcastle or Heineken Special Dark before I play then no more for the rest of the night. Just something to take the edge off...

On the other hand.....sometimes I don't feel like drinking anything (as in the case of this past Saturday night) and I had a few glasses of SPRITE!

That night the Sprite was just what I needed....

Disclaimer: I too am not condoning underage drinking, so if you are under 21 then adhere to the soft drinks while you play formula until you learn how to get away with it!....just kidding. Always remember that moderation is essential for a responsible adult and that too much alcohol can effectively ruin your reputation and will not get you call back for the right kinds of gigs..... Think before you drink!

Jansu · Posted: Tue Dec 21, 2004 12:48 am Post subject:

A beer before is a great idea! I often end up going to lunch after school is finished and i'm off to a rehearsal or gig. I often also end up having a glass of beer. I dont think a single beer is anything to worry about. I dont know about anywhere else, but here its completely legal to drive after a single beer, if you're a bigger guy I'm sure you could have two and still be in the green. I wouldnt play if I wasnt comfortable driving!

Obviously, depends on the gig and how comfortable you're on it. If i'm not sure of myself, having a beer is not going to help. It'll just make me more nervous, thinking, "man why did i have to drink at all, stupidstupidstupid!"...

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david johnson · Posted: Tue Dec 21, 2004 1:20 am Post subject:

obviously, we must discuss the brands/styles benefits in correcting playing difficulties, technical mastery, interpretation....etc.!!

st. pauli girl, die kirche, olympia...all have their respective strong points, &
american beer isn't bad, just different.

indeed, this is a question to put to the pros (players, not drinkers) i fear a looooonnnggg research session awaits some of us.

seriously, i drink little. i've liked every beer i tasted, except bok beer. it's way too sweet for me. i much prefer some brandy.

cheers
dj

Eddie Severn · Posted: Tue Dec 21, 2004 1:42 am Post subject:

The drink culture here in the UK is unfortunatly different to other countries. Having a "few beers" before a gig can bring a different outcome often making a good player sound more like a total beginner! The list of truly great UK players who ended up sounding like that and dying 20 years early is sadly too long.

trumpetmike · Posted: Tue Dec 21, 2004 3:14 am Post subject:

uli · Posted: Tue Dec 21, 2004 4:39 am Post subject:

Although normally I drink frequently, a gig is a good reason not to touch alcohol. It can relax, but it also slows down reactions. I prefer to have the beer afterwards.
Laurie, I thought you're not into drinking? Orwas that only the bundy? Then, which beer do you prefer? in NSW, I assume it's VB, or are you already north enough for a XXXX? Don't assume it is the (insert F-word here).

Uli

David · Veteran Member Joined: 22 Nov 2002 Posts: 379

I don't know what it will do for your trumpet playing, but after a few beers you'll be better looking

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trumpetmike · Posted: Tue Dec 21, 2004 2:28 pm Post subject:

laurie · Posted: Tue Dec 21, 2004 7:49 pm Post subject: beer improves trumpet playing

Uli
I love a beer, its Bundy and other spirits I dont like. For the uninitiated Bundy is short for Bundaberg Rum, brewed in Bundaberg Queensland. xxxx (fourex) is a beer also brewed in Queensland. My favorite beers at the moment Uli are cascade and Boags. Both brewed in Tasmania.
Talking of beer and trumpet playing, I once played in a German style oompah band doing beerfest gigs. Waiting till after the gig for a beer after playing for hours in an aussie summer is a real test of character!!!
BTW, I dont drink before a gig, just dont trust my bladder to last the distance!!!! I once had a couple of beers before a Messiah performance,(Messiah and very hot summer weather coincide here) Big mistake!!!
Cheers
Laurie

uli

Jansu · Posted: Wed Dec 22, 2004 3:29 am Post subject:

Yeah, I have to agree that beer before a gig can cause a bladder problem! I think I have a bladder the size of a tennisball. Last night I had a beer before going out (christmas vacations started, partyparty!). I had a reeeeeeeeal long piss before I left home, and I was dying to get to the bathroom by the time I got to my friends house, which was maybe a half hours trip! Imagine what would happen if I dranka few beers, and then went on stage to play an hours set? And I usually have water with me on stage, which all by itself makes me need to go take a leak right after the set is over.
_________________
Yamaha 6310Z - 14B4
Courtois flügelhorn - Denis Wick 4FL

radiobob · Posted: Wed Dec 22, 2004 3:57 pm Post subject:

If drinking beer made you a better player then I'd be Maynard Ferguson right now.

Bob

laurie · Posted: Thu Dec 23, 2004 1:14 am Post subject: beer improves trumpet playing

Bob, Thats the advantage of beer, if you drink enough of the stuff you can believe that you are Maynard!

Laurie