A few trumpet tips I wish I knew sooner!

Instructions

These are some tips for people starting trumpet or are struggling Alllllllright so first of all a little bit about my band experience: Been playing trumpet for almost 3 years First chair trumpet 8th grade concert band Ignore ANYONE who says trumpet is easy! It’s actually pretty difficult in its own ways Tip one: this is probably the most important tip you’ll hear, NEVER TRY TO FIGHT YOUR INSTRUMENT! It will always win. Trust me. I have experience with that Tip two: to quote my Band Director “Beginning Band Is slow because slow is FAST” this applys so much to trumpet, be patient! It will pay off. If are even able to get a tiny squeak out of a trumpet then you’ll have a great start! Tip three: try to join privet lessons as soon as you can, it may seem like a lot of effort but it’s totally worth it! Privet lessons for me was life changing, I went from probably the worst in my class to the best in a mannor of months! Some one on one time with a teacher is really helpful, plus they can help you if your struggling with your music. Tip four: always keep you instrument in the best condition it can be! Oiling the valves twice a week (more times if needed), adding Grease to the tuning slide, giving your trumpet a bath every three months. Try not to eat right before playing, the sugar from your breath slowly disintegrates the inside of the Lea pipe (this isn’t noticeable form the outside) so if you have to eat right before try to wash out your mouth or at best brush your teeth. I personally keep a travel sized tooth paste and tooth brush in my trumpet case (no joke look in the project I have a picture). Reaaaaally important!: Even though they are metal they are NOT as durable as they look! Even small scratch’s or dents effect the sound. So to keep your trumpet out side of the repair shop BE CAREFUL! Pls pls pls it’s really expensive to fix them. Tip five: have a fingering chart! I’ve been playing for years and I still somtimes forget fingerings, it’s nothing to be ashamed of. Tip six: make friends within your section! Band won’t be any fun without friends, and they can help you if you’re struggling. There’s been many times where I had to lean over and ask my friend “hey can I borrow you pencil?” Because yes you do use your pencil in band class. And remember it’s not a competition! Tip seven: don’t be afraid to ask for help! I know we trumpets have ur famously large egos but don’t let your pride get I the way of progress. Tip eight: pay attention during class and try your best! If your band is really good then you’ll be able to do fun things like how my Band is going to travel for a band and orchestra conference, we will be traveling out of state for the weekend. WE GET TO SKIPP SCHOOL FOR BAND! Tip nine: trumpets are really really loud! (If you haven’t noticed) so if you can’t hear the people around you then play quieter! In band how you play affects everyone, you must become one with your section. Sound like one trumpet not a bunch of trumpets falling down the stairs. Tip 10: have fun! Band is the only class of the day where you can stuff a bunch of amazing weirdos in a room with instruments and chairs. Do goofy things :b that’s what bands for! Never get so caught up in the game that you can’t have fun. I sure hope this was helpful cuase this took me an hour to write :)