The Woodwind and Brasswind

Despite my brass players best debating, it is in fact called the "Woodwind and Brasswind" not the other way around. I won't lie though...I said the same thing in high school when I made my first trip to one of largest music stores in the country. Yes, right before I became a freshman I took my first trip there to buy the trumpet I still play on today. The store was in a different location, but it didn't lack the magic that I was so excited to share with some of my students.

I took some of my most dedicated advancing students on a 3 hour car trip to South Bend to upgrade some of their equipment. They spent hours testing out new gear, having me listen until they found stuff that was going to help elevate their playing. Of course they also understood that by doing this they are also helping the band.

It was really cool to get to see them go through that process. Something that I really think all musicians need to try is that test of equipment to help them find their own sound. It was astounding how much a mouthpiece and ligature can do!



Here's a picture of them out in front of the huge sax/trumpet fountain by the store.

I was so glad that I got to take them on this trip, other students are already asking when I'll be taking another group. When the energy is high students can do so much. I love that.