Product Review: Aqua Sulis Gig Bag

This is one of the cheapest gig bags that I have managed to find on the internet at around £30 and was the reason that I bought it. http://compare.ebay.co.uk/like/400318346039?var=lv&ltyp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar&adtype=pla&crdt=0

It comes with two detachable back pack straps, which adjust easily (sometimes a bit too easily!). It has a zip pocket on the front and a pouch for two mouthpieces (this has a velcro closing, which is don't feel is very secure). It does seem well enough padded.

Overall I don't feel that this case is very good quality and mine is beging to fray at the edges. I wouldn't recommend it and would suggest maybe spending a bit more money to get something that is better quality.

Product Review: ChopSaver

ChopSaver is a product that I would thoroughly recommend to any trumpet player.

ChopSaver is a lip balm that contains all natural ingredients such as Shea butter, aloe and citrus oils. It also contains ingredients that reduce inflammation, perfect if you have a long rehearsal!

It has a very slight lemon scent and it very light on the lips. It is not greasy at all.

Overall I really like this product, it is good value for money and really soothes the lips.

www.chopsaver.com

Recommended Trumpet Music

This is a list of my recommended trumpet music, mostly classical (my preferred genre). I will try and include some sort of 'level'/grade for each and provide a link to where it is available in the UK (and US if possible).

1. Old English Trumpet Tunes (ISBN: 9780193575424)
A collection of 17th and 18th century trumpet pieces by composers such as Henry Purcell, Bach and Handel. It includes 13 fantastic solos for trumpet and piano/organ accompaniment. I especially love 'Trumpet Voluntary' by Boyce, probably the most challenging piece in the book. I would recommend from grade 4/5.
http://www.musicroom.com/se/id_no/064502/details.html
http://www.amazon.com/Old-English-Trumpet-Tunes-Book/dp/0193575426/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1354899492&sr=8-3&keywords=old+english+trumpet+tunes

2. The Baroque Trumpet (ISBN: 9780571517046)
A collection of 16 solos with piano accompaniment from the Baroque period. Includes pieces by composers such as Teleman. Grades 4/5.
http://www.musicroom.com/se/id_no/076400/details.html

9780571517046

3. The Very Best of John Williams: Instrumental Solos (Trumpet) (ISBN: 9780757923548)
Some of the very best John Williams pieces from films such as Harry Potter and Star Wars. Includes a CD with accompaniment. Grades 3-5.
http://www.musicroom.com/se/id_no/076510/details.html
http://www.amazon.com/Very-Williams-Instrumental-Solos-Trumpet/dp/0757923542/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1354899781&sr=1-1&keywords=john+williams+trumpet

4. Haydn: Trumpet Concerto
A brilliant concerto for advanced players (grades 7-8+).
http://www.musicroom.com/se/id_no/06771/details.html
http://www.amazon.com/Haydn-Trumpet-Concerto-Classical-Play-Along/dp/1423462416/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1354899949&sr=1-1&keywords=haydn+trumpet+concerto

5. Flor Peeters: Sonata in Bb
2nd movement- grade 5+, 1st and 3rd- grade 8+.
http://www.musicroom.com/se/id_no/0333057/details.html
http://www.amazon.com/Sonata-Trumpet-Piano-Opus-51/dp/B0000D0VCE/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1354900125&sr=1-1&keywords=flor+peeters+sonata+for+trumpet

6. Guestspot: The Beatles Playalong for Trumpet (ISBN: 9780711989481)
A fun book with well known Beatles songs. Includes a CD with demos and accompaniment.
http://www.musicroom.com/se/id_no/019239/details.html
http://www.amazon.com/Trumpet-Beatles-published-Omnibus-Paperback/dp/B00A0FGGJO/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1354900346&sr=1-5&keywords=beatles+trumpet

Trumpet Player of the Week: Wyton Marsalis

Wyton Marsalis is an American trumpet player specialising in both jazz and classical.
He is not only a performer but also a composer and educator.
He has won an amazing 9 Grammy awards in both the classical and jazz genres.

Classical:
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0-jDld11jhw

Jazz:
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9OtZrIjQuwA

wytonmarsalis.org

The Trumpet's Role at Christmas

As Christmas approaches I thought I would take a look at the role the trumpet plays at christmas.

At this time of year, Christmas carol services are happening everywhere. Quite often the trumpet is an instrument that will feature in many of these, playing descants on the last verse of carols. These are high ornamental melodies, above the main melody line and sound glorious on the trumpet, especially in the acoustics of a church.

A frequent feature on the streets at Christmas is brass bands playing Christmas carols, the trumpets/cornets usually taking the melody line. I love listening to these ensembles under the Christmas lights at this time of year.

The trumpet is usually an instrument that features in Christmas angels' hands. This is because they are an instrument that is often used to announce an important message (fanfare) and the Christmas angel announces the birth of Jesus

Trumpet Gifts for Christmas!

I have taken a pick trumpet themed gifts for this Christmas, perfect for any trumpet lover. I have included prices and tried to include P&P costs where possible. This is just a pick of trumpet gifts, there are many more out there!

UK:
Trumpet Wall Clock £9.99 (+£1.95 P&P): http://compare.ebay.co.uk/like/190709025167?var=lv&ltyp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar&cbt=y

Trumpet Pencil £0.50 (P&P free): http://www.musicroom.com/se/id_no/0156034/details.html

Trumpet Glass £4.99 (P&P free): http://www.musicroom.com/se/id_no/0155798/details.html

Trumpet Cuff Links £14.95 (P&P free): http://www.musicroom.com/se/id_no/01063469/details.html

Trumpet Case Sticker £1.99 (P&P free): http://www.musicroom.com/se/id_no/0156075/details.html

Trumpet Tie £11.99 (P&P free): http://www.musicroom.com/se/id_no/0155954/details.html

Trumpet Bracelet Charm £18.95 (P&P free): http://www.musicroom.com/se/id_no/01062497/details.html

Trumpet Socks £2.99 (+£2.95 P&P):

Trumpet Necklace £21.04:

Trumpet Bag £18.99 (+£3.85 P&P): http://www.amazon.co.uk/Trumpet-Trust-Me-Accessory-MusicaliTee/dp/B004O1GKY6/ref=sr_1_46?ie=UTF8&qid=1354618544&sr=8-46
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Trumpet-Love-My-Accessory-MusicaliTee/dp/B004O1LNKW/ref=sr_1_59?ie=UTF8&qid=1354618655&sr=8-59

Trumpet Christmas Tree Ornament £11.99 (P&P free over £35): http://www.zazzle.co.uk/trumpet_ornament-175865184376875199

Trumpet T-Shirt: £14.95 (free P&P over £35): http://www.zazzle.co.uk/trumpet_t_shirt-235560444845261220

Trumpet Iphone Case £19.50: http://www.cafepress.co.uk/+trumpet_iphone_4_slider_case,484356825

Trumpet Flip Flops £15: http://www.cafepress.co.uk/+trumpet_flip_flops,565030929

USA:
Trumpet Earrings $18.49: http://www.amazon.com/Harmony-Jewelry-Trumpet-Earrings-Silver/dp/B001JSYISM/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1354619552&sr=8-3&keywords=trumpet+gifts

Trumpet Cuff links $36.99 (+$5.99 P&P): http://www.amazon.com/The-Mens-Gift-Company-Cufflinks/dp/B009QD4G3E/ref=sr_1_38?ie=UTF8&qid=1354619640&sr=8-38&keywords=trumpet+gifts

Trumpet Necklace $19.49: http://www.amazon.com/Harmony-Jewelry-Trumpet-Necklace-Gold/dp/B001JSV3QW/ref=sr_1_77?ie=UTF8&qid=1354619773&sr=8-77&keywords=trumpet+gifts

Notebook $2.98 (+$5.49): http://www.amazon.com/Gift-House-3D-NOTEBOOK-TRUMPET/dp/B008JETON8/ref=sr_1_127?ie=UTF8&qid=1354619857&sr=8-127&keywords=trumpet+gifts

Why you should oil your valves every day...

Oiling your trumpet valves is very important if you want your trumpet to last a long time. I would recommend oiling your valves every time you play.

Valve oil not only lubricates the valves and valve casing, to ensure that the valves move easily, it also protects the valves from corrosive elements in saliva.

Do not wait until your valves become sticky. The lack of lubrication could damage your valves as friction could wear away the protective coating on the valve. The corrosive elements found in saliva could also cause damage by wearing away the protective coating. In the long term this would mean that the valve would no longer move as smoothly and this would cause problems during playing.

Which Valve Oil Should I Use?
There are two different types of valve oils, natural (petroleum based) and synthetic. Synthetic valve oils are meant to evaporate less rapidly than natural, reducing the frequency of oiling your valves.
Natural valve oil:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Denis-Wick-Advanced-Formula-Valve/dp/B003B139D0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1354579249&sr=8-1
Synthetic:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Blue-Juice-BJ2-Valve-Oil/dp/B0002FOGFI/ref=pd_cp_MI_0

All sounds a bit confusing doesn't it? Try out many different valve oils and find the right one for you, as different musicians have different opinions.

I would personally recommend 'Blue Juice Valve Oil' (synthetic valve oil linked above). It is great value for money as it comes in a massive bottle and a little goes a long way. It is the best valve oil I have tried and I find that it keeps my valves moving smoothly for a long time.

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