[TPIN] How does one hang in there when really, really discouraged?

[Jeanne G Pocius]

First of all, my friend, please realize that only insecure trumpeters will flame others (unless dealing with matters of personal taste in instruments, imho)....
   
  The truly great players are those who are MOST encouraging of others!
   
  We all have days when things do not go according to our hopes and plans....
  
The important thing to remember is that trumpet playing is a RELATIONSHIP<!> and like any relationship it takes daily, caring attention to keep it healthy....
   
  One of the best ways to feel better about your trumpet playing is to reach out to others:
   
  Play for residents of nursing homes or retirement centers (get yourself a couple of books of songs from the big band or dixie style and learn them!)...
   
  Play for those who are disabled...
  
Find a church where you will be welcomed (there are MANY!) and where they CELEBRATE making a joyful noise unto the Lord!
   
  Teach some disadvantaged children to play the horn....
   
  Remember: teaching is one of the best ways to learn!
   
  Hang in there:  Call me if you'd like a free phone lesson (978-317-4731), or better yet, find yourself a good teacher and be faithful about taking lessons....
   
  Hth, the best way to give thanks for a talent or ability is by DEVELOPING it and sharing it with others!

  All the best,
Jeanne

smatt401 at dotnet.com wrote:
  How does one hang in there and keep playing trumpet, even when really, really 
discouraged?

This has been a bad week trumpet-playing-wise and I'm looking for a little encouragement. 
I lost my gig on S-nday. I had intended to play "Taps" in the ch-rch I hold a position in but 
was informed by the head de-con that my trumpet playing was too loud. So, I sadly put my 
bugle in the trunk. No "Taps" on the bugle that day, no more trumpet playing any day.

The next day I played "Taps" at 3:00 PM, as recommended by the Bugles Across Am-r-ca 
site. It suggested we write to Getzen, which produces field trumpets with the BAA logo, and 
tell them about playing taps. Some TPIN'ers asked about trumpeters playing "Taps" so I cut 
and pasted my e-mail to Getzen. Bad idea--I've been flamed by other trumpet players from 
thousands of miles away. Ouch. I was just answering someone else's posting about playing 
the bugle for taps. Contrary to popular opinion even trumpet players have feelings buried 
somewhere in the braggadocio and arrogance.

I'd like to hang it up . . . but I've been playing trumpet (badly, I'll admit) since 1963 and it's 
a part of me, a part of me that's really hurting, however. It's really hard to practice the 
trumpet/flugelhorn/bugle right now, without any opportunities to perform with other 
musicians, without encouragement . . . 

So, how does one hang in there and keep playing trumpet, even when really, really 
discouraged?

S.M.M.
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                          Jeanne Gabriel Pocius
  Director of Elementary Bands, Beverly Public Schools
  Director, North East Multi Age Regional Bands
  Director, North Shore Brass Associates
  TPIN's *Chop Doc* since 1993
  Author of *Trumpeting By Nature, An Efficient Guide to Optimal Trumpet Playing*
  (available, August, 2006)
  4 Cressey Ave, Salem, MA 01970 
  (978)317-4731
  Email: jgpocius at yahoo.com    
  http://abel.hive.no/oj/musikk/trompet/jeanne/               














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