[TPIN] Artist holing the trumpet?

[Vaxtrpts at aol.com]

I think some of you missed one of the key parts of that first post.   It 
wasn't talking about the difference between reading the notes on the page or  
having a piece memorized.  It was talking about one of the KEY elements in  jazz 
--- improvisation.  That is what really sets jazz apart from classical  music.  
Chet Baker could improvise (and very well) on anything he heard,  regardless 
of whether he had seen any music or chord changes, or not.  His  EARS were 
unbelievable.  That has to do with talent, but also in training  your ears to 
hear in a different way.  Most great jazz players can hear a  tune once or twice 
and be able to improvise their own melody to the tune.   This comes, in the 
beginning, from learning and MEMORIZING melodies.  The  more you do it, the 
easier it becomes.  Also, knowing the melody can keep  you abreast of where you 
are in the form of the tune you are playing on.
I think memorization is a key element in learning any musical instrument,  
whether you are going to play jazz or not.  Think about it.  We try to  get 
young people to memorize all their major scales right from the start.
I do agree with the people who have talked about playing parts in a  band.  
It is pretty hard to memorize all the music for 3rd trumpet for a  whole 
concert.  But, if you have practiced it enough, you will have a very  good idea of 
how it all goes.  The old Boy Scout's motto is really  applicable here: "Be 
Prepared!"  I see too many young people in school  bands across the country who 
are almost proud of the fact that they never take  their horns home to 
practice.  Boy, do I get on them in my  clinics!!!!!!
As far as soloing, I agree with the people who expressed the feeling that  
when a piece is memorized (that includes the accompaniment), we are more apt to  
perform at a higher level and put more emotion into that performance.  
I, too, close my eyes when improvising -- and even when playing some  written 
things that I have memorized.  I find that I can concentrate even  more on my 
sound, with my eyes closed.
It just seems to happen and I don't realize that I am doing it.
Just my two cents.
Mike Vax