[TPIN] Advise Appreciated - Come back Questions

[Greg Fuess]

I put the horn down about 10 years ago to focus more on work, and only
picked it up again in May of this year.  My goal is to be a very good
semi-professional player by January 2009.  I guess that means that I want to
be as good as I can be by then, since I won't be quitting my day job in the
foreseeable future.  If I could get regular work as a musician, though...
Any guidance and recommendation appreciated.

Since May I have focused exclusively on building up embouchure so that I
would have the chops to spend time practicing music making, instead of
wondering if I would have the chops to complete a piece with any sound at
all.  To this end, Double High C in 37 weeks has been my guide, following it
religiously for 31 weeks.  From no play in 10 years, this past weeks
practice I have been squeaking out F above high C.  That high F does not
sound musical at all, but it is there.  Intonation is significantly
improving with every week; and even the DEG has started to sound ok.  I am
using a Bach 1B mouthpiece; a wash bucket for sure, but with good chops
produces lots of great sound.

Any recommendations for further comeback in January?  .  I am especially
interested in something like Smart Music, but do not know the collection of
music available on it, and do not want to buy something like finale to
produce the things I would decide to focus on.  I had forgotten the
collection of practice books accumulated over the years; all the standards
(Arbans, Saint-Jacome, probably a 2' stack).  I am thinking the North Texas
State practice book, but would appreciate guidance.

Regards

Greg