[TPIN] "C" vs "Bb"

[smatt401 at dotnet.com]

An accurate estimation would indicate that my ability to 
perform on the trumpet is decidedly less than those who 
frequent this list. However, I'd like to chime in, if I may.

I purchased and played both a trumpet (B&S Challenger 
II) and a cornet (Kanstul 1535 with copper bell) in the 
key of "C."  I acquired them solely for use in 
congregational settings with pianists possessing less 
than optimal abilities. Instruments in C helped me 
overcome some of the performance obstacles I routinely 
face.

For instance, this past Thursday I agreed to use my 
trumpet for carollers who performed at area special 
needs homes. I was told the music was the simple, 
familiar Christmas music that I had already been 
practicing. I was also told it would be very informal so I 
chose to use my Max pocket trumpet and a few mutes.

Informal it was--the pianist could only plunk out the 
melody with her right hand, the songs were chosen by 
the audience or pianist or whomever on the spur of the 
moment, and the music was supplied by an absent flute 
player. 

So there I am trying to play along with a piano in the key 
of C, with a one handed pianist using  stratospheric 
music written for flute, scrambling to transpose  my Bb 
music into an unknown key (flutes are supposed to be in 
either C or Bb, aren't they?).

Life would have been so much simpler with a trumpet or 
cornet in C. At least I could start out playing the ink and 
make adjustments from there.

(Btw, I stank. Haven't picked up my horn since. Real 
bummer.) Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, and a 
propsperous New Year. 

Stephan M. Mattsen