[TPIN] harmon mute and stem

[Tim Phillips]

It should be noted in addition to the answer Glenn gave that the stem 
should always be in your bag, if you don't know what you're going to see 
at the gig.   There are many pieces that call for harmon w/stem, harmon 
stem extended - or just harmon extended.   Generally, I was taught that 
most all music of the 20s and 30s should be played with the stem in (as 
a general rule - there are exceptions I would imagine).  Some big band 
era music I feel sounds better with that sound vs the unstemmed 
harmon.    Listen to the authentic recordings, you can hear em :)   This 
is a topic I cover in master class...(for those students looking for a 
good small liberal arts college experience).

If the stem weren't useful, why would it be manufactured? 

Keep the stem - use it when it's appropriate.  

Tim Phillips
Trumpet Instructor, Lenoir-Rhyne College
iplatrpt at unifourbrass.org
http://www.unifourbrass.org

Travis Wilson wrote:
> i remember some time ago we had a discussion about harmon mutes and 
> some folks said they basically threw away the stem.
> last night while watching the grammies (fun show by the way), i 
> noticed that during the performance of Rhapsody in Blue, one of the  
> trumpet players was using a harmon mute with the stem in doing wah wah 
> effects.
>
> not trying to start a debate or disagree with those that don't use the 
> stem. I just saw this moment and wanted to point it out.
>
> i don't know who the trumpet player was. He as a pretty hefty guy if 
> that tells anyone who I was watching
>
> Travis
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