Wynton Marsalis Discussion Forum

Dear Mr. Marsalis,

I am 17 years old and have been playing the trumpet for 6 years now. I was wondering how long does it take to develope your full range. I have been wanting to be able to hit and play a double G for a long time but it seems no matter what I do I just cant make it. I currently can play a double F above the staff but I just cant get that extra whole step. The mouthpiece I use is a warburton 4 M with 7 backbore. I have an overbite in my teeth and have wondered if that was the problem and if i should get braces. I have tried many different exersize books like the charles Collins lip flexability book but nothing seems to work. If you could please share your opinion on my problem, I would greatly appreciate it.

sincerely,
Ron Sowell

     

Dear luigi,

What is your opinion on my problem?

     

May 6, 2004

Dear Ronald,

No, this is not Wynton.  My name is Steve Robinson, a freelance trumpeter in St. Louis, MO.  But I couldn’t help but respond so…

Hats off for having an F at your age.  At 17 I was struggling with high Cs, occasional Ds.  I’ve got F’s and G’s, BUT, I’ve been playing for 36 years!  -Personally, I prepare for the “Gig” at hand:

This weekend a Wedding (Baroque and Classical) so I’ve been focusing on
etudes, “Trumpet Voluntary”, etc.  -Also listening to recordings of Wynton doing the Hummel, etc.  Mouthpiece: Bach 3B.

For Big Band (I’m playing lead) or Pop/Rock I re-focus!  I’ll listen to Maynard, play Bud Brisbois Duets, play scales and chords (all keys) into the upper register, etc.  Mouthpiece: Bach 3E.  I also play with more force and volume!

Never stray from good fundamentals: tone quality, good pitch, a centered; focused sound.  -And there’s no better role model than Wynton!

Steve Robinson / Trumpet
Local 2-197 A.F.M St. Louis, MO
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)