Getting back into trumpet for college?

Question

Hi,
I am planning on playing trumpet at A&M but, problem is that I haven't played trumpet in 3 years (i played trumpet three years before this break) . However, I have talked to the people in charge of the band and they say that I will be able to make the musical requirements if I started playing again now and take lessons. My question is, what trumpet should I buy to play and march with and what can I do to prepare myself for my first lesson so that no time is waisted?

Answer 1

you should post this under the MUSIC section where there would be people possibly more qualified to answer. I played percussion, cello, classical guitar and violin in school. Glad you're getting back into it. There is nothing better in this world than being involved with music! Good Luck! (Wish I could help, but all I can say is buy the best you can afford and start practicing now in preparation for your first lesson- and take lessons from the best you can afford!)

Answer 2

Start practicing everyday (start with just 15 to 30 minutes and gradually increase your time). Play scales (if you don't already know all your major scales, maybe try learning them. You'll have to in your private lessons anyway!!). Get a good method book and just do a lot of review. Once you start your lessons, your teacher will give you exactly what to work on.

As for trumpets to buy... just get something cheap until you start lessons. You don't want to buy just anything and you'll want to try out different trumpets and mouthpieces to find the one that's right for you. Make sure your private teacher is really involved in helping you find the right trumpet.

Good luck! My husband (a trumpet player and band & orchestra teacher) and I were just talking about how he had a three year break between playing his trumpet and starting up again as a music major in college. He sad he only had a week before auditions and he was pretty rusty, but the professors were really understanding and he did really well that semester... and on! He now has a master's degree in music, teaches, and is in a few professional groups. The moral of my story... don't get discouraged by your rusty chops. It'll come back. You can do it! :)

Answer 3

You'll be fine! I say you start practicing now to get your chops back in shape. Work on scales and just sight-read some music to dust off the mental cobwebs.

As for instrument brand, for marching, anything NOT intermediate or professional is best. Just find an old junker that plays and use it--the weather conditions, the method of use and abuse, the chances of getting it damaged are all to risky to use a concert trumpet during marching season.

Get the junker now, and when you go into lessons, ask about what instrument the professor recommends. Your first lesson is basically going to be discussion of goals, assessment of skill level, and what method books you need to buy. Most likely, you won't do much playing the first lesson.
Just ask your professor!

Answer 4

Arizona-yes Davis-maybe Irvine-maybe Santa Barbara-maybe but leaning more towards probably not Santa Cruz-probably (they take like anyone) Cal Poly-maaaaybe...it depends on what major you apply for. They also barely care about extracurriculars. San Fransisco-I don't know. Don't know much about the school. But since it's a Cal State, I'm guessing you probably could get in.

Answer 5

Go to Scimonneti.com. Purchase a Blessing begginer trumpet. $300, have one work great does an awesome job.
To prepare go online and practice notes.