In a never-ending quest to “suck less” I find myself at times drifting, dealing with projects that “aren’t critical or important” but nonetheless have merit–but don’t seek to fulfill my purpose, or bring me closer to my destiny. Without getting mushy & metaphysical, I think we all face an internal battle–doing that which is truly [...]

If you’re a student in Contra Costa County and are working on the audition for the Generations in Jazz High School Honor Jazz Band I’ve put together a slower background track to help you with the piece, and done a quick recording of it at tempo to help you with style. Later today, I’ll be [...]

Holiday gift guide 2008: What are the best last minute gifts for any musician, and/or aspiring brass player? Metronomes, Stands, Lubricants, and downloadable music.

Interesting interview with Mr. Douglas Yeo, Bass Trombonist of of the Boston Symphony on the Serpent. Mr. Yeo is a thoughtful player, educator, and musician.   The Serpent is an ancestor of the tuba, and is rarely performed today, Mr. Yeo, is one of the few who keep the tradition going.

Rarely do you get to hear a brass ensemble with this quality playing in your backyard, for $FREE$.  The caliber of student at the San Francisco Conservatory rivals top students at any institution in the country, and they are under the leadership of Mr. Paul Welcomer, a world class performer and coach.  If you have [...]

I have ordered the books for you and will have them available at our first rehearsal. Please bring $5 for your book to the rehearsal. Cash is preferred, but if needed you can make a check out to Jon Brummel. I’ve taken the liberty of preparing the files in SmartMusic so you can practice the [...]

Information regarding the 2008 Trombonanza Youth & Community Ensemble

First thoughts:         It’s always a pleasure to hear an artist of Mr. Martin’s caliber. Even amongst the Los Angeles studio greats, he sets a high standard with his outstanding mechanics and fundamentals, stylistic flexibility, and innovative use of the jazz vocabulary.          I was most impressed with his performance of the ballad In a Sentimental [...]

Trombone Day at CSU, East Bay – Trombonist Andy Martin. When: 11/14/o8 Cost: FREE!

I am having a problem with tounging, especially when I’m playing legato.I feel uncomfortable, I ikeI might have a crappy attack, the note may not speak, or something will go wrong. Its pretty agrivating sometimes, and it’s making progress on the legato movement of the all state piece, and the rhapsody for euph slow. I [...]