The praise rightly directed toward Roddy Lewis recently got me to think about the benefits of this forum. I have been a TPIN member since 1994 or 95, I forget which. I joined out of curiosity. At times, the inanity and ubiquity of certain issues made me rethink my membership. But always, the benefits outweighed any time or aggravation concerns. I've been a serious student both of the trumpet and brass pedagogy for many years. I studied both during my master's and doctoral degrees. Among the most startling facts of education lies the truth that the quest for both artistic and pedagogical excellence lasts a lifetime. The things covered here from which I benefited include, but are not limited to:
The closed embouchure (Pops, Jeanne, Clyde)Besides pedagogical growth, TPIN has allowed me to:
The role of the aperture (Clyde, Pops, Leon, Eddie, Jeanne, a host of others)
The difference between an open and a spread embouchure (Eddie Lewis)
The value of "blowing the pipe" (Gary Radtke, Karl Sievers)
Releasing the tongue effectively (Leon)
A wide variety of range, embouchure, and breathing/blowing/buzzing discussions
What Farkas said and how it often gets employed (Pops, et al)
Detailed musicianship and analysis (John Daniel)
Play with TPINers Wilmer Wise, Karl Sievers, John Daniel, Al Lilly, and a host of othersI have received scores of "thank you" messages to different posts. I save them in a folder I call "Encouragement." When I begin to doubt if I have done anything meaningful in my profession, I read them. (Tim Zimmerman gave me that idea nearly 20 years ago.)
Sell and buy instruments
Exchange phone calls with several TPINers
Ask for advice when I have questions about my approach to a given practice or performance issue
Take lessons from a couple of folks
I've bought many CDs that I never would have been exposed to except for TPIN. I use valve oil and slide grease that I discovered here. I met Gary Radtke as a result of a review published in this forum. I now use his pieces.
And, as the fall semester gets underway and as I anticipate new students, returning students, and the like, I want to say thank you to Mike and to all the TPINers who give this list such value. To my fellow teachers, players, manufacturers, CD-buyers, equipment lovers, reviewers, and friends, blessings to you, one and all.
Bryan Edgett