Replies

I started my brass adventure in 4th grade with my great uncle's Holton Cornet. 1909 vintage. In 1969 my dad was headed out for another round in Vietnam. He set me up with a new brass bugle for use with the scouts and a new Holton trumpet. The trumpet was very sleek next to the cornet, but the narrower tubing produces more back pressure. My middle son played that trumpet through elementary and high school. Last year I ordered a fluegelhorn from Austin Custom Brass. They buy Chinese knockoffs and upgrade them into fine instruments. I like the bigger bore. Lower back pressure and mellower tone. 7 cases of pneumonia have wrecked my lungs, so it's a challenge to play. I suspect that mastering circular breathing will be more important with the lung problems.

I’m sorry you’re having so much trouble with your lungs. I haven’t played in years. I have sarcoidosis, had a big flare-up of it back in 2007, and it reduced my lung capacity. I had a lot of great experiences and have some great memories. The Best of Health to you!