Blog Topic: Playing


Wayne Bergeron Masterclass!

Posted: December 31, 2011 by Eric Sperry

Wayne is one of my favorite trumpet players and is just a great guy. I credit Wayne for advising me about an important adjustment of my trumpet playing. He’s a wealth of knowledge and a world class player in every … Continue reading →

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Clean Your Trumpet!

Posted: November 14, 2011 by Eric Sperry

A clean trumpet may be the easiest way to give yourself a performance “edge”, and it extends the life of your horn too. It’s just like changing the oil (and other fluids), rotating the tires, routine thorough inspections, and the … Continue reading →

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Adolph Herseth: A living legend

Posted: September 17, 2011 by Eric Sperry

Here’s a fun video of a visit to Herseth’s studio in 2009. Bud shows some of his trumpet collection with his sharp wit and humor. I believe he was 88 at the time of the video.

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Uncle Larry releases new EP House Fly

Posted: July 24, 2011 by Eric Sperry

Read about Uncle Larry‘s new EP House Fly at Documents Unknown. I was fortunate enough to be a guest on this album and really enjoyed laying down a trumpet track. Get out there and support a talented and unique Milwaukee … Continue reading →

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Hakan Hardenberger Masterclass

Posted: July 11, 2011 by Eric Sperry

A video of a masterclass given by one of Europe’s finest trumpet players. Enjoy!

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National Brass Symposium master class

Posted: June 16, 2011 by Eric Sperry

Here’s an excellent video of orchestral brass playing. It’s the famous chorale in the 5th movement of Mahler’s 2nd Symphony. Note the trumpet section is made up of the principals of the New York Philharmonic (Philip Smith), Cleveland Orchestra (Michael … Continue reading →

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Thomas Hooten plays Turrin’s Chronicles

Posted: May 8, 2011 by Eric Sperry

Here’s a fantastic clip of Thomas Hooten, principal trumpet of the Atlanta Symphony, performing with the U.S. Air Force Band at the 2011 National Trumpet Competition. The piece is the third movement of Chronicles by Joesph Turrin. Thomas displays a … Continue reading →

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Maria Schneider Orchestra

Posted: March 14, 2011 by Eric Sperry

One of my favorite performing ensembles is the Maria Schneider Orchestra. Maria assembles some of the world’s best talent (many, if not all from New York) to play her compositions. She writes lush, complex, lyrical, beautiful, and momentum-filled tunes that … Continue reading →

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Arutunian Concerto – Chris Martin, trumpet

Posted: February 17, 2011 by Eric Sperry

There are dozens of trumpeter playing at the highest level around the world. Chris Martin (principal trumpet, Chicago Symphony Orchestra) is very near the top of that heap, in my humble opinion. Enjoy this living legend doing a spectacular performance … Continue reading →

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Exercise the brain too!

Posted: February 4, 2011 by Eric Sperry

Sometimes as brass players we forget to involve the brain as much as we should. Obviously, the brain is always active coordinating our breathing, lips, and fingers so that we may make a good sound and play the right notes … Continue reading →

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