An almost forgotten love
Those of you who know me will know that my first instrument is the cornet. (A slightly smaller and mellower version of a trumpet.)
I started playing it when I was 5. My Father, both Grandfathers, Step-Grandfather and Great Grandfather all played brass instruments while in the Salvation Army. So it is something of a family thing.
About 5 years ago when I joined downhere I had to make a decision about where I would focus my practice time. Seeing as I would be trying to make a living playing the bass it made more sense to make that my primary instrument to practice. So after nearly 20 years of playing my cornet at least once a week and studying it all through college I just stopped. It was kind of sad yes, but life goes on and things change.
During this last tour we found a great way to fit my horn playing abilities into the set creating a very cool moment in the show. This has been very cool for me being able to play my “first love” again. Since we started doing this I’ve been trying to get my “chops” back into shape and what a joy it has been. I didn’t realize how much I missed playing. There is something about sitting down with a book and a music stand and a metronome clicking away that I find very enjoyable. I think it’s the same thing that makes running enjoyable. It’s just you trying to learn more and improve: no one there to criticize, no one there to tell you what to do. I guess it’s kind of my Yoga. I haven’t yet been able to get into a daily routine which is when it becomes most rewarding, and I’m not sure that I should due to my schedule, but the times I am able to just sit down and play have been great. It will be a while before I can get back into the shape I was when I stopped playing but the great thing about life is, I can get there and I can improve on it if I put the time in.
So yeah . . . I just thought I’d share that since it was something that was bringing me joy these days. Not to mention the joy I have from being home after being gone for nearly 3 weeks!
Glenn
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7 comments:
My eyes got a little misty the other day...when I got out of the car after arriving home from work, I could hear you practicing. It brought me back to my time at St. Andrew's, when I had lunch at Grandma and Papa's house. Many of those days, I would arrive at their house to the sound of Papa practicing on his cornet.
mani would love to hear u play the cornet......i know u like the jazz so that be cool...
glad to hear that you're finding some time to get your chops back! good for you!!
I play sax. Man, if we ever do a tour together we should jam a little.
I always say that if the eighties come back - Men at Work for instance - I'm set.
Enjoying the blog.
SG
There is room in almost every rock/pop song for a cool horn lick! Men at Work! Very Cool!!!
Good for you Glenn! Loved the pic! Hey, is Dad in there?
how awesome. you playing another instument again, and one you love.
cool, keep it up man, and hope to hear ya playing it soon.
Glenn, it was great to see and hear you play your cornet in concert the other night!!!!
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