Help!! Trumpet Players!!
 

Okay..here's the low down..I had my wisdom teeth out as of last thursday (Aug 16) and I had my stitches out this thursday (Aug 22) and I found out from my director that I have to:

1.) play Taps for the Memorial Service on Sept 11
2.) have a solo I -have- to have 1/2 down by our next practice (next thursday) It mostly consists of G's and A's all runs..

This is the prob..how long should I wait before really buckling down? I still have probs with the left side of my jaw..and I do not want to risk blowing out my scar tissue.. :( I'm scared..and I really do not want to lose my position!! I went to my h.s's football game and one of my 'followers' had me play the Fight Song and I struggled even! ACK!

Here's a suggestion:


Instead of actually playing the trumpet just practice as though it was in your hand. If you know the piece well and can read the music, keep the count going on in your head or with your foot and act out the fingering of the right notes. Be sure you act as though you are actually playing the piece, when a rest comes up, stop blowing. Wait another 4 or 5 days until the scar tissue has settled somewhat. Don't drink hot things.



*Note* I havent played the trumpet in about 7 years. I tried it out for alittle over a year and realized I looked gay playing it. I was actually pretty good at it but at the time I was playing the Piano alot and had also recently tackled the Violin. I soon left it all when I turned 17 and started DeeJaying. Anyhow- do what I said and you'll be alright.

UF

Hi there... i didn't play trumpet, I played mellophone, so i know it's not quite the same thing... but close enough.

I had my wisdom teeth out shortly before band camp one summer, about a week before. I was fine at bandcamp. Best thing is to a) start slow when you start practicing again b) I agree with UF Pike about just practicing the notes.. c) speak to your band director- they should be sympathetic enough about having the solo down pat d) CALL YOUR DOCTOR if you're concerned about anything.

As for September 11th, if you're not well enough to play taps by then, you probably have some serious medical complications from having those teeth removed. Everyone has different circumstances, but this is still several weeks away. You should be totally back to yourself by then.

Give them a few days, you should be fine in no time.

Thanks for the advice :) Why I was freaking out so much is one of my buds told me it took her 3 weeks for her to even start just warming up! And as a first trumpet, I couldn't risk losing 3 weeks of activity... :( I practiced today a bit..had to down some Aleve afterwards though... :( I can't believe how much I suck!! But, I'll try what UF suggested also :) :)

I hear playing the skin flute helps. Really you don't need teeth for that and the flute would even prefer it that way.

-Rudey