From Brace Face to Mariachi

Playing the trumpet has been a long and at times frustrating process. I began as a fifth grader, just like anybody else. The difference is that I began playing trumpet in a band of about seven. There were six clarinets and me-- one fearless trumpet. Coming from the oldest still running elementary school in Montana, there were very few in my classes all throughout my years at the small country school. Band was not a big part of the learning experience in the same way other things were. Because of problems with music staff and the recent acquiring of braces (braces and trumpets blend in a painful way that should not be experienced), I went on to high school hardly being able to play ten notes on my good old trumpet.

I still had two years of braces to struggle through but my music teacher in high school was a different story to what I was used to. A little crazed at times, Mr. Ruff began pushing me harder than I had been pushed in a long time. He was the type that would throw markers across the room to get somebody's attention, and often he would threaten me with breaking my pinky finger if I did not play louder (he was kidding of course.. I think).

Festival came around and I got put into a small ensemble with the two other worst trumpets in the band. These two weren't bad from lack of talent or having braces, but because they were the biggest screw balls on earth. I lasted a day before I begged Mr. Ruff for a solo in the festival over a trio with those two.

Weeks later I found myself in front of a big group of friends and family and a judge-- all waiting to hear my lovely brace-mouth try to string a few notes together. To my surprise, my judge liked my work. He told me I showed talent and should be taking private lessons to reach my true potential... in hindsight, Mr. Ruff probably bribed him in order to get me to take it more seriously. Nevertheless I did start practicing more. I began taking lessons from Mr. Ruff once a week. Within a year I was first trumpet in Pep Band, Symphonic Band, and Jazz Band. I BEGAN TO LOVE THE TRUMPET. And Mr. Ruff quickly became my favorite teacher. Thank goodness for a little persistence!

When I go home for summers I play in a community band with Mr. Ruff now and while I'm at school during winter semesters I play in the university band. Trumpet is arguably the best ever.

"Just Another One of the Trumpet Chicks"