When I was in junior high and high school, I played trombone. I switched to the Baritone for my Junior and Senior years; which sounds much like a trombone, but with valves. I enjoyed playing, but after high school…I stopped playing.
A couple of years ago, my brother Darryl’s wife gave me his trombone after his death. This gave me the opportunity to learn to play again—the only thing stopping me was the time to learn to play. I soon stopped by the local music shop and talked to the store owner who gave me great advice. He said, “when I relearned how to play my French Horn, I simply kept it in the living room and played during the commercials while watching TV.” This started my quest to steal little moments through the day to relearn to play.
Last year, my office was in a little building away from everyone else. So, I took my trombone to work and played during my lunch hour. I was amazed how fast I was beginning to pick it back up! Then, we moved my office to a centralized building—with other people who wouldn’t want to hear my noises during their lunch time. So, I stopped playing.
Recently, having some time over Christmas, I began to play again. I play only about ten minutes a day…maybe more. I ordered a music stand on Amazon.com and now I have a nice place to play at home. I’m working through the “Essential Elements 2000” series from Hal Leonard Corporation. And, I received the “Big Book of Disney songs” for trombone as a Christmas present. I’m all set to enjoy, once again, playing the trombone—sticking with it through the ebb and flow of life is the only obstacle.
Eva says
That’s great! A little here and a little there …. can have big results.