Hi, I just got my braces removed after two years and now, I am having problems playing. The day before, I could get a double high C easily, but now, I could barely get a high C (the one in the staff). I can no longer go any higher. Should I try some chop-building excercises? If I should, could you give me examples of some excersises to help me recover.

I cant help you with your braces problem but high c is not the one in the staff. that is middle c. and high c is the one that is in the second ledger line above the staff. and double high c is the one that sits above the 5th line above the staff. Just thought I should point that out so everyone that plays trumpet will be on the same page

Thank You? Any more advice from anyone?

To put it in simple terms your Embrochure has changed. What worked with the braces won`t work anymore. You are going to have to rebuild it from scratch. I hadn`t played the trumpet for 9 years. This spring I decided to put down the electric bass and pick up my trumpet again. Needless to say I had to rebuild my Embrochure from scratch. I`m an assistant band director so finding people to play with isn`t that hard. I started by playing with the 3rd section. My endurance really sucked but it seemed to get better and better each day. I decided on rebuilding my chops with a 1-1/2 C mouthpiece which will probably take a little longer since it is just a little smaller than a comode seat. I went to band camp last week and play my horn about 5 to 6 hrs a day! Nothing too demanding mind you but high and loud enough to build up my chops. I`m up to hitting a high C or D at whenever and I am real happy with my chops these days. My point is that you just have be patient. Your chops will come back and probably better than ever. If you`ve been wanting to break into a bigger mouthpiece, now would be a good time.

Good Luck.

I will take any thing you have thank you ps.I need it in bass clofe.

i guess this may be a little late but if you want to play well, you need to warm up. you have to start low, and gradually get higher. warming up can be a very long process, demanding a lot of patience, but it will be worth it.

and the thing about where C is, MIDDLE C is one legger line below the treble clef. the one sitting right on top of the middle line in the clef is still C, but it is your choice on what kind of C you call it, which also goes with the C two ledger lines above the clef

Funny story. When I started to play the trumpet I had braces on, but I played with them on for only one year. The first time I tried to play without them, I was so frustrated because I couldn`t play a note. In fact, I was so frustrated that I dented my horn on my case!! Eventually, if you keep at it, you will find that it is easier to play without braces because they no longer cut into your inner lip.

I am having endurance problems during performances. I use a Schilke 14A4A mouth piece as my mouth piece of choice because it is comfortable but I question if this is the source of my problems. When performing 25-30 minutes or more I have a breakdown in the corners of my lips which allows air blow by? Miles

WEll
i`m not really sure if its my place to say.. cuz the other guys above me maybe pros or what not..
but im a sophomore in highschool..
I study Music at Juliard Prep. in NYC.
but uhm i can understand the braces, because my friend also has braces and he still does have braces.. but all i can tell you is that with your braces off i guess it would be a form of advantage now that you dont have ur braces ripping ur inner lips apart.
but you`d have to work it up again like the other said. or change your embrochure to something that suits you best.

my advise to you is to go buy an ARBAN`s book and just practice the scales and the music there.
not only will the scales help you but it will also help you read music alot better.
i play a Bach Straivarius model 72 with a Sterling silver bell
i can reach up to a triple F and an occasional G.. (above C 5 ledger`s up) so i guess its all about building up your chops, doing breathing exercises, and fixing your embrochure to your desired form.

thats all i have to say
bye!

Dude! I reckon your problem is that your mouthpiece is to small! Most players experience swelling after/during playing and unless you are one of those lucky people with ultra thin lips, your chops will hit the bottom of the cup, stop buzzing and the air will loose direction thus escaping out the sides. Try a Bach 3c maybe. To the original question, build your corners! Corners are everything! Do lots of SOFT long note playing. Ie, the second line G. Try to do 5 mins a day without relaxing the chops and in a week you will notice a difference. CAUTION....Even tho its a second line G, it burns like hell to begin with! Stick with it. Its like doing a heap of reps with light wieghts. Very good for you and no chance of damaging muscles

I feel your pain. I got my braces off on a Friday and then had a 4 hour rehearsal on Sunday, and I was playing the 1st part! Just keep working at it, it`ll take time. If you build up your corners, and your lips are still callused, you can play for hours and not get tired. Consider yourself privileged. It`s awesome!

Thanks everyone!

Knighthawk,
How are you playing now? I `d be keen to hear your range. I thought braces would have really made someone use their chops with little pressure, and keep the arm muscles out of the equation; so it should have given you an edge when they were removed. And with some time to re-shape the embrouchure. Pls reply how you`re going.

hey i have just the opposit problem. I used to be able to play a double E on comand and even double G ocasonaly but after i got braces my range droped a whole octave almost. I`ve had braces for almost 6 months now but i still can HARDLY HIT A HIGH C and I can`t go any higher than it at all. My question is should i ajust to the braces so i can play now or should i keep my ombachure the same so when my braces are off i cna play? I get them off in a year so is it worth it?

Why not work a little the basics after the braces off.

Maggio, Stamp, etc ...

Arban don`t talk about embouchure, it`s just to get all the good trumpet things.

then high register is just complete body musculation and coordination.No or yes ? yes