first of all, please tell me what other forums are out there, especially for trombone players. I just found this one using a google search.

Im a sophmore in college and I have not picked up my trombone in about 1 year. I recently decided that I wanted to apply for the music school here (Florida State Jazz program) After the long hiatus of no practicing, I need to get back in shape and I need to get in shape fast. (have to be at a good level to apply for the program, was reasonably good for a high school player when I quit, but had no intention of continuing to play). What is the best plan of attack? has anyone here had experience with starting again after a long break?

question two, I have two horns, a bach 42B with a 5gs bach mouthpiece and an old king liberty model 2B from 1934 (the silver one with the gold engraving) with a 6 1/2 AL.

for jazz, (keep in mind that even in the jazz program, there is still much classical work to be done... and also, of course, idealy proficiency on both instruments would be optimal, but for the time being, Im operating on an extremely condenced and rushed timeframe and am trying to eliminate all possible bottlenecks for a rapid, jazz application worthy recovery) which trombone should I focus my efforts on? I know the king was used for many years, but I always enjoyed the bach open wrap a bit more... then again, in the past, my playing was primarily centered on classical music.

anyway, any tips will be appreciated.

I think it is great that you want to get back on the horn. I would be sure that you are absolutely posative you want to be a musician, though. I have had a lot of friends back home that realized what it meant to be a musician ( ie hours and hours and hours in the woodshed) and drop their major. But if you really want to be a musician, go for it.

As far as playing after laying off for a while, When I came back from Marine Corps Boot Camp and MCT and other training (all together about 5 months), The thing that helped me was long tones. Make sure you are breathing correctly, and your embichure (sp?) is set correctly. another thing to do is progressive lip slurs. Make sure you don`t rush things though, as it can really hurt your chops. ease your way into extreme ranges, and if you become tired when you practice, put your horn down for a while and come back later. Don`t kill yourself right off the bat.

As far as which horn to play on, I would say play on the one you feel most comfortable with. Remember that you want to be completely comfortrable when you play.

If you want more info or a different opinion write K. Coull at kody_coull@hotmail.com and tell him Cpl Townes told you to write. Coull is a great jazz musician with a lot to say, and he can probably help you more than me.

Good luck and keep swining!