RBCT3 Triple Trumpet Case
To qualify all trumpeters need to Like us on Facebook (we’ll be checking) and toot your horn (sorry, couldn’t resist) about your journey as a trumpeter in the comment section of this blog post (not on Facebook). The more creative the better chance you have at winning. We’ll highlight our top picks later this week and choose the most inspirational trumpeter’s story on Monday, May 2nd. Get your story in by Sunday May 1st. U.S. residents only. Good luck!
Category: contests and giveaways
Justin Womack says:
I actually want to win this for my former band director. Great guy, he was in the Presidential Army Band, toured with Maynard Ferguson, and has been teaching for over 20 years. He carries 3 different trumpet bags to school everyday, usually with his Bb, Piccolo, and C trumpets in them. Not to mention days when he needs his flugelhorn…I think it would help him out a great deal.
dave says:
Well, this is not for me. It’s for my dad. My dad is a jazz trumpet player and has been playing forever. All he does is practice (he is retired). He loves to play the trumpet. I think that he would love to win a bag like this for his gigs and rehearsals. Please consider him for this bag. thanks.
Mike De Lucia says:
My daughter could really use this case. She practices so hard. She loves to make music and play. It would make me so happy to reward all her effort with a beautiful case like this.
Steven Rigler says:
This gig-bag would be for a dear friend who carries too many cases (on a dolly) to brass ensemble rehersals and performances. To help shore up the various Bb, C, D, Piccolo combinations he always carries would be incredible! Thanks for the opportunity & keep up the great work! LOVE your bags!!!
Matt Johnson says:
I have been playing Trumpet for over 10 years and carry several trumpets and a flugel horn to each gig/practice. Right now I don’t have the funds to get one bag to help make it much easier to transport everything to every practice/gig, I currently use 2-3 bags to carry everything and it’s not fun.
I’ve played everything from Jazz to Taps at military funerals when I was in the National Guard.
Sean McCarthy says:
When I was a kid in 4th grade up in Connecticut, I decided to join band, but I didn’t want to be like all the other girls and play a flute or clarinet, so I picked the trumpet. The first day I got it, I took it home and tried to get a little familiar with it. The next day, when I went into band class, my band director just had us start playing without even teaching us how to hold, or make the correct embouchure on the mouthpiece to make noise come out. So later that day, after school when I got home, I planted myself on my parents bed with my trumpet and the beginners music book for trumpets, and read it from cover to cover and taught myself how to play the trumpet, what the notes where supposed to sound like, the fingerings, note lengths, etc. Over the next few years, I became exceptionally good at the trumpet, and by 6th grade, my band director even said that I was one of his best trumpet players. During my 7th grade year, my family decided to move to Texas, and things down there are a lot different than they were up in CT. It turns out, in Texas they start teaching beginning band in 6th grade where they learn all their basics, and because I got there in 7th grade, I missed all the basic they taught them that I never learned up in CT. Counting music, and concert pitches were a completely new concept to me so my first day, I was completely lost. I started off in the bottom band, but as a year passed, I caught on to a couple things and before I knew it, I had moved up a band and I was first and second chair. Then in high school, things obviously got a lot more complicated. Because I didn’t really know as much as I should have (like all the scales), my freshman year in high school, I was placed as first chair bottom band (cadet band) for the marching season. But throughout the fall, my directors noticed my potential and moved me up a band (concert band) for the concert season. My sophmore year, I outshined more than I expected and I shot all the way up to 2nd chair Symphonic band. Our head, most influential marching band director took notice. My junior year, I moved up one chair to 1st chair Symphonic band. My senior year in high school, I made it all the way to last chair Honors Band (top band). And, I made it all the way up there from just a lowly little trumpet player who wasn’t really taught correctly and didn’t really know much!
Apperantly, my playing had taken some notice with the top heads in the band department, because I was told they would talk about me when in their office. One of the most skillful private lesson teachers (who has actually played very big gigs on TV) thought I had such good potential, that he insisted on giving me private lessons for free (because I didn’t have the money to pay). I thought that was quite an honor… And now, 2011, 10 years later, I am in college, about to turn 20 years old, and I am still playing my trumpet, and I will be auditioning for the marching band for the fall. I now have in my possession 2 trumpets, and a bugle which I hold very near and dear to me. Playing trumpet/band has been my whole life, and I have worked so very hard to get to the level of skill I am today.
Pamela S. Shimer says:
Thirty-six years ago, I joined the band on french horn; a beautiful instrument I played respectably well. I soon learned that the french horn wouldn’t allow me to play in the Jazz band. I was jealous of the trumpeters. I remember the day that the Jazz Band members had been to a Maynard Ferguson concert the night before. They all had MF T-Shirts on and were talking excitedly about their awesome experience. After the 1982 Memorial Day parade, I took my mouthpiece and left my horn behind.
Flash ahead 26 years…A guy gave me a free French Horn. I put my old mouthpiece to work and was back into my love of music again in a small ensemble including two french horns and one trumpet. The trumpeter had to drop out… there was my chance…I could play that versatile instrument. I would no longer have to envy others who played it.
Later…I joined community band…In the section, in a small Michigan city, was a guy who had had a top-level pro career and toured with Maynard Ferguson! I couldn’t believe it! I’ve learned from him, and have since become a complete trumpet geek. If my skill matched my geekiness, I’d be a virtuoso.
Now, I have the trumpet of my dreams. Last year I flew to New Jersey from Michigan especially to try a huge selection. I tried blindfolded to feel the best blow and find the sound I love, and the horn that picked me was a Calicchio 1/s 2. I also met Don Hahn while in the store, another trumpeter from MF’s 1970s band, who I recognized from a YouTube MacArthur Park video. He asked me to go to his gig. I couldn’t, but I got him to autograph my cup mute!
My Calicchio is beautiful horn, but it came with no case. A Reunion Blues bag would give my trumpet the dignified carriage that would befit such a fine instrument.
Trevor Butts says:
I began playing trumpet in Middle school and my trumpet playing skill took off. Then came High school. My high school band went on a out of state field trip to North Carolina for a competition. As we were loading up i was told to go do a task for one of the guard girls and so i told my friend to put my trumpet on the bus for me. Well apparently he got really busy and forgot to put my trumpet on the bus without telling me. So as we pull into a Ryan’s restaurant in North Carolina, and i get this picture message from one of my friends back home and the picture is of a trumpet that looks just like mine. i came to find out the wrath of my high school band director that day when we had to mail my trumpet first class on FedEx. This is how i got the name FedEx. True Story.
Amanda Broadrick says:
I am a student at coffee county middle school. I am a seventh grader. I am in my second year of band and getting close to my third. I didn’t start out playing trumpet. I started out playing trombone. Since last year I have wanted to play more than one instument. So I started out by buying a trumpet. I have played my trumpet alot since then and I even play duets and quartets with friends. I would like to have a case that holds more than one trumpet so me and my friends can share it. I love my trumpet and my friends love theirs and we would all like to protect them. If I won the trumpet case me and my friends would be the happiest Trumpet players ever.
Bill Jarvis says:
I have been playing trumpet for about 12 years now, and have always brought my horns everywhere. My horns have always had to endure my busy life, and protecting them has always been an issue. I used to carry only one trumpet with me, so a single hard case was beneficial, but since I went to college, freelanced, marched drum corps, and started playing full time in a pretty popular NJ cover band, I have had to carry a b flat and c trumpet, and a flugelhorn just about everywhere. Let me tell you, hard shell cases for multiple instruments are not light, and getting them on a packed subway or through a crowded club is not an easy task. I currently own a triple gig bag from another company, and guess what? My flugelhorn was recently damaged on a weekend tour while it was IN THE CASE! So why would I like to win this Reunion blues triple bag? So I can actually protect the instruments that help me make a living and further my band. You see, my the frontman/singer/keyboard player is a little person with osteogensis imperfecta. He has had health problems all his life, and his one love and passion is to play piano and keyboards, and trust me, the dude can rip. None of us have ever looked at him like he was a little guy, but sometimes others do unfortunately. We want to make him the most famous we can, so everyone can know his story and experience the magic of hearing him and being around him, and so people can get past the fact that he is short, and just have fun hearing his music. thanks for taking the time to read this. And check us out at shortylongrocks.com
Matthew Zelnik says:
I have been playing the trumpet for about 10 years now and have fallen in love with it so hopelessly there is no return. It is all I had in my life for the longest time, and it means the world to me, but it has been an uphill battle for a while, though it wasn’t always that way. I started on the worlds greatest Getzen 300 student model, it is still me best friend, though it has been retired for a while now. In Middle school I made the principal chair of my schools honor band as a 6th grader, and competed in many young musician competitions and even had chances to play solos in the lobby of the local theater before the symphony orchestra concerts. Unfortunately, when I got to high school, I had to face the fact that my health was becoming a problem and that I would have to give up being able to march in our marching band. They made me an equipment manager and had me work our band directors loud speaker. I stuck with it for four years and played in our symphonic band, orchestra, and jazz band when ever it was offered. I had to relearn a lot of things in order to compensate for my lack of physical strength and endurance. The biggest test came fore me when I made the OMEA All-State Band. That is a band made up of the best of the best from all over Ohio. The night before the concert, after 2 days of non stop rehearsals, I had a rather severe cardiac event. I had to be rushed 1.5 hours away to my home town to the hospital in a helicopter, Ohio is very beautiful at 2:30 am from 30,000 feet in the air, and had the defibrillator used to try and stop my heart. Yes you did read that right. My heart was racing at 240 beats per minute for 7.5 hours. It was rather shocking, pun always intended, but it helped me to see how important my trumpet playing was to me. The entire time, I just kept playing through all the music to the concert I missed because of it, in my head. I love the trumpet and never want it to go away. A month later I had surgery to fix the problem, and then went on to play principal trumpet on 3 concerts the following week, though I honestly can’t remember them because of the medication. I really want a protective case to use to keep my horn safe. I went though so much to be able to keep my self in good condition for my horn, I think it is time I returned the favor.
chase bartley says:
it may be selfish but i wold like the case because i am 12 and have my entire life ahead of me i don’t care as long as you at least read the letter because nobody cares
Sandy Aphid says:
My trumpet nearly fell out of my old case and cut off my band mates toe! Just kidding, I don’t have a trumpet.
Kameron Willis says:
Trumpet has always been a part of my life. My brother is a trumpet player for the Marine Corp band in San Diego California. My trumpet career did not really start until my freshman year of high school, but since that point it has always been part of my focuses. I practice daily, and was recognized as a two year All State Musician in Texas years 2009, and 2010. I mainly need this case because as any other orchestral trumpet player can confirm, it is extremely frustrating lugging around a Bb, C, and D/Eb trumpet. Piccolo trumpet and Flugelhorn are also pretty frustrating to carry around with you, but not as severe as having the Bb, C, and D in almost every rehearsal. So I guess I am asking to earn this case so that I do not have to go through the rest of my undergrad and graduate studies carrying around three cases to every rehearsal. So please, pick me.
Jeff Karlson says:
There was once a young trumpeter who began his uncertain, and at times, seemingly hopeless musical journey at the age of 10. His home town of Ketchikan Alaska was small, but possessed an infectious enthusiasm for the arts. It was there that the young player was chosen by his King 2070 trumpet. His interest in music grew exponentially as his skills improved. Every day before and after school, and often even during his lunch break, he could be seen practicing in the band room. His enthusiasm quickly paid off as he rose through the ranks of his elementary school band. He was soon accepted as a student of the towns produce man, who on the side, had had an understanding and appreciation for the power of the trumpet. This young trumpet player’s humble beginnings yielded limited resources due to the small size of Ketchikan, but as he matured, he would surprise all of the townsfolk with his emerging success. His technical abilities became known across the state of Alaska as he earned positions with regional and All-State honor bands and Jazz ensembles. By the time he was a Junior in high school the young trumpeter had finally branched off from the small town of his beginnings; his acceptance to the Interlochen Arts Academy was about to propel his musical dreams to heights he had never imagined. It was there that he met his first true challenge…TRANSPOSITION. Up to that point he had never even heard an orchestra perform and had little knowledge of the composers of which had written the great repertoire including but not limited to Mahler, Strauss, Tchaikovsky, and Stravinsky. Finally his musical studies would be fine tuned as he learned about the arts of composition, theatre, and ballet. After graduating from that fine institution, his abilities would again earn him acceptance into a great studio. The master of this studio was Marc Reese of the Empire Brass Quintet. Reese was a true master of our great instrument. The knowledge that he had attained and would pass on to his new pupil would assuredly give the young trumpeter the tools he would need for success. After studying with the great Marc Reese for four years, the young musician had earned his Bachelor’s degree in trumpet performance. Now, his enthusiasm, dedication, and intense studies have earned him a spot at an institution he’d never dreamed he would be a part of. Once a young and naive instrumentalist, Jeff Karlson is now looking toward the great city of New York as he looks forward to his studies next year at the Manhattan School of Music under the tutelage of none other than Mark Gould.
I hope you enjoyed the narrative! I assure you every word of it is true. I would be proud to wield a Reunion Blues trumpet case! As of now I have a King Bb, and C, as well as a Larson Eb. So far all of these horns have sustained some damage while inside my current case. Thank you so much for your consideration!
Kelly Elizabeth says:
This guy has my vote!
Most deserving contestant so far
Jeffrey Hoyt says:
I have played the trumpet for over 30 years and my son started plying in Middle school this year. since he enjoys playing as much as I do I decided to pass down my first horn to him, a Blessing SX3. I have enjoyed this horn over the years and we have quite a bit of history together, but I felt it was time to pass it on to the next generation in my family, the only problem we have is that the case handles are broken and are being held together by cords. My son also plays the cornet and pocket trumpet and being able to put all three horns into this beautiful gig bag would make his day
vincent lewis says:
My name is Vincent and i have been playing the trumpet for 4 years. I am a 14 year old 9th grade freshman. I plan on becoming the best i can possibly be considering the fact that i practice all the time and is one of the best players in my class. This will be my primary way into college so i need to do my absolute best to get to that level of experience and since i want to be the best then i would like to have the best and this will help me alot since my case cant even fit a mute in it. I am not exactly the most wealth person but i do my best to become the best i wont stop till i become the best i can be so if i could have the honor to win this case i would be so grateful.
sincerely, Vincent
Steven Trinkle says:
As a professor I have many students who come to my university with worn out equipment, especially cases. As my students progress through their studies they play multiple trumpets and discover that their old single cases doesn’t cut it. They need a strong case that can carry 2-3 trumpets. This Reunion Blues triple case would go a long way in helping our students transport and protect their equipment.
Mr. Trink
Daniel Clemente says:
My name is Daniel. When I was 3 years old my parents bought me a toy trumpet and I pretend played it. Little did they know that I would choose trumpet when I was in sixth grade. However, in sixth grade I was going through economical problems and I couldn’t afford a trumpet. I really wanted to play it so I started working hard. I got enough money in two months by doing random jobs in my neighborhood. I went online a bought a $100 trumpet(one of those cheap ones). I loved my trumpet, I valued it more than anything I owned. I would take my trumpet everywhere I went. I practiced 2 hours a day in sixth grade and became the best at my school. In seventh grade I began to practice 3 hours a day and no one could beat me at my skills. In eighth grade I decided that I would make all-state and practiced 4 hours a day! I made first chairs in all-state. Then in the summer between eighth grade and ninth grade the most tragic thing happened….my trumpet broke for good!!
I was horrified and cried for two days. When I went into high school band I was put in concert band and had to borrow a trumpet from one of my friends to use in class. Then I became first chair of concert band. And once again I went to all-state. Then my sophomore year I was moved up to Symphonic Winds (top band at my school). The most wonderful thing occurred that year and someone donated a Bach Stradivarius to the band program and my teacher gave it to me as a gift!! I instantly became so much better and I could breeze through the music with ease now! I became first chair in Symphonic Winds beating out all the seniors as a sophomore! I play trumpet at my church and I play lead! I am very thankful for all the wonderful blessings that God has given me and I know he rewards hard work. Receiving this beautiful case would be an honor to me because I have accumulated five trumpets all gifts from people that admire my talent and dedication (King 601, Bach Stradivarius, Yamaha Xeno, Bach Liberty, and a Monnette) over the years and I would like to carry them around since they all have preference in styles and I play many styles. I would appreciate this blessing very much!
Arturo Sandoval says:
So far, I think this guy deserves it. He shows so much dedication and love for music and he reminds me of when I was a young and started to play trumpet in Cuba.
David Novak says:
Started playing trumpet with the “Hot Shots” combo when 14 in Flint, MI. At 15 was playing 3 nights@week in the “Harmony Boys” polka band. One yr at Bowling Green, then played trumpet for four yrs in the Navy Band program. From 1962-67 played in San Francisco: Judy Garland, Pearl Bailey, George Shearing, Ink Spots, Ice Shows, Circus, San Francisco Opera Co., Los Angeles Civic Light Opera Co. , Principal Trpt w/Golden Gate Park Band, etc. etc. Taught college in Kansas and Michigan. In 2002 played with Latin band, “Maniel” in the Dominican Republic. Retired now in Arizona, but still use my Bb, Flugel and D/Eb combo. Could I use a triple trpt case? You Bet!! Trumpet is my life!
Bryan Harper says:
I have been playing since the 5th grade. and all of High school I had played for the Marching Band ins school, and still play at church. I play with the Wabash Valley Band and travel thru with them over the summertime. with me going to school full time it would help out allot.
Rev Dave Taylor says:
Here is the best story..
I started playing late in life.I was in 9th grade. I walked into the middle of band practive for the first time as a freshman at Everman High School,Everman Texas.
the band director stopped the band and asked, ok what is your story. I wanna play trumpet in the band. he asked, do you know how to play that thing? I said no but ican learn.
He said look son, we have 22 other trumpet players. I dont need another one, especially one who cant play. Can you read music? I said no sir, but I can learn.
Mr. Samuelson, the band director said, see me after class. Have a seat. Just watch for now.
Not only was I a few weeks late for marching band I was a few years late and behind the others.
I was told after class he had a tuba he wanted me to play since we had so many trumpeters ahead of me.I was such a stocky build I would be a great one. I told him, no thank you I have a new trumpet and I wanna play.You could see the disgust in my decision in his face.
So that marching season I dressed up in uniform. I marched up and down the field, holding the trumpet out in front of me. I didnt play NOT one note on the field. But I sure looked good and I knew what I was doing.
During the years I learned to read music. I would practice almost 4 hours after school every day til my dad would scream enough. By the time I graduated I was playing solos in the jazz band. I have been out of school since 1974. I went back every marching season for 3 years after I graduated and played in the stands with the band. I am still playing.
We recently had a flood in our home. My horn cases were ruined. As were the albums I was lucky enough to be on as back up music recorded behind a couple of contemporary christian singers.
I sure very much use a new case for the horns I have. I play on a getzen 4 valve flugel, a shepards crook coronet and a benge trumpet that is about 25 years old and still rips the notes like it was brand new.
I thank you very much for taking time in reading my true story.
David A. Roth says:
“MY ENCOUNTER WITH WYNTON”
by David A. Roth
I was heading in the door to the music building at Indiana University School of Music to see Mr. Adam for a trumpet lesson and Wynton is walking behind me. Wynton is there for a jazz lesson with David Baker, the one you saw detailed in that ITG issue. Not knowing who he was and being the gentleman I always am, when I hear footsteps approaching, I stop to hold the door open for people. I know too well what it is like to have those glass doors (see photo above) crash against your trumpet case. My old world manners seem to follow me no matter where I am.
As I hold the door open behind me, he rushes right in front of me, cutting me off, and makes a dash to the elevator. Doesn’t say a word to me either. I say in the most polite voice, “You’re welcome,” but he doesn’t say anything to me. Pretends like I’m not there. The elevator is really slow, must be on the third floor loading up with tuba players, so he heads for the stairs. Again, a little more loudly, but still polite I say, “You’re welcome!” He just leaves without acknowledgement.
Now I’m annoyed. So I follow him up the two flights of stairs to Baker’s studio shouting as loud as I can, “You’re welcome! YOU’RE WELCOME!!!”. Still no reaction. I continue to do this as he goes up to Baker’s studio as he walks down the hall while he is ignoring me the whole time. Lucky for him, the halls were pretty empty, otherwise I am sure there would have been a line formed of people screaming, “YOU’RE WELCOME!” at him too.
I notice that I must be having some effect on him as he is starting to walk a little faster till he reaches David Baker’s studio. He knocks on the door and Baker opens it. At this point it was very surreal and I am locked into a trance of screaming “YOU’RE WELCOME” repeatedly.
David Baker, not knowing what has taken place, looks at me oddly and after greeting Wynton he says, “Roth, What in the world are you screaming about?” this breaks my chant of shouting “You’re Welcome.” I explain the whole thing to Baker while Wynton is looking at me and he cuts me off with saying, “I have no idea what this guy is talking about.” I say that in that case you aren’t getting a lesson with Baker here until you thank me for holding the door for you. Wynton says, “no way” and as Baker says goodbye to me very seriously, he starts to close the studio door.
I can’t let this happen, so I push myself in the door and grab a hold of Wynton. Baker pushes me away. Baker leaps towards the phone and starts to call campus security, in doing so knocks Wynton and me to the floor. Baker is on the phone calling for help and I’m shouting ,”YOU’RE WELCOME!!!”. Wynton starts to get a way and I grab ahold of his leg and I start pulling and pulling…just like I’m pulling yours now!
Brandon says:
I have been playing voluntarily for various organizations and churches for musicals and services since the age of 14 and am now 31. Two years ago a local guy was selling a Mount Vernon Stradivarious that was in need of some major overhauling, but he was parting with it at a good price. This was the horn that I was looking for after playing another local players horn of the same model. I bought that horn and had it rebuilt in the few months following. This would be the horn that I would play for the rest of my playing days, as it played well in its poor state of frozen valves and seized up slides.
I had received it back and had been playing on it for about 4 months and it was finally getting broken in. It was at this point I was asked to play for a church service where I had played for quite a few years as a volunteer. I was playing on one side of the organ with a clarinetist and a horn player. I had played the whole service and had come to the communion portion of the service. At this point I was asked to sing a dedication song and put my horn in my reunion blues duffel bag. I came back after singing and pulled my formerly blemish free horn out of the case to find that the bell bow had been moved to the leadpipe and resemble paper and not tubing. (pictures of the horror can be provided but view them at your own risk) At this point I could have cried, as the horn was just rebuilt and near perfect for a horn of that age. I of course could not finish the service and went immediately home and called the gentleman whom overhauled the horn for me. He took it back and gave me the prognosis of “I don’t know if this bell will survive, but I will do my best if I can.”
After this I waited patiently, like family at a persons deathbed, and found that the church photographer was in the balcony where I was playing and may have “leaned”, more likely sat on my case. The church said we will see what we can do once you get the bill. They expected the bill would only be 1oo bucks and they were going to cover it, after all the years of services I had done, it was the least they could do.
Two months later I received my horn back again with some slight bell bow imperfections but the horn played well shockingly enough. I now had a 900 dollar repair bill with the church refusing to help whatsoever. I now no longer use my reunion blues triple bag and would love to have something like this so I can feel safe using my horns in a place like a church where you would think people would take responsibility for their actions and as they say “act christian.”
Brandon says:
I could also add that I was lucky that my C and piccolo were unscathed in this attack. I don’t know how that occurred but apparently some luck was going my way.
Eric Fiero says:
I want this bag because I’ve had another Reunion Blues Super Triple for many years and it has started to wear out, and because of this I had purchased a new case to replace it. I had heard about another brand, Wiseman Cases in London, and I decided to go for it. I ordered it and loved it. It’s a beautiful case and did everything I wanted, but I realized I didn’t want to keep it with me all the time because it’s not really an everyday case. I learned this because I was with Jens Lindemann on a trip once and our studio (i was a student of his) was hanging in the hotel watching a movie and we, like all trumpet players, were getting a little rowdy. Some pillows were tossed and next thing I knew, a drink was spilt on my case. Ever since then I hate taking it around because you can still see the stain in the leather on the case. This incredibly wonderful case would replace my aging Reunion Blues and give me a better option than the dirtied Wiseman! Plus, I really want it!!!!
Leo Espino says:
My name is Leo and I’ve been playing the trumpet since I was in the 5th grade. Wow! That was over 40 year’s ago. I played in the marching band, jazz band in High School then on to college. The college I attended didn’t have a marching band (Reedley College) but they had a kick ass jazz band that I had to be a part of. While playing in college and high school I played with various cover bands in the area playing Earth Wind & Fire, Kool & the Gang and Tower of Power, along with various types of Spanish music (cumbias, rancheras, balsas, etc). Well, I’m 52 yrs old now and still playing with only 1 group now. We;re one of the most popular dance music groups in the Central Valley and are playing all the time wherever we can get a gig. I now have an old 2 horn soft case. We do alot of fund-raising events for non-profits, veterans groups (they deserve our support considering all they’ve done for us) and municipalities. It seems a few months ago after a gig, I carefully put my trumpet & flughelhorn away and placed the case backstage so I can help they rest of the group get thier stuff offstage and ready to load. I found my case underneath alot of other band equipment and my Bach Stradivarious was dented up at the bell. I’ve had this horn now for probably 25 yrs and always took care of it. Now I put my 2 horns away in seperate hard cases for better protection from any other unfortunate circumstances.
I really liked the idea of having one bag for all my horns as a matter of convenience and would like to replce that old 2 case soft case with this Reunion Blues case. I hope that you consider my request.
Eyram says:
I’m so glad I picked trumpet as my instrument. Here is the story of how I got it. My school was having an instrument open house and they sent a instrument wishlist home with every student. I was so excited because I finally had the chance to get my dream instrument the: Alto saxophone. I was really that fond of any others so i randomly chose to others as my 2nd and 3rd choices. When the night of the open house came around, I was disappointed to find that the alto was there best seller and they completely sold out of them. I was devasted, crushed, just utterly heartbroken, and it took all my strength to keep me from having a mental breakdown. The helper told me that since the next instrument on my list was a trumpet was a trumpet, that I had to get or the snare drum as last. I actually thought, you know what this might be good for me. That was 5 years ago. Now today I NEVER regret making that decision because I am the 1st chair trumpet in my band, Have been in Honors band twice, (18th chair, then 2nd chair) and I also play tenor sax, piano, and a couple percussion instruments. And to think this all started all because of my choice to play trumpet. The only reason I want this case is because my old case is pretty busted up and I feel that it is necessary to preserve the instrument that gave me my career in music. That’s all.
Shannon Thouvenin says:
Hello, I do not have a name. It is not because my parents did not love me or felt that I was undeserving of a name, it is because of one simple fact. I am a trumpet case. My life began 6 years ago in Draper, Utah. Life started much like you would expect it to, I had brothers and sisters who all started from the same materials that I did. We were quickly split up once we were completely built. I’ve heard tales of a place called a “music store” where I might meet my brothers and sisters again, but they might just be stories. Then one magical day, I met my first trumpet. It was a New York #7 Stradivarius. Oh, how fantastic did it feel against my velvet lining. In that moment, I knew what my purpose and station in life were supposed to be.
I have spent wonderful years under the care of my owner, Shannon. We have traveled across the country and have spent countless hours traveling on the road. We have had our rough times too though. As I’ve gotten older, my latches don’t hold like they used to and poor Shannon’s trumpets have gone tumbling out. My lining has ripped and as hard as I try to fight it, my age shows more and more with each day. At any given time, my Shannon trusts two of her trumpets to me. She has been so sweet to me as I’ve gotten older. She has spent the last 5 years keeping me from going to pieces. The screws that held me together ripped out from my wood. She took me to the repair doctor right away, and he replaced part of my back, he said I was stripped and wasn’t sure if I would ever be the same again. He was right; it wasn’t even a month before I could no longer hold myself together. For years she wrapped me lovingly with a belt giving me the support I needed so much. One day, her father had an idea, and it was brilliant! He fixed me better than the doctor at the music store did. The operation left me with many shiny rivets that line my back and, believe it or not- I don’t even need the extra support from the belt contraption anymore!
Every moment with her has been a joy. I have spent the best years of my life watching this little girl bloom into the hard-working, dedicated graduate student woman she has become. I know I might not be worth as much as the instruments I hold dearly inside of me, Shannon treats me like I’m priceless. Even though I don’t produce music, she holds me close to her when she walks across campus. Although I love Shannon with all of my heart and would love to watch her finish her graduate career in trumpet performance, I fear I could potentially prevent her from achieving this. If I drop her trumpets again and one of them gets damaged… I would never be able to forgive myself. It is time for me to go into official retirement and I would love if you would consider rewarding my Shannon with a new case. She deserves to have confidence in her trumpet case and I can no longer give her that assurance. Please, consider her when you are giving out one of my brothers or sisters to a worthy human. The love and care she has given to me, even as I have given up on her is what gives a simple case like me purpose. Thank you for your time and please, remember to love your cases.
Robin says:
Ive been trying so hard to get the trumpet of my dreams saving up all my money to buy one great trumpet that didnt work out so i have a few different trumpet that are ok but not what i would like to pursue my future playing. I would gladly appreciate this gift because i appreciate the small things in life because i dont have much money for trumpets and cases. I live in a small town with not alot of money and its hard to have the things i want and need. im a girl and 15 and want to live my dream of playing trumpet.
Gwen Juarez says:
My husband and I are both trumpeters! Between the two of us, we have several trumpets that need a case. We share emboucheurs with each other, but we don’t share horns…he he he.
Bryan Harper says:
I have been playing for a long time now since 5th grade I’m 45 in collage now and still playing. I have played for the Nationanal Guard for taps and that’s a honor. I would like to have a new case but don’t have the money to have one with school. Thank you Bryan Harper.
Franklin Hotzel says:
There are times when I would like to be able to carry 3 horns without having to haul the Eb around and have my rim and underparts in one place that they are actually being used. The triple bag I had before was a cheap one that the zippers gave out on after only 5 years. I would like a much higher quality one but can’t afford it right now.
Adam Beck says:
Some years ago I was one of three trumpet players who were a part of this type of funky, big bandy, and eclectic group of misfit musicians. We had worked hard and managed to procure a modest summer tour in the Mid West.
On one of these dates, we found ourselves at an outdoor festival taking place in the middle of a muddy Ohio cornfield. Our incessant begging had landed us a few minutes late at night on a small stage set up on one of the drier patches of mud and covered by a tent that I think had been stolen from the set of Killer Clowns from Outer Space.
Back in those days we were ending the show with this high-energy original funk tune called Parade of Squirrels which featured the lead trumpet player, Eddie, on a type of higher, faster, louder, typical trumpet player solo. Eddie was a lanky and awkward thirty-ish fellow who had never quite grown into his own feet. He always seemed to move about like a newborn camel.
Towards the end our set, the drummer counted off POS and the energy was flowing as we all sent vibes of positivity into the audience with the unspoken hope that a few of them might actually want an encore. Then came Eddie’s solo.
Usually, when it was Eddie’s time to shine, he loved to wobble his precarious form to the front of the stage like one of those balloon punching bags with the sand weight in the bottom and really milk the crowd. It was great fun and everyone always got a kick out of his thespian performance. At the climax of his solo the band would break, Eddie would drop to his knees, clinch his cheeks and discharge a formidable double ‘G’ from the end of his trumpet. The guys in the band would all react like this was really something and further stimulate the emotion of the moment.
Well on this particular night, it was rather dark. In fact, the few Par Cans, which were tethered to tent poles and powered by a borrowed generator, did little more than make it impossible for one’s pupils to effectively adjust to the sporadic pockets of light scattered about on the stage. The stage was also disproportionately tall and may have even been balanced on an arbitrary collection of speaker cabinets and scaffolding.
Eddie was effectively rousing the crowd and leading up to the big moment. It was probably a combination of the alluring energy of the crowd, the excitement of the moment, the dimly lit stage and Eddie’s inherent sense for accidental adventure that each contributed to him failing to realize that by the time he was ready to drop down to his knees for the big note, he had run out of stage.
The music crescendoed. The anticipation grew. Eddie took a breath. He dropped down to his knees. His knees fell off the edge of the stage swiftly followed by the rest of his body. We who were watching were trapped between horror and humor. Eddie was gone. And then, from the abyss of the barren cornfield below we heard a trumpet discharge a double ‘G’! The band kicked back in and we all tried to let our musical autopilots finish this impossible song as our intellect took in the reality of what had just happened. The only one who was unphased by this trumpet crowd surfing sans the crowd was the piano player who happened to be a sub that night and thought that it was all part of the show.
Jeanne Pocius says:
I travel back and forth to Haiti several times every year, transporting instruments to be donated to schools and individuals who were impacted by the earthquake of January 12, 2010 (read about the earthquake in the book I wrote about it “Shaken, Not Stirred” published by Outskirts Press–all profits go toward rebuilding the schools destroyed by the earthquake, including the one I was in with my students when it came down on us). A triple REUNION BLUES gigbag would make a big difference in making those trips easier, since many students still have their cases to use, but their instruments were destroyed in the quake and I can bring the instruments down in the gig bag, safely, securely and easily. Thanks for considering us! (and by the way, Instrumental Change is a 501c3 non-profit corporation which relies on donations to operate. Your donation may be tax-deductible, according to law. Check out our website: http://www.instrumentalchange.org for more information, or to make a donation!
Randy Perks says:
The reason why i need this trumpet is because , I am in the 8th grade but i have been marching with them since 7th and since the day my band director found out i had 2 trumpets one is a Bb and the other is a C he told me to bring them both with me to class everyday ( he teaches the middle school too) so i tried to explain why it was hard for me too bring both of them and he said to put it in my bag so i have been dong that since &th grade and over the summer and now in 8th grade and if i dont get the bag i will be doing this same old thing for the rest of my high school years and also on another note ( ha do you get it lol ) anyways my C trumpet takes up a lot of room in my bag and it is very hard for me to put text books in there because im afraid that something will get bent or another student will just be a stupid middle schooler and randomly kick my bag really hard for the fun of it but thankfully that hasnt happened yet so thats a ood thing but you never know what the future ccan hold … so please please please pick me i really need this RBCT3 Triple Trumpet Case !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ashley Gauthier says:
Hi i am a fellow student from Magee Middle School, and I love playing my trumpet im in 6th grade. I always play my trumpet, and I am always in 1st chair every time we do a test. I have a brother and sister (there twins) that really want to join band I am the only kid in my faimily that can play a trumpet. The twins really want to play the trumpet. But the thing is we dont have the money for it. I am really looking forward on getting the triple trumpet case but im wondering does it come with a trumpet? Like i said i am a really good trumpet player and i couldn’t resest not doing this. I would love to get this triple trumpet case, but i want to know if it comes with a trumpet. This is Ashley Marie Gauthier a really good trumpet player.
Jacob Woytek says:
Ever since I was in 4th grade I have wanted to play the trumpet. In my school, they started us off at a very early age learning the notes and how to count rhythms, and at the end of the year they let us try some of the instruments to see which ones we wanted to play. As I laid my eyes upon the silvered instrument, my heart jumped. It was love at first site. I asked them what instrument this was, they told me trumpet. From that day forward, I knew that was the instrument I wanted to play. My first trumpet was a Yamaha 2665, borrowed from a family friend. I loved to play from day one. I annoyed my family showing them daily what I had learned to do. I practiced whatever I could and when ever I could.
When middle school came around, (because I had changed schools) I was placed with all the other beginners who did not know how to play. My directors quickly realized that I need to be placed in a more advanced band. They put me as a lower trumpet in the “B” band. In our first day in practice I heard how good our first chair was and I wanted to be ‘that guy’. The one who took the solos, the one who lead the section and the one who could do what seemed like almost anything on the trumpet. I practiced and practiced and practiced. Then came the ‘challenges.’ Which allowed us to move up or down spots. I thought I would do well, as I played the first notes of the piece he wanted us to play, I knew it was going well. After the challenges, I had earned the 2nd trumpet position. I was so thrilled.
Fast forward several years, I was a freshman in high school. Surprise, surprise as a freshman I found my self in almost the same position. Except I was in the Symphonic Band (the jr. varsity band in concert season). I was last chair. I was again wanted that top spot, which had always alluded me. So I worked and worked and worked some more. Then I posted a challenge, and so I aimed for the first chair. The trumpet line was shocked as no freshman had ever before challenged a senior before. As we performed for the director, I thought it went well, minus a few mistakes on my part. My director thought so as well, but he said that I earned the 5th chair (out of 12). I was crushed, but happy that I moved up. Fast forward another year and I was in the same band, but the difference was I was now 3rd trumpet. I still hungered for the allusive 1st chair. At the first opportunity I challenged, and earned 2nd. Which after the initial disappointment, fueled the fire that drove me. A month later, I worked as usual, I called a challenge and I decided to do something risky. I challenged him for his solo. We did our ritual dance of music. This time I was successful, I had earned the solo. I hadn’t earned the first chair, but in my eyes and in the eyes of my director I had taken a great step towards earning that spot. As the next semester approached, so did the challenges once again. This one was important. This challenge not only determined your current chair, but your chair the following year. I knew that I needed this; I needed to actually achieve my goal. The challenges came and went (as they were privately performed in the directors office and recorded). I hoped and prayed that I did well enough. The results were posted a week later. As I looked at the sheet, my heart sank. I didn’t find my name on the Symphonic Band list. I was crushed. I didn’t know what to say. I went to my directors to inquire what happened and why my name wasn’t on the list. I went into their office and asked them, “why didn’t i make first chair?” ”I thought I did well enough” They told me, “Well you did well, too well in fact.” They looked at each other and smiled back at me. I was confused to say the least. They said “Well we need a lead trumpet in the Wind Ensemble (varsity band), and we chose you. Congratulations!” I looked back, shocked, ecstatic and taken aback all at once. I had finally earned the spot that I had so longed for, and in a better band as well.
Fast forward several years, I’m in college now, and no longer in big ensembles any more. I play in my chamber ensemble and just recently promoted to lead trumpet in my jazz ensemble. I had a reunion blues case and was still using my first trumpet, Yamaha 2665, in jazz. I went home for the Christmas break this past year, and I had my trumpet in my case in my house. Unfortunately, they were both stolen. I have had to replace my trumpet, but carrying 2 trumpets in 2 separate cases is some what of an inconvenience, especially when trying to carry 2 different types of mutes at once. I just haven’t had the money to replace my reunion blues case. I’ve been playing for 11 years now, and time has just seemed to fly by. Well thanks for the opportunity, and thanks for reading my story.
Sandra Lichtenwalter says:
I’m wanting this triple bag for my brother in law,He became my brother-in-law by my twin sister and I playing in a community band some 35 years ago.My sister met him there, we’ve been playing our horns together ever since,Our recent time togther has spent playing at Church,He has a trumpet C trumpet and flugle horn all we use from time to time at Church,We also play in our high school alumia band.Before we got our C Trumpets,he had to transpose all our music.I feel he truly deserves to win trible bag so he can carry all his horns, I also as well sometimes carry three horns,my Bflat,Ctrumpet,and my pocket trumpet,but would love to see him to get it because of he’s done for me over the years,I live with my sister and Gary and he really could use it and better yet he doesn’t even know I’m doing this for him.It would be my way of saying THANKS.I truly hope you’ll consider this letter.
Joshua Belk says:
Ive been involved with music all my life. My older brothers were in the marching band so I got hooked on it. Started playing the trumpet in the 5th grade. I made the marching and symphonic band in the 7th grade and continued on through my senior year. After high school, I went to the University of Florida. Initially I thought I would …be to busy for any music as I was a mechanical engineering major. First week of classes though I heard the Gator Marching Band practice and knew right then I had to join. I called the band director and he told me to come in. He asked about my school and how long I had played. He liked me and had heard of my school’s band program and let me in the band right then and there. It was an awesome year and I got to go to the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans for free because of being in the band and I also met Tim Tebow at that game too!
Richard Gavadin says:
I always loved trumpet players and when I was in 4th grade I was givin the trumpet even tho it wasent my choice. I was pushed and pushed to practice and never had an intrest. When I got to middle school I was sat last chair. I even took a year off. When I got to highschool in 9th grade I started to take more ad more intrest. I quickly became better and practiced all the time. I quickly moved from last chair to almost 1st. I am now in 11th grade and am seeted 2nd chair and I do solos such as “Carnival of Vennis Themes and Verieations”.
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