The Summerglen Files

Back in July, I committed to a monthlong practice project to help me take my trombone playing to the next level. One of the major elements of this project was the set of goals I created to guide my practice–and the great thing about goals is that they keep you accountable! So, here’s my progress on these goals for all to see.

What do I want do accomplish (goals)?
1. Be able to play Todo Tiene with accurate pitches and without fatigue.
I can play Todo Tiene 3 times in a row before feeling tired. The high-C on some days is still a squeak, but on others is strong.

2. Be able to play all 8 salsa tunes back-to-back with minimal fatigue.
Yes. But don’t ask me to solo on the last tune….yet!

3. Be able to say I’ve practiced improvisation 20 times this month.
This one I didn’t make–I only did 15 improv. practices. I need to work on consistency here.

4. Single-tongue at 112 from mid-Bb to low E with 2-bar phrasing and minimal fatigue.
Made it to 92 without tension, and down to pedal Bb. Not as fast, but bigger range.

5. Be able to accurately double-tongue scalar run in Tentet piece on first try.
Nailed it!

6. Be able to say I practiced at least 25 days this month.
I fell short on this, too, by two days.

Even though I didn’t make every goal this month, the process of going for each goal has helped me become a more consistent, thoughtful practicer–something that’s hard when the only person you answer to is yourself! Also, making a commitment to become a better trombonist has led me down some new avenues, helping me achieve goals I didn’t set out to achieve, as well as the ones I had planned on.

I’m going to take the rest of August and focus on bringing more improvisation into each practice session. And then, new goals, because knowing what you want to do truly helps you get it done!