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 Posted: Sat Mar 12, 2011 1:29 pm
So on thursday, I got an award for best trumpet section in the state of new jersey, at jazz prelims. Then we proceeded to place third at a MAC jazz competition in Norwalk, Connecticut. Well I was pretty pleased, and I got a few comments from judges for being one of the best lead players they heard all night. Then I hear we are going to be playing one last competition, April 23rd. I was really excited, and then I looked at my calendar. I get my braces off that same day. My director says knowing me I'll probably sound incredible, but I'm pretty damn scared. I am a very experienced player, and I have a solid tone/range/endurance-all that jazz (punny, ha. ha...), but I dont know whats going to happen. None of the trumpets can play the lead trumpet parts (range issues), and I dont know what to expect...any trumpets or brass players out there have any personal experiences with braces coming off?
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Posted: Sat Mar 12, 2011 1:36 pm
sorry i'm a clarinet, and i have no idea what it's like to have braces (even though I have two retainers glued to my teeth) but from what you've said about your competitions I hope you do well in your upcoming one! So good luck
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Posted: Sat Mar 12, 2011 5:31 pm
could you get your appointment moved to a bit later? (sorry no tips though. never played brass...)
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Posted: Sun Mar 13, 2011 1:38 pm
I don't have 100% relevant tips because I play sax. :I
BUT!
Last fall I did get my braces off in the middle of our season. I've heard a lot of people say that their teeth hurt the minute they got them off, but not for me. It was maybe the day after or so, and it was just my bottom teeth.
If it's painful for you or your teeth feel uncomfortable, rub a little Orajel on them a while before you perform. It will numb your teeth, but make sure to avoid getting it on your tongue, I know that's important. Practice some scales, runs, ranges, maybe mess around with tone and volume a little to see how you sound. And as always, if it hurts and you can't get the Orajel, load up on some ibuprofen.
This sounds crazy, I know. I did it the first few days when I played and it was pretty okay. If they give you those plastic retainers, they are pretty difficult to get good air through. I know you have to wear them every day for the first handful of months or so. I would also suggest playing with those for a while to see how your sound is.
If you really are that scared, just move the appointment to a later date. That sounds like the easiest thing and you will be comfortable with how you play.
I don't know how it is for brass (sorry), but I know that it didn't really immediately affect me much.
Best of luck to you!
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