Whither the Tasteebros?

Not the "Screech" you're looking for.

Every so often I dig up my copy of the Tasteebros book on how they approach screaming, balls-to-the-wall trumpet playing. There's always something in there that I need reminding of. Alas, the book is long out of print, and even their web site is defunct. You can read an interview with Scott Englebright (one half of the Tasteebros) here. A short list of aphorisms can be found here. 

If you're like me, you don't have a lot of time to practice, so you want to make the most of what little you can eke out. Luckily, the Tasteebros philosophy fits right in. It's far better have two or three short practice sessions per day rather than a single longer session. In my mind, it's a lot like HIIT for building strength and aerobic capacity. Short but intense training is at least as good, if not better, than longer low-intensity training. 

You could do much the same thing during your time away from the horn by spending a couple 10-15 minute breaks at work looking over some sheet music. Sing it, tap out the rhythms, and experience the music in your imagination as realistically as you can. 

Come to think of it, why not check out Nassim Taleb's fine literature on just such an application of this principle to financial markets, book sales, and just about anything else?

My point is this: Even if you're not after nailing ridiculously high and loud notes, you can use the Tasteebros approach to help with your range and endurance. Stop smashing the mouthpiece into your chops! Hold those corners tight, breathe deeply and move some air! Compress your chops together and relax into it as much as you can. 

Work smarter, not harder! Or at least work smarter first, then harder.