When I want to do that with a horn and keyboard I set the keyboard transpose to -2 and read the same notation. When I want to do it with a trumpet player, I usually print him the leadsheet in a key he/she wants, and then play it whatever key I like best or know. For example lots of stuff is in 3 flats, and I love that key. But I'm not happy with some 6 sharps so I transpose.

For trumpet Jazz gigs I can give the guy leadsheets say in G and then if I'm on regular piano I have one in F.

Of course Utopia would be 2 lcd screens, flat, one in front of each player with the computer based lead sheet in the right key for each of them, or even better the whole orchestra, is bass, treble, C instruments , Bflat, Eflat, BBflat...maybe someday! Imagine replacing those big black music stands with a score in front of you on a paper thin kindle style device. On can only dream, I figure they are going to plant me about the time it gets very interesting.


John Conley
Musica est vita