Fake until you make it. Dr. Hank, (aka Dr. Henry Meredith, my horn guru.)

Google him. We were doing some piece by Handel this week and he pulled out a and horn and blew us all way, improv, notes and stuff all over, you just shake your head. No valves, no holes, just a hand or with a regimental trumpet just the straight thing..amazing.

Now 5,000 mostly brass instruments in his house...well. a period harpsichord, and we are doing a Civil War piece, the Fireman's Polka, and he has a $30,000 old fireman's gold trumpet...you yell in it. I'm doing the yelling...

Anyone who gets a few hours to sit with him is going to get a Master Class in anything. He showed me how he went and made a 1600's period horn 2 years ago, a bunch pieces of metal whacked together and soldered. Then he played along ...I don't get half of it.

But it's great fun. He and I spend 2 to 3 hours a week together, I've learned more horn theory and stuff than most people ever get. The only thing is he's way crazy about supplements and alternative medicine and now he's converted me because nothing my docs are doing is working.

John Conley
Musica est vita