Ron Foster's Page

Okay so the thing I noticed tonight is that maybe tweaking some equipment issues (mouthpiece) that the muddiness could probably dealt with. Also I think by practicing going from middle to high through scales, etc. that things could clear up. It's just a weird thing that I've developed this way. I remember when I was studying with Chris he always told me to make sure that I balanced out my practicing. It's just really hard though when the bulk of what I'm playing is all this upper register stuff.… Continue

Okay so this is what I'm now experiencing. The weird and annoying happening of having my sound get really clear from around third line-b on up. When I was a kid I always noticed that the lead players I listened to seemed to have a clearer sound in their upper register as compared to their middle/low registers. At this point I'm not sure how to attack the problem considering that the charts I play look like flute music! But ehh...at this point does it really matter. The only time I really have to… Continue

So one of the strange parts about this gig is that even before you're contract is over you start setting up the next one. The thing is that I'm not sure where it is that I want to go next. There are some intriguing situations open, but I'm unsure what it would be like to step in one gig in particular that would offer some real challenges professionally. Basically would you as a player want to follow somebody who has a real strong rep? Numerous cat's have found themselves in this situation in our… Continue

So as professional players many times we find ourselves in a postion that requires going out on the road. What I find is a common thread/emotion each time I prepare to leave is that bit of self doubt. "Am I really good enough for this gig?" I use to believe that this was something that was just unique to me as a player but through conversations with other cats who do tours on the road some of them initially have this creep in to their conscienciousness (if for some reason that is spelled incorre… Continue

Okay so I'm actually writing this as I'm sitting in my practice room practicing. Wait was that a bit redundit? Anyhow as trumpet players/musicians the one thing that we have to do daily is practice. Those who are not musicians really have no idea just how lonely this can be.
When I resumed playing trumpet after not having played for five years I was fortunate enough that I was able to study with a really, really great player. During one on my lessons I asked why he had a television in his practi… Continue