In preparation for my presentation at the 2002 International Trumpet Guild Conference, I compiled a list of top trumpet web resources and published it on the ITG Web Site. I gave a similar presentation at the 2005 ITG Conference in Bangkok so I have updated my list of the top 25 trumpet web resources for the October 2005 Journal "Web Site Reviews" column.

My presentation at the 2005 Conference focused on outstanding web resources for trumpet players around the world. The most unique and valuable Internet technologies are those that promote community. Some of these online communities of trumpet players have been around for more than 10 years and are responsible for networking people in ways that were impossible before Al Gore invented the Internet.

The newest player in the Internet trumpet community is a forum-based website called the "Trumpet Master." This forum uses the same PHP-BBS system as the Trumpet Herald, which means that you visit their web site to read messages and post your own there rather than doing so through an EMail discussion list such as the Trumpet Players' International Network (TPIN). There are not as many people participating in the Trumpet Master community as there are on Trumpet Herald, but some prefer a smaller community. What makes TM unique and extremely valuable is that they have created special forums specifically for working professionals.

Manny Laureano, principal trumpet of the Minnesota Orchestra and Wilmer Wise, long-time New York City freelancer are the moderators of their own forums called "Manny 911!" and "Wise Talk!" respectively. They are available to answer any questions and they have enough control over the discussion to keep out the "riff-raff" and to keep the discussions going in positive and meaningful ways. Other forums do not provide this kind of structure so it can often be frustrating and difficult for a top pro player to be involved in discussions on a long-term basis. Manny and Wilmer give a great deal of their time and wisdom to their forums. Sage advice from top working pros is a valuable commodity that was difficult to obtain in the pre-Internet days. Now, it's there for anyone to use.

In addition to the best online trumpet communities, my Top 25 Online Trumpet Resources list includes web sites that feature valuable information or services for trumpet players. Most of the sites are not commercial. Those who give freely to the online community should be heralded and, in general, I have found non-commercial sites to be the most valuable. There are exceptions to this in that many business owners recognize that contributing free materials and goods to web site visitors not only contributes positively to the trumpet community, but can also help their businesses.

This list is by no means exhaustive. I'm sure there are other valuable online resources out there, so if you know of one, please submit it to me at: website@trumpetguild.org.

Although published in print here the list will be more valuable to you online because you can simply click on the links to visit the sites. The online version has hyperlinks to all sites on the list. You can find it here: http://www.trumpetguild.org/top25.htm">ITG l.

MICHAEL ANDERSON'S TOP 25 ONLINE TRUMPET RESOURCES:
Trumpet Discussion Forums

1. Trumpet Players' International Network (TPIN)
2. The Trumpet Herald
3. The Trumpet Master - Manny Laureano and Wilmer Wise forums
4. Bach Trumpet Corner – Karl Sievers, Moderator
5. Newsgroup: rec.music makers.trumpet
6. International Trumpet Guild
   1. Trumpet News
   2. Trumpet Calendar
   3. Employment
   4. Brass Links
   5. Youth Site
   6. Ask The Teachr
   7. Conference Coverage
   8. ITG Journal
   9. Web Site Reviews

Trumpet Information
Pedagogy, Equipment, Frequently Asked Questions, General Interest

7. OJ's Trumpet Page
8. Ralph Jones' Resource Site
9. Jeff Helgesen's Jazz Trumpet Page
10. Arnold Jacobs Materials and Videos
11. Bill Adam Articles
12. Claude Gordon Teaching Audio Files
13. Video and Sound Clips
14. Bryan Goff's Trumpet Tips
15. The Virtual Trumpet Studio
16. Jim Donaldson's Trumpet FAQ
17. Utley Collection of Brass Instruments
18. Hylton Adcroft's Trumpet Centre
19. Free Music
20. The Schilke Loyalist
21. Celebrity Interviews
22. Rune Aleksandersen
23. Solo Trumpet Midi Files

Miscellaneous

24. Hosaphone Headquarters
25. Jazz Improvisation Primer

Michael Anderson

Michael Anderson is assistant professor of music at the Blair School of Music at Oklahoma City University and is a member of the Oklahoma City Philharmonic. He is the Executive Director of the International Trumpet Guild Web Site, a member of the ITG Board of Directors, the ITG Journal Editorial Committee, and Chair of the Technology Committee.