“Alternative warm-ups II (3b)” from James Stamp’s Warm-ups and Studies for Trumpet is extended here to two octaves. The extension follows Stamp’s logic in the section, which runs from page 13–5. The entire book is Stamp urging players to follow his logic and expand on these drills. This 2-octave extension is particularly satisfying.
Alternative warm-up 3b is an expansion of Stamp’s basic warmup, which is a simple octave descent with whole tone pivots on the upper octave and fifth. Instead of leaving it there, 3b returns up the octave via an added sixth chord and returns to the lower octave by the same arpeggio. Compared to the basic warm-up, 3b feels like doing a complete knee bend or push up. It is a gentle, logical expansion of Stamp’s basic concept.
As the section continues, Stamp makes clear how to elaborate on warm-up 3b. His expansions are all on the back end, with the final arpeggio continuing up by partials until the exercise spans over three octaves. This 2-octave version of warm-up 3b uses the same logic to make an even range expansion on both sides of the drill. The exercise gently stretches the embouchure and makes the muscles more pliable.
Stamp’s original rhythms are quarter and half notes. Retaining that notation in this expanded drill makes it appear daunting. This version also accelerates the ornamental notes. The variation in rhythm is more fun to play, feels more like a melody, and less like a slog.
(pdf)
SOURCES
Stamp, James. Warm-ups and Studies for Trumpet. Editions BIM, 2005.
