breathing exersises

Something that's been really helpful to my playing has been using a DVD called the The Breathing Gym. It focuses on getting developing and training your breathing like it's a muscle. Sam Pilafian and Patrick Sheriden, excellent musicians, who are highly respected in the brass field put this together in a really fun and informative way. There is also a Breathing Gym book. I find the DVD most helpful though. I took the Breathing Gym DVD on tour with me this summer and found it really helpful to keep good breathing habits especially with a lot of travel, when it's easy for your body to tighten up.

For trumpet players, I think we use our air differently than low brass players and I wouldn't encourage players to use this DVD as a literal way to play, I think it's good for some basic air flow work. They definitely present the material in a fun way which is great for younger students. I would add this to any band department's DVD collection.