My guest for this episode is Craig Kenney.  

Craig is a hidden gem. A world-class lead player, Craig’s career did not take the conventional route. Instead of forging a name on the road or in the studios, Craig chose to stay close to home in South Central Pennsylvania. A decision that placed him in the perfect spot to spend two decades as the lead player for the legendary Dave Stahl. But his recent experience rebuilding his chops after a bout with Bell’s Palsy is a masterclass in determination and resiliency that every player can benefit from.   

Check out what Craig has to say about choosing to stay close to home, playing lead with Dave Stahl, important lessons for lead trumpet players, his inspirations, learning to play in the upper register, students and mouthpieces, being a teacher, Clarke Studies for upper register development, having a musical family, the importance of community bands, helping players feel comfortable, recovering from Bells Palsy, finding the silver lining, changes in attitude, dealing with uncertainty, his advice for recovering from a physical setback, and so much more!  

So pour yourself a big glass, pull up a chair, and let the hang begin! 

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Find Craig on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/craig.kenney.5

Stay up to date with the Leabman Kenny Jazz Orchestra at: https://lewleabman.com/leabmankenney.html

Sound like a million bucks without breaking the bank with Barkley Microphones: http://barkleymic.com/

Let Vennture Mouthpieces help you on your search for the perfect mouthpiece. Use the code "TRUMPETGURUS21" to get 10% off your purchase: https://www.vennture.mp/

If you play hard, you need to make sure you show your chops some love with Robinson's Remedies products: bit.ly/ChopLove 

Let Jose help you master your mental game: bit.ly/MindfulnessSecrets 

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00:00:00 Intro 

00:03:48 Choosing to stay close to home 

00:06:40 Playing lead with Dave Stahl 

00:13:30 Important lessons for lead trumpet players 

00:18:46 His inspirations 

00:21:39 Learning to play in the upper register 

00:31:19 Students and mouthpieces 

00:33:33 Being a teacher 

00:34:36 Clarke Studies for upper register development 

00:36:46 Having a musical family 

00:40:39 The importance of community bands 

00:44:20 Helping players feel comfortable 

00:48:15 Recovering from Bells Palsy 

00:54:04 Finding the silver lining 

00:59:55 Changes in attitude 

01:04:24 Dealing with uncertainty 

01:07:09 His advice for recovering from a physical setback 

01:09:40 Sound Off 

01:11:58 Geared Up 

01:18:04 Rapid Fire Round