For the Record... I was in band too. Played First Chair Trumpet in High School. Band Camp at Schlitterbahn in New Braunsfels every year. Ohhh...the stories!
I've always thought they just mis-spelled "sex" when they coined that instrument the "sax"... no instrument can defeat the sax on a sexual playing field... ... and don't even mention the trumpet. No, it can't hang!
And another person has chosen the greatest instrument on the earth... No instrument is half as versatile as the trumpet. Here's some trumpet advice: It takes a LOT of practice. Mouthpiece buzzing is important to practice, especially at softer volumes. Once you get started, et the Arban's book. It's a big, thick red book about 300 pages long that costs between $25-$40. Filled with great commentary, and exercises. It doesn't end. There is no definitive beginner's book. Price will really depend on the teacher. Teachers for beginners usually charge about $15-$20 an hour. More advanced teachers get up to around $40 an hour.
In the wise words of Willie Nelson: "If you're gonna play in Texas, you better have a fiddle in the band." I'm about to learn the fiddle myself. Imagine a Chinese in a bluegrass band.
I am reading this book right now, and quite simply it is going to change my life. I strongly suggest ANYONE interested in performing music read this. It doesn't even have to be people just interested in music, it could be applied to anything, but it is specific for music. Possibly the best book I've ever read. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/156224003X/qid=1011411553/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_67_1/104-5457217-3722303">"Effortless Mastery - Liberating the Musician Within" -- Kenny Werner</a> I can not reccommend this book enough.
