Exercise 1 was good from high C to double G. Didn’t push it past that point. (2 hour big band rehearsal last night so a little stiff today but not too bad). Surprisingly the second exercise was better. Start on C and worked up. Got to double A and realized I was forcing a bit which gave a distorted (lousy) sound. So continued to B flat and backed off and got a very focused “small” but controlled sound. Continued to double C that way. By backing way off it was a strange feeling but it allowed the aperture to free up and get a very focused sound. I think I want to build on the feeling of control and ease that I felt. Comments please.

Exercise 1 started on high C and went up to f#. Became challenging to control the sound throughout the various dynamics… Exercise 2: was pretty good to double g#. A was ok but a bit wobbly. B Flat sort of played but was not good… stopped there.

Welcome to the first official challenge inside The Upper Register Lab! Before you do anything, please make sure you have viewed my Challenge Announcement video on Youtube - https://youtu.be/Mbw3E_JrR8c For the next 14 days, we're going to put a simple idea to the test: How much can your upper register improve when you consistently work on it for 14 days? This isn't about seeing who can play the highest note. It's about your starting point, progress, and engagement in the community. DAY 1 — ESTABLISH YOUR BASELINE **Your Day 1 video recording should include: 1️⃣ Your Highest Comfortable Note 2️⃣ Choose a Phrase, 1 or 2, from the PDF attached. 3️⃣ Record a 4-8 measure upper register exercise or phrase that you are used to Don't try to squeak out something you've never played before. We're looking for the highest note you can currently play with reasonable control. 4️⃣ Post your DAY 1 recording in this Challenge Thread. That's your baseline. I've attached the challenge sheet with two versions/levels Phrase 1 — Easier Phrase 2 — Harder Choose the level that is appropriate for you right now. Don't choose the harder version just because you want to prove something. The goal is to have a phrase that challenges you while still allowing you to play with reasonable control and a good sound. If you choose Phrase 2 - Focus on Musicality and Taste of your lead phrases! Listen to this recording with Jesse Mcguire - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwNhZpscIzA - 1:08 - 1:44 THE NEXT 14 DAYS For the next two weeks, your goal is simple: Practice your upper register for 10–15 minutes a day *** With the Exercises I have attached in a PDF Below*** You don't need to completely change your normal practice routine. The goal is consistent, intentional practice, not beating up your chops for 30 minutes - an hour. I'll be posting additional guidance throughout the challenge, and you can use the Practice Room to share your practice, ask questions, and encourage each other. DAY 1 and DAY 14 videos will be posted in the Challenge Thread, but the daily post check-ins will be posted in the Practice Room thread.

This is where you actually put the work on display! Let's keep each other accountable! Use this category to share: 1) Practice videos 2) Exercises you're working on 3) High Note attempts 4) Before and after progress 5) something you're struggling with 6) Something you finally figured out 7) Just short clip from today's practice We are ALL going to post here, not just the "more experienced" players. The goal of this entire community isn't to compare who can play the highest. It's to practice, improve, keep each other accountable, and to learn from each other. So don't overthink it. Record something, post it, tell us what you're working on! Lets fill up the practice room!