We know the trumpet player stereotype... combine that with a teenager with undiagnosed ADHD and a penchant for being a smart ass, I could definitely be a handful. It takes a teacher with a special combination of qualities to reach a kid like that. I didn't want to let him down and when I was getting out of line, he didn't have to say a word... one look and I'd get the message.

Gene was my band director in high school. One of the most impactful teachers and mentors I ever had. I'm not sure I would have graduated without him.

I went on to music school but eventually stopped playing. I didn't have the time or motivation to keep up my chops. I wasn't playing out. I got into other things. I sold my horns thinking I would never play again. Even though I wasn't playing, I was working in education, and Gene's example stayed with me.

Recently I picked up the horn again and after 30 years, I had a lot of work to do. I started building tools I wanted to use in my own practice sessions. I was trying to come up with a name for the whole thing. I like things to have meaning, and it hit me...