Trombone Holiday Gifts Part 2
A few weeks ago, I posted a blog entry (it should be immediately below) with Trombone Holiday Gift Ideas. However, here are a few more for your shopping list! One caveat: while I have equipment that I endorse and use regularly, I will NOT post those here, because I think you should always make instrument and mouthpiece decisions in conjunction with your student’s regular teacher!
Pre-order Extendabone brand trombone socks! Holiday Cheer, One Step at a Time! 🎄
✅ Perfect stocking stuffers ✅ Limited-time deal ✅ Only while supplies last!
My friend Nikki Abissi not only created a great trombone tool for students with shorter arms, but she also is the purveyor of GREAT holiday socks! Up your festive game on gigs this year, or snuggle up and stay warm at home. :) While you’re at it, check out her other great products, too!Travelpro soft sided suitcase (Amazon link)
I know this might be somewhat of a bummer of a gift if someone is in high school, but for anyone who flies or travels a lot for work, gigs, etc, this suitcase is an absolute game changer. Not only is it wheeled, but you can track the wheels with one squeeze of the trigger. No more rogue suitcases! I’ve had mine for a decade and it barely shows and wear. Your graduate student or senior undergrad will appreciate the quality!!!
LogiTech C920 webcam (Amazon link)
If you want a better looking video or recording for live streams (think entrepreneurism for your young musician!) it is hard to beat this for the price. I have probably bought half a dozen of these, and have one on each of my computers, my wife’s computer, and a backup or two. Audio quality works well in a pinch, and for fifty bucks, is a low point of entry for a new creative outlet!
Shure Video Creation Kit (Amazon link)
Smartphones today shoot GREAT video, but audio isn’t all that great. This little setup fixes that. If your music student wants to dip into YouTube or wants to make their own demo videos for music auditions, this is my go to unit because it is easy and convenient!
Calm.com mindfulness app membership
Black Friday has a calm.com premium membership available for 50% off! Even at it’s full price, this is a GREAT tool to help with stress and anxiety. I have used it for a couple of years now, and it’s great! I appreciate that it coaches the elements of meditation without leaning into the religious angle much if any at all. A great gift for anyone who would like more calm and focus in their lives.
In the time between my first holiday gift post and this one, I tried a Morningstar mute, and think it’s quite possibly the best mute I’ve ever played. It’s light, durable, and has an even pitch and response across the range of the instrument. PLUS, it is a small business run by a trombone colleague, Ilan Morgenstern (Morgen = morning, stern = star, get it?) who is a bass trombone phenom currently playing with the Vancouver Symphony in Canada.
There are several options - Ilan loves the copper bottom, but there are several options to choose from.
Clearly, there are other gifts out there, but these are some good ideas! If you have a question about a gift before you make the purchase, feel free to contact me and I can offer my opinion. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!!