Brass Players and Bell’s Palsy

A few months ago one of my middle school trumpet players walked into class with a very sad look on his face. As the band began to warm up, I noticed he was holding the right side of his face for the higher notes of the scale. Immediately, thoughts came to my mind of either a stroke or Bell’s Palsy – neither of which I thought could happen to an eighth grader.

After sending him to the nurse to be checked, the student came back with hands in the air saying, “Guys, I have Bell’s Palsy!” (as if it were a badge of honor). For him, not knowing the entirety of the condition and the length of recovery, I instantly began looking up resources for him. Eventually, I emailed him some videos of veteran brass players who documented the journey, as well as sent him much encouragement that he will be able to recover. Within a few weeks, he was back to playing as usual.

Knowing that many talented brass players have gone through various forms of Bell’s Palsy, I wanted to include a list of online resources to help those either who have gone through this condition or if you were like me, needed resources to help a student. I have included links to articles, videos, and podcast episodes by brass players. If you know of other stories specific to brass players who have had Bell’s Palsy, please email me or comment below so I may include the story or link on this page.

Websites

• Tim Smith, Trombone, Buffalo Philharmonic. This site features stories from brass players including:
  • Charles Vernon – Bass Trombone, Chicago Symphony Orchestra
  • David Finlayson – Second Trombone, New York Philharmonic
  • Dr. Jessika Kissling – French Horn, Obstetrician and Gynecologist
  • Rob Singer – Trumpet, “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band
  • Ron Turner – Trumpet, Atlanta freelancer and educator
  • Michael Stroeher – Professor of Trombone and Euphonium, Marshall University
  • Additionals stories are featured in the comment section
• Clint McLaughlin, Trumpet

Videos

• Antony Kearns – Trumpet and Music Publisher

Podcast Episodes

• Chip Crotts, – Trumpet, Georgia Tech

If you know of other stories specific to brass players who have had Bell’s Palsy, please email me or comment below so I may include the story or link on this page.