Technology/Equipment Grant

In the short term, the keyboard accessories will help prevent any damage to my keyboard. The trumpet will look and sound better on stage than the current one not only in the short term, but will last me many years. Playing more styles and collaborators demands more flexibility. In the long term, the trumpet and harmonica will allow me to sound better in multiple genres and among multiple artists with their own unique sounds. These items are necessary for me to be able continue advance musically and push past any anticipated plateau" whose only limiting factor is equipment quality. After every show I play, I ask several people in the crowd what they thought not only of the band, but my parts specifically. Usually I ask repeat attendees who have a standard of comparison. I also do this with my band members. Therefore, I will be able to know if my goals are being reached through the use of my new equipment. People will certainly notice the use of the new harmonica as well, providing a sort of instant gratification for repeat attendees who have never seen it in performance for the primary band. I will be able to determine if I've achieved greater flexibility based on comparing my previous stylistic work with new stylistic work, particularly in terms of scope of instrumentality."