My guest for this episode is Craig Kenney.  
Craig is a hidden gem. A world-class lead player, Craig’s career did not take the conventional route. Instead of forging a name on the road or in the studios, Craig chose to stay close to home in South Central Pennsylvania. A decision that placed him in the perfect spot to spend two decades as the lead player for the legendary Dave Stahl. But his recent experience rebuilding his chops after a bout with Bell’s Palsy is a masterclass in determination and resiliency that every player can benefit from.   
Check out what Craig has to say about choosing to stay close to home, playing lead with Dave Stahl, important lessons for lead trumpet players, his inspirations, learning to play in the upper register, students and mouthpieces, being a teacher, Clarke Studies for upper register development, having a musical family, the importance of community bands, helping players feel comfortable, recovering from Bells Palsy, finding the silver lining, changes in attitude, dealing with uncertainty, his advice for recovering from a physical setback, and so much more!  
So pour yourself a big glass, pull up a chair, and let the hang begin! 
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Find Craig on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/craig.kenney.5
Stay up to date with the Leabman Kenny Jazz Orchestra at: https://lewleabman.com/leabmankenney.html
Sound like a million bucks without breaking the bank with Barkley Microphones: http://barkleymic.com/
Let Vennture Mouthpieces help you on your search for the perfect mouthpiece. Use the code "TRUMPETGURUS21" to get 10% off your purchase: https://www.vennture.mp/
If you play hard, you need to make sure you show your chops some love with Robinson's Remedies products: bit.ly/ChopLove 
Let Jose help you master your mental game: bit.ly/MindfulnessSecrets 
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00:00:00 Intro 
00:03:48 Choosing to stay close to home 
00:06:40 Playing lead with Dave Stahl 
00:13:30 Important lessons for lead trumpet players 
00:18:46 His inspirations 
00:21:39 Learning to play in the upper register 
00:31:19 Students and mouthpieces 
00:33:33 Being a teacher 
00:34:36 Clarke Studies for upper register development 
00:36:46 Having a musical family 
00:40:39 The importance of community bands 
00:44:20 Helping players feel comfortable 
00:48:15 Recovering from Bells Palsy 
00:54:04 Finding the silver lining 
00:59:55 Changes in attitude 
01:04:24 Dealing with uncertainty 
01:07:09 His advice for recovering from a physical setback 
01:09:40 Sound Off 
01:11:58 Geared Up 
01:18:04 Rapid Fire Round

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