One of the wonderful things about Dr. Reinhardt (from this students recollection) was his combined ability to observe and create a precise "name" for that observation AND a tremendous sense of humor.

I remember asking him many times the "whys" of my own personal difficulties and he loved to use the expression "welcome to the club." He would then tell me about "so-and-so" who had a similar problem, or some great player that had this or that fault and it seems that there was some kind of mythical "club" in Doc's mind that the majority of brass players belonged to.

I'll do my best to explain this. Doc was what you might call a teacher of "last resort." Only once do I remember him telling me of someone who came to see him with no problems. This trumpet player, whose initials were L.M. (I'll say no more) came in, plopped down the lesson fee, played just phenomenally, said he just wanted Doc to hear him, and simply left. Wild, huh?

Most, if not all, of the great player/teachers require an audition before they will take on a student. This is, understandably, to protect their reputation so that a, say, really bad player then goes out and uses that great player/teacher as a reference, thereby giving a bad impression to the world of that teacher.

Now, Doc didn't give a hang about his reputation in that respect. He would book ANY student. Now critics of this will always say that this was strictly a mercenary approach to teaching and all Doc wanted was the money. Well, as I said, Doc didn't give a hoot, even about his critics. Not that he wasn't hurt deep down by what many in the brass world thought about him...but hey, people think bad things. I am reminded by what the monk/mystic Thomas Merton once said: "It is a sad world indeed when only through the thoughts of others can we become real!"

So there we have Doc,  helping as many brass players as he could in his lifetime. His "club" was not an exclusive club. The club that he spoke of perhaps includes us all. Those of us who chose to take up a brass instrument have joined a club of striving to make music and may I add, in a most difficult way. And we need much help along the way. Doc made playing a lot easier for so many of us.
   
For all of you that have taken up a brass instrument and are encountering the many obstacles in your way, especially embouchure-wise, Doc's legacy, through his many students and printed material, is still in this world. Once you delve into Dr. Donald S. Reinhardt and his Pivot System, you will encounter that great mind of observation and wit. You may find just the answer you are looking for.   "Welcome to the Club."