Thursday, November 14, 2013

The Year of the Trumpet is About to Begin!



Author: Pat Scasny- IMC Representative, Retired Green Bay Public School Instrumental Music Teacher

It was the start of another school year and as usual, I had just finished my instrument presentation to a new group of potential 5th grade band members.  It was now time to begin the fitting process which involved having the students try the instruments that interested them the most.  I showed them how to form the correct embouchure (mouth formation) and then they would try to make a sound on the mouthpiece and eventually the instrument itself.   I would listen for a good sound and the ease in which the student produced the sound.

After the students tried the instruments they wanted, I would ask which instrument was their first choice.  To my amazement, the instrument that 35 out of 100 students chose that year was the trumpet.  The year of the trumpet was about to begin!

The trumpet is made of brass, an alloy of copper and zinc.  It is the smallest member and therefore the highest pitched instrument in the brass family.  Though relatively short and compact compared to other brass instruments, the trumpet contains about 6 ½ feet of tubing.  The tubing has a cylindrical bore meaning that the diameter of the tubing remains consistent throughout the length of the tubing.  This is what gives the trumpet its bright and vibrant sound.

A sound is produced on a trumpet by vibrating or “buzzing” the lips on a cup shaped mouthpiece.  Tightening or loosening the lips produce the higher and lower tones.  The use of the three valves changes the amount of tubing that is used and therefore increases the number of notes that the trumpet can produce.

The trumpet is found mostly in bands.  Concert bands, marching bands and jazz bands are the most common ensembles, but the trumpet is at home in the orchestra as well. It is a versatile instrument that can play from classical to rock, jazz, polka and even country music.

In choosing a trumpet, it is important to consider the age and skill level of the musician as well as the kind of group and music being played.  Whether your musician is a 5th grade beginner, a progressing middle or high school student or an accomplished professional, IMC has an instrument for you.  IMC carries three of the most popular brands of trumpets, Jupiter, Yamaha and the made in America (Wisconsin actually), Getzen brand.  

The year of the trumpet did end on a “good note”.  I had all 35 trumpets play a portion of Jeremiah Clarke’s “Trumpet Voluntary” (easy version of course) for the spring concert.  It was awesome!

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