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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