Try looking up these key words on the internet
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Try looking up these key words on the internet |
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- Brass
Progress and further opportunities
Applying for lessons and further information |
The main instruments of the brass family are the French horn, trumpet, trombone, euphonium and tuba, though there are others such as cornet, tenor horn and flugel horn. Brass instruments date back to Roman times but the instruments we use today mainly developed from the 14th century sackbuts and cornets. Early in the 19th century the invention of valves gave the brass instruments a full chromatic range and made them more versatile. Composers then started using them more extensively. Brass instruments are used in the western orchestra, wind bands, brass bands and often found in jazz ensembles and backing groups for popular music.
The French horn, trumpet, euphonium and tuba have valves to enable them to play chromatically throughout their entire range. The trombone uses a slide to change the pitch of notes. The trumpet usually plays the upper parts in ensembles, the horn and trombone the middle parts and the euphonium and tuba the lower parts. Often used for the power and volume they can produce, they can also be used sensitively, especially when playing together in hymn-like chorales.
The trumpet, trombone and euphonium are particularly suitable for younger players but most brass instruments can be started in primary school. Because of its specialist nature, the French horn is one of the ‘endangered species’ instruments. After a year of tuition, brass players can join CMS Workshops at Croydon Young Musicians, and at about Grade 2 progress to the CYM Concert Band. Players of Grade 5 to 8 standard can join the Centre for Wind and Percussion, and to experience orchestral playing the Orchestral Centre.
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Download information sheets about trumpet and trombone purchase here. |