Brass instruments are one of the most easily and quickly recognized instruments in any marching band - and one of the most essential. Play the melody with a crisp, clear trumpet, or harmonize with a shiny brass trombone. Of course, if you're looking for a truly unique sound, most bands are always ready to accept another sousaphone or French horn player.
Learning to play a brass instrument can be difficult, and requires a good ear. Since brass instruments can be pretty costly, some band instructors and music stores allow young players to try an instrument out for a few weeks before making buying it. Sometimes, buying a less expensive instrument for a starting player isn't a bad idea.
Experienced players can always upgrade and buy a better instrument as their skills develop. Of course, the resale value for a beginner's instrument will also be lower, so take this into consideration before buying.
In addition to the instrument itself, many stores charge extra for the case. Buying a quality leather instrument case will help to protect against accidents and damage, so a good Yamaha or SKB case is often worth the extra money. Don't forget to make room in the budget for brass instrument cleaning products or brass instrument lubricants. Keeping the instrument clean and oiled will extend your investment's lifespan considerably.
Some players prefer to upgrade mouthpieces early on. A good mouthpiece can improve the sound of a beginner instrument considerably. Buy a mouthpiece pouch for protection. Quality mouthpieces are sold by Bach, Denis Wick, and Giardinelli, among others.
The perfect sound
Everyone has his or her own opinion about which brass instrument sounds best. Each instrument offers a very different tone quality and pitch, so choose the one that appeals most - everyone in the family will be hearing it a lot during practice sessions!
Trumpets and cornets are two of the most popular brass instruments, and are very similar. Trumpets have three valves that are pressed in combinations to make different notes. A cornet's tube is wider at the end, and the sound is much thicker and richer. Both instruments play the same pitch.
The pitch of a French horn is one octave (scale) lower than the cornet or trumpet, and is often a difficult instrument for beginning players to learn. These instruments look like a coiled brass tube. On one end is a wide bell and on the other is the mouthpiece. French horns also have three valves. Double horns are made as well; these contain four valves.
Many beginners enjoy playing the trombone. These instruments sound mellower than a trumpet. Usually, players start by learning to play the straight tenor trombone and progress to a more challenging instrument like the F-rotor trombone.
Now and then, a brass player starts by playing a tuba. Tubas are the largest brass instrument, and produce a deep bass note. These are often very costly, and some players rent rather than purchase a tuba, unless they are very serious about playing. Like other brass instruments, tubas have three valves and a large, flared bell.
Other brass instruments include the flugelhorn, or fluegelhorn, which is much like a cornet. Most marching bands commonly use cornets, trombones, and sousaphones. Some also feature a mellophone or euphonium.
Compare cost
New brass instruments can be very expensive, ranging upwards of $1500. Many beginning players often invest in secondhand instruments instead. These are often available for about half the price of a new instrument of comparable quality.
Some may cost a little more, particularly if they are of exceptional quality or in excellent condition. Additionally, instruments made by well-known brands tend to cost more, because they are less like to have mechanical problems and are more likely to deliver a better tone.
Anatomy matters: Know the instrument
While all brass instruments are somewhat different, each has a similar anatomy and similar parts. For example, the leadpipe, or mouthpipe, is the narrow piece of tubing that goes from the mouthpiece to the bore tubing. Some are made of red brass or yellow brass, while others are made from sterling silver. Red brass is less vulnerable to corrosion than yellow brass, while silver brass is most commonly used for leadpipes on higher-quality instruments.
Bore refers to the inner diameter of the tubing. The size of the bore determines sound quality and characteristics. Instruments with smaller bores are usually easier for young or beginning players to master. The bore is one of the most noteworthy differences between the trumpet and the cornet, and is responsible for the difference in the tonal quality of each instrument.
The valves are fixed pieces of tubing that are depressed to change the length of the brass instrument's sound column, resulting in pitch and tone modification. Some brass instruments, such as the American trumpet, use press piston valves. These should function quickly and smoothly, and move up and down to open or close the airway.
Most beginner instruments use nickel-plated pistons, while more expensive instruments use stainless steel pistons. Expect to found Monel pistons used in the manufacture of a professional-quality instrument.
The French horn uses a different type of valve system. The valves on this instrument are called rotary valves. These function by turning, or rotating, the valve into its proper place.
Some brass instruments, such as the trombone, create different pitches and notes through the movement of tuning slides. These change the air column's length by a small amount. Usually these instruments feature a slide in the primary tube as well as a smaller slide that is part of each valve loop.
Every brass instrument has a bell. Some are more flared, or wider, than others. The size and taper of the bell changes the sound of the instrument somewhat. Some bells are welded, while others are hand-hammered and made of a single piece of metal. Choose an instrument with a bell that appears seamless. Most bells are constructed with yellow brass, but others are manufactured from rose brass or even silver bass.
The finish on a brass instrument also affects the instruments sound. Some finishes are made of a clear lacquer, while others use silver plate. The latter is lighter, and usually impacts the instrument's volume less than other finishes do.
Like other accomplishments and skills, learning to play a brass instrument takes time and practice. Learning an instrument teaches discipline, and creates a sense of accomplishment and pride. After the beginning practice sessions have passed, the whole family can relax as well - and start enjoying the sound.