The document discusses strategies for developing a strong trumpet section in school bands. It recommends starting beginning students on cornet instead of trumpet, as cornets are easier to play due to their shorter length and conical bore. However, it states students should switch to trumpet after two years, once they have mastered proper technique. The document provides guidance on developing good posture, breathing, and buzzing skills in students. It also gives warm-up exercises and tips for addressing common tone issues.
2. Dr. P. Bradley Ulrich
DR. P. BRADLEY ULRICH, Professor of Music, has
taught trumpet at Western Carolina University
since 1989. Dr. Ulrich received his Bachelor of
Music Degree in Trumpet Performance from the
Florida State University where he studied with
Bryan Goff. His Master of Music and Doctor of
Musical Arts degrees in Trumpet Performance
and Literature were awarded from the University
of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, where he studied
with Ray Sasaki and Michael Tunnell. He has
also studied with Raymond Mase, George Vosburgh, Adolphe Herseth, James
Thompson, and Vincent DiMartino.
Maintaining an active performing career, Dr. Ulrich is currently Principal
Trumpet with the Brevard Chamber Orchestra and the Hendersonville
Symphony Orchestra. In addition, he also performs with both the Asheville
Symphony Orchestra (NC) and the Greenville Symphony Orchestra (SC). He
has formerly held positions in the Springfield Symphony Orchestra (IL), the
Champaign-Urbana Symphony (IL), Sinfonia da Camera (IL), and the Cedar
Falls Waterloo Symphony (IA). In addition to his orchestral experience he has
performed numerous recitals in the Southeast, performed with the Smoky
Mountain Brass Band, one of Western North Carolinas finest brass quintets,
and has also been a featured soloist with the Brevard Chamber Orchestra.
Dr. Ulrich has published numerous articles in the International Trumpet
Guilds Journal and since 1999, has been the Public Relations Director for
ITG.
Brad is an Educational Clinician and member of the Product Advisory
Council for Jupiter Band Instruments Inc.
Statement of the Challenge
No band program can perform well without a solid trumpet section
The trumpet is one of the most challenging instruments to develop
proper technique and good tone
Most students, regardless of size, begin learning on trumpet
During extended and consistent practice, beginning students may find
trumpets heavy and tiring, ultimately discouraging them from practicing
Many students beginning trumpet study are of a size and stature that is
better accommodated by a cornet
Advantages of Starting on Cornet
The cornet is easier for a beginner to hold in the
correct position because its tubing is wrapped tighter, making the instruments overall length shorter.
It is easier for the beginner, with short arms, to balance the cornet and hold the instrument for longer
periods of time. When the instrument is held at the
correct angle it becomes easier to achieve the proper
embouchure and the overall tone production will be
more pleasant. With the proper instrument balance
the student will be able to use the first and third valve slides more easily to
adjust flaws in pitch.
The cornet has a naturally mellow sound that can give the student a better
concept of tone.
The cornet has a conical bore verses the more
cylindrical bore of the trumpet. Consequently,
cornets are easier blowing. Particularly important when you consider beginning students
usually have 1 to 1 1/2 liters of air (most adult
trumpeters have 4-6 liters).
Cylindrical Bore (Trumpet)
Conical Bore (Cornet)
Switching To Trumpet
Though cornets offer beginning students the easiest and most comfortable
opportunity to develop skills, trumpets are the more common performance
instrument offering a wider range of tonalities, and abilities. In performance
opportunities cornets are most appropriately suited for British Brass Bands,
while trumpets offer the ideal tone colors for American music including
symphonic, jazz, and brass ensembles. Consequently, it is recommended that
upon development of basic skills, students switch to trumpet.
3. Students should switch to trumpet only after a clear understanding and use
of the following disciplines are consistently displayed:
-
Proper posture and hand position
Proper breathing habits and breath support
Development of a good buzz and the ability to buzz on pitch
Development of a good non-airy tone
Consistent use of 1st and 3rd valve slides to correct simple inherent
pitch problems
- Display of excellent daily warm-up routine
Students are generally ready to switch to trumpet after two years of study.
Research indicates:
- Reasons for quitting an instrument include: too hard to play, too big
and weights too much, dont like the sound, its boring, its dumb,
I dont like it
- Adolescents have an uncontrolled desire to be equal or part of the
in-crowd and will be less motivated playing a different type of
instrument
- Beginning string players start on smaller instruments; flute players
use curved headjoints to reduce the size of the instrument; tuba
players begin on 3/4 size instruments or euphoniums
Motivate by Creating a Friendly Environment
Try to avoid using the word hard, or difficult when referring to techniques, range on the trumpet, or passages in music, as this will create mental
blocks for the student. Also avoid the phrase high note as students tend to
equate it as being more difficult.
Try to mention positive aspects of a students playing before introducing
constructive criticism.
the arms all of the way down to the sides keeping the chest in the high position. This should achieve the correct posture which is used when standing or
sitting.
Breathing
Starting each session with breathing exercises is imperative!
Students should be striving for a low-pitched HAW sound on inhalation.
An invigorated yawn is another way to gain a correct breath. A good sounding
breath is a good breath!
3/4"
PVC pipe cut 3" long placed in the teeth will remind the students of the
deep sounding inhalation required.
Breathing should be done in time with the music. Make sure that the
breath
is exhaled immediately after inhalation (no hesitation). The only sound one
should hear in the inhalation process is a low-pitched HAW. Below are
some examples of breathing exercises that should be used each day. These are
done at approximately 60 beats per minute:
Exercise No. 1
4 beats in, 4 beats out (repeat)
2 beats in, 2 beats out (repeat)
1 beat in, 1 beat out (repeat)
rest
Exercise No 2
4 beats in, 4 beats out (crescendo on exhalation)
4 beats in, 8 beats out (crescendo on exhalation)
4 beats in, 12 beats out (crescendo on exhalation)
rest
Starting Off Correctly
Nothing is more important than starting students off correctly! Posture,
breathing, mouthpiece buzzing, warming up, and attention to pitch should
be taught from the beginning. It is easier to teach correctly from the beginning
than it is to correct bad habits!
Posture
The student should sit or stand with an arch in their lower back, chest held
high and neck straight. Good posture can be achieved by having the student
stand up straight, stretching their arms up over their heads. Lower the arms
out to the sides (9 and 3 oclock position) keeping the chest high. Next,
2 beats in, 4 beats out (crescendo on exhalation)
2 beats in, 8 beats out (crescendo on exhalation)
2 beats in, 12 beats out (crescendo on exhalation)
rest
1 beat in, 4 beats out (crescendo on exhalation)
1 beat in, 8 beats out (crescendo on exhalation)
1 beat in, 12 beats out (crescendo on exhalation)
4. Mouthpiece Buzzing
Students must also work on mouthpiece buzzing everyday. The better the buzz,
the better the tone, intonation, and pitch accuracy on the instrument.
At first, beginners should be encouraged to buzz on any pitch. It is difficult
for beginner to match pitch right away. A good buzz is one with as much
vibration as possible (the buzz should sound like a swarm of bees).
Have the student play a siren buzz on the mouthpiece starting very low
and glissing as high as they can and then back down. Be sure to stress a
strong vibration at all times in the buzz.
Over time, the student should begin to match pitches. This can be accomplished by playing a pitch on the piano, having the student sing the pitch
and then match it on the mouthpiece. Simple melodies, with a strong, consistent vibration and attention to intonation should then be buzzed. When
the student has mastered these basic buzzing suggestions they should progress to wider intervals.
On all long tones, the air should continue to move quickly through the
instrument. Blowing quickly through the instrument will energize the sound
and keep the pitch from sagging on long tones.
As the student descends, they should hold the pitch up. As they ascend, they
should hold the pitch down. Not only will this correct some basic intonation
problems, but it will also help center their tone.
Other Basics
Students should be taught NOT to use the pinky ring on the leadpipe.
Using this ring will create tension in the 3rd valve finger and slow down its
motion.
Keep the fingers on the right hand rounded. The pads of the fingertips should
remain in contact with the valve buttons. Keep the wrist of the right hand
straight. Bending the wrist will create unwanted tension.
Simple Solutions to Tone Problems
What Else Can I Do?
An airy tone is often an indication of the aperture of the lips being too wide.
Correct this by having them use much more air and firming the corners of
their mouth.
Start a trumpet ensemble, which will expose students to more literature
A pinched tone can be caused by:
The student not blowing enough air through the instrument
The teeth being too close together (should be approximately 1/8"
apart; have them bite on the nail of their pinky finger to approximate
this distance)
The embouchure is too tense. RELAX!
Daily Warm-up Routine
Following breathing and mouthpiece buzzing exercises, the student should
perform exercises incorporating long tones, simple flexibility, and
articulation. These exercises can be elementary variations on the chromatic
scale or major scales and arpeggios. Most beginning method books include
exercises in each of these areas. To receive a complimentary warm-up sheet,
contact Dr. Ulrich at Ulrich@email.wcu.edu.
Provide potential cornet students with audio and video examples of
cornet performances
Encourage students to join the International Trumpet Guild (ITG)
Challenge beginners better suited for cornet to play a cool instrument cornet. If the instrument is presented as unique and fun to play students
will not feel different
Choose interesting and enjoyable music that will maintain and increase
the students interest
Utilize solo and ensemble to develop student repertoire
Strongly encourage all of your students to obtain private lessons with
qualified instructors
Bring in guest performers to demonstrate what is possible on the
instrument
Helpful Resources
Solving Simple Pitch Problems
International Trumpet Guild .................................... www.trumpetguild.org
The 3rd valve slide should be extended approximately 1/2" on low D and 1"
on C#. D, E-flat, and E are inherently very flat notes on the cornet/trumpet.
A simple fix is to have the student raise their eyebrows on these notes! Using
faster air and changing tongue placement by pronouncing ee will also help
to raise the pitch.
The Trumpet Players International Network ........... trumpet.dana.edu
The Trumpet Spot ..................................................... www.trumpetspot.com
Jupiter Band Instruments ......................................... www.jupitermusic.com
5. Selected Cornet/Trumpet Solo Repertoire
Grade 1
Trumpet Methods and Studies
Andre
12 Etudes caprices dans le style baroque (piccolo trumpet)
(Editions Billaudot)
Balasanyan
20 Studies, ed. Foveau (International)
Balay
15 Etudes
Bellamah
Forty-Four Melodius Warm-up Exercises, Gr. 3 (B112)
Grade 2
Bellamah
A Trumpeters Treasury of Information (B450)
Bach
Fitzgerald
Maltby
Telemann
Bellstedt
Twelve Famous Technical Studies, Gr. 2 (B113)
Bizet, N.
12 Grandes etudes de perfectionnement (A. Leduc)
Bodet
16 Etudes de virtuosite dapres J.S. Bach (A. Leduc)
Barnes
Hartzell
Hering
Clifford Barnes trumpet Album
A Trumpeters Prayer
Classic Pieces for the
Advancing trumpeter
Smith
Smith
Vandercook
Vincent
Firefly
Picnic time
Lyra
Air for Cornet
Aria, bist du bei mir
English Suite
Ceremonial March
Suite No. 1
Vandercook Vega
Voxman
Concert and Contest Collection
Williams
Little Classics
Trumpeters Lullaby
Lied
Magic Trumpet
Scarlatti/
Fitzgerald
Wastall
Bordogni/
Clark
Grade 3
Anderson
Bozza
Burke
Bordogni
Scarlatti Suite
Baroque Music for Trumpet
24 Vocalises, trans. Porret (transposition) (A. Leduc)
Bousquet
36 Celebrated Studies, ed. Goldman (C. Fischer)
Brandt
34 Studies and 24 Last Studies, ed. Vacchiano (Belwin-Mills)
Broiles
Have Trumpet . . . Will Transpose (transposition) (C. Colin)
Broiles
Grade 4
Balay
Bernstein
Clarke, H.
Corelli
Gibbons
Twenty Solo Studies for Trumpet, Gr. 3 (B235)
Petite Piece Concertante
Rondo for Lifey
Twilight Dreams
Sonata VIII
Gibbons Suite
Hovhaness
Nagel
Reed
Ropartz
Wallin
Prayer of St. Gregory
Baroque Music for Trumpet
Ode for Trumpet
Andante and Allegro
Elegi
Bride of the Waves
Carnival of Venice
Maid of the Mist
Concert Etude
Aria Con Variazioni
Hartley
Latham
Ravel
Smith
Turrin
Sonatina
Suite
Pavance
Willow Echoes
Caprice
Trumpet Baroque, 2 vols. (piccolo trpt.) (Queen City)
Charlier
Etudes transcendantes (A. Leduc)
Chavanne
25 Characteristic Studies, ed. Voisin (International)
Clarke
Technical Studies (C. Fischer)
Setting Up Drills (C. Fischer)
Elementary Studies (C. Fischer)
Characteristic Studies (C. Fischer)
Colin
Advanced Lip Flexibilities (C. Colin)
Duhem
24 Etudes (C. Fischer)
Endresen
Supplementary Studies (Rubank)
Gallay
22 Exercises, ed. Maire (A. Leduc)
12 Grand caprices, ed. Maire (A. Leduc)
39 Preludes, ed. Maire (A. Leduc)
Glantz
The Complete Harry Glantz (C. Colin)
Grade 6
Goldman
Practical Studies (C. Fischer)
Arban
Clarke, H.
Haydan
Hindemith
Gordon
Physical Approach to Elementary Brass Playing (C. Fischer)
Grade 5
Clarke, H.
Clarke, H.
Clarke, H.
Goedicke
Handel/
Fitzgerald
Carnival of Venice
The Debutante
Concerto in E-Flat
Sanate
Hummel
Kennan
Peeters
Stevens
Concerto in E-Flat
Sonata
Sonata
Sonata
Gower and Rubank Advanced Method (Rubank)
Voxman (ed.)
Harris
Advanced Studies (C. Colin)
Hering
32 Etudes (C. Fischer)
Hickman
The Piccolo Trumpet (Tromba Publications)
Hovaldt
Lip Flexibility (R. King)
Irons
Twenty-Seven Groups of Exercises, Gr. 3 (B114)
Kase
Twenty-One Studies in Style and Interpretation, Gr. 4 (B290)
Kopprasch
60 Studies, ed. Gumbert and Herbst, 2 vols. (C. Fischer)
(continued on back cover)
6. Jupiter has a complete line of high
quality Cornets and Trumpets to help
build your horn section
606MRL Bb Deluxe
Standard Trumpet
520ML Bb Cornet
Lacquered brass body
Shepherds crook
Monel pistons
1st valve thumb hook
3rd valve slide throw ring
.460" bore
4.7" bell
Woodframe case
Lacquered brass body
Rose brass bell and leadpipe
Monel pistons
.460" bore
4.8" bell
1st valve thumb hook
Adjustable 3rd valve slide
Woodframe case
520MS Bb Cornet
Above with silver plated finish
1000S Bb Intermediate Trumpet
Medium weight silver plated brass body
Monel pistons
.460" bore
4.8" bell
1st valve thumb hook and 3rd valve throw ring
Amado water keys
Professional engraved bell
Woodframe case
1002S Bb Intermediate Trumpet
Above with 5" flared bell
600NL Bb
Standard Trumpet
600ML Bb
Standard Trumpet
Lacquered brass body
Monel pistons
.460" bore
4.8" bell
1st valve thumb hook
Adjustable 3rd valve slide
Woodframe case
600MS Bb Trumpet
Above with silver plated finish
Lacquered brass body
Nickel silver pistons
.460" bore
4.8" bell
1st valve thumb hook
Adjustable 3rd valve slide
Woodframe case
600NS Bb Trumpet
Above with silver plated finish
7. Trumpet Methods and Studies
(continued)
Laurent
Etudes pratiques, 3 vols. (A. Leduc)
Longinotti
lEtude de la trompette (Editions Henn)
Studies in Classical and Modern Style (International)
Pares
Scales (Rubank)
Petit
15 Etudes techniques et melodiques (A. Leduc)
Grandes etudes (A. Leduc)
Pietzsch
Twenty-Two Virtuosity Studies, Gr. 5 (B115)
Ridgeon
Brass for Beginners (Boosey & Hawkes)
Robinson
Rubank Elementary Method (Rubank)
Rubank
Elementary Method For Trumpet
Intermediate Method For Trumpet
Advanced Method For Trumpet, Vol. I
Advanced Method For Trumpet, Vol. II
Exercises On The Emission Of Fundamental And Harmonic Tones
Sachse
100 Etudes (transposition) (International)
Salv. Army
101 Technical Exercises (Salvation Army)
Schlossberg Daily Drills and Technical Studies (M. Baron)
Skornicka
Rubank Intermediate Method (Rubank)
Smith
Top Tones (C. Fischer)
Lip Flexibility (C. Fischer)
Staigers
Flexibility Studies, 2 vols. (C. Fischer)
Stamp
Warm-ups plus Studies (Editions Bim)
Vacchiano
Trumpet Routines (C. Colin)
Webster
Method for Piccolo Trumpet (Brass Press)
Wiggins
First Tunes & Studios (Oxford)
Zauder
Embouchure & Technique Studies (C. Colin)
Supplemental Materials
Baird
Caruso
Clarke
Farkas
Findley
Lucas
Sanborn
Weast
Williams
Developing Technique
Musical Calisthenics for Brass
Setting Up Drills
The Art of Brass Playing
Bob Findley On Trumpet
Pedal Note Studies
Brass Tactics
Famous Trumpet Players
The Secret of Technique-Preservation
Jupiter Band Instruments, Inc. PO Box 90249 Austin, TX 78709
(512) 288-7400 bi@jupitermusic.com
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