Hello Students!
Welcome to the band page we will be using for learning how to play trumpet this year! I will be updating this as we go along so be sure to check back here for anything you might need.
2/25/2021
Before we begin to play, we need to go over some basic elements that go into playing a brass instrument:
- We need to remember we are playing a brass WIND instrument – which means we need to take a big breath every time we go to play our instrument.
- In order to take a good breath, it is wise to practice breathing IN for 4 beats and then OUT for 4 beats. Repeat.
- Practice just blowing air through the trumpet.
- Posture is very important! Be sure to sit up straight with both feet flat on the floor at all times.
- The trumpet is made up of two basic components:
- The Mouthpiece
- The Trumpet
- The air we breathe in is then used to vibrate the lips inside the mouthpiece and the sound from there is “amplified” by the trumpet.
- Always make sure you are holding the instrument properly (we will go over this many times in class).
- Lastly, have fun! Learning a musical instrument can be one of the most challenging and also the most rewarding experiences you can have in school.
High/Low Note
Here are a couple of clips to demonstrate the two notes we know so far (remember, we are not using any valves yet):
You will hear 4 “clicks” before each note is played:
- Think about what we need to do to switch from these two notes
- Try holding them for as long as possible ( we call these “Long Tones”)
- Finally, try articulating/tonguing each by saying “TAH”
3/4/21
Great class today! Here are some notes:
Today we learned a few note names (remember: the musical alphabet only goes from A – G).
As of now we know: C (0) / E (1&2)/ G(0)
I have recorded below what each note sounds like so you have a reference. Try doing the following:
C C C
E E E
G G G
Also try doing long tones on each note.
Please check out #17 “Hot Cross Buns.” We will continue to go over this song in class but for now try to play along with the track I have linked below. You should be able to download it as well.