Music Matters

Brass page

	Playing brass instruments Playing brass instruments is very different to other wind instruments. Sound is made by vibrating the lips and blowing into the mouthpiece (otherwise known as blowing a raspberry!) The notes are changed by pressing the three valves, or moving the trombone slide up and down, in different combinations (which you have to learn!)

	From year 3, children are given the chance to learn to play a brass instrument. At the moment we have children learning the French Horn, Trumpet and Trombone.Each child receives a weekly lesson with our peripatetic teacher and they all get the opportunity to play in the end of year school music concert, which parents are welcome to come along and see. Some children go on to play in Saturday morning bands run by the county music service.

French Horn		The French Horn is hard to play as it has a small mouthpiece and a lot of pipe for the sound to travel around. Click on the note on the left to hear the french horn playing. Our french horn player has been learning toplay for just over a year.

Trumpet		The trumpet is a popular choice as it often plays the leading tune. It is usually gold in colour and has a bright penetrating tone. Click on the note on the left to hear the trumpet playing. Our trumpet player has been learning to play for just over a year.
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Trombone		The trombone is a tricky instrument to learn as you don't actually have any keys to press. Instead you have to learn where all the notes are by moving the slide into different positions, and changing the shape of your mouth (called the embouchure) Click on the note on the left to hear the trombone playing. Our trombone player only started learning to play in September.

Cornet		This is similar to the trumpet but is shorter and wider in shape.

Music and M.E.
Mary Exton JMI School, Hitchin, Herts.
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