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brass instruments- a wind instrument, typically made of brass, including trumpet, french horn, trombone, euphonium, and tuba |
Trumpet -
Trumpet is the highest brass instrument. It is an instrument with a flared bell and three valves. Trumpets have a bright, penetrating tone that cuts through an orchestra. It is often called "the instrument of kings" by professionals. Trumpet is used in concert bands, full orchestras, jazz bands, and marching bands. This is American and Canadian national anthems, played by soloist Jens Lindemann. |
French horn -
French horn is a gorgeous instrument, but it is very difficult to master. It has a long coiled tube and three valves. French horn has a dark sound that blends well with other instruments. Musicians say if nature could sing, it would sound like the french horn. Fun fact, the french horn is not french, it comes from Germany! French horn is used in concert bands, full orchestras, and in some marching bands (in other marching bands, instruments called mellophones are used, which is the marching band equivalent of French horn, just reconfigured to make it easier to march with) In this recording, you can hear the more melodious part of the french horn at 3:00, and the more technical side at 4:54. This is the Strauss Horn Concerto No 1, Movement 3 played by soloist Jessica Pearce, accompanied by the Midwest Philharmonic Orchestra. |
Trombone -
Trombone is a beautiful instrument that, once mastered, is very impressive to play. Trombone has a long slide attached to a tube with a mouthpiece and a flared bell. It has a deep tone, and beautiful dark sound. Trombone is used in concert bands, full orchestras, jazz bands, and marching bands. In this video, you can hear the more melodic side to the trombone at 1:50, and the faster side of the trombone at 3:13. This is the Concertino for Trombone- Movement 1 by Lars-Erik Larsson, played by Brittany Lasch, accompanied by piano. |
Euphonium -
Euphonium is an instrument similar to the tuba, but smaller. Euphonium has a long coiled tube with three valves and an upward facing flared bell. Euphonium has a warm rich tone that blends well with other instruments around it because of its smooth, mellow sound. Euphonium is used in concert bands, and a very similar. instrument called a baritone is used in marching bands. To hear the lyrical side of the euphonium listen to the beginning of the recording. To hear the more technical side, start at 3:39. This is Elegy for Solo Euphonium, by John Stevens, played by Zoe Chien. |
Tuba-
Tuba is one of the most important instruments of a group. As the instrument that is typically the lowest in the ensemble, the tuba anchors the sound and acts as a base where the entire group can build up the sound. The tuba is similar in shape to a euphonium but there are four valves, facing the side. Tubas are used in concert bands, full orchestras, and similar instruments called sousaphones are used in marching bands. To hear the melodic side of the tuba, start at the beginning of this recording. To hear the faster side of the tuba, go to 3:05. |