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This is the fundamental instrument of brass band playing. A trumpet is essentially a convoluted brass cylinder that passes through a series of loops connecting the specialized mouthpiece, and the lips of the player, to the flared end that serves to amplify and direct the sound out the horn and into the world. The tone and pitch of the instrument is controlled through careful use of piston valves that adjust the note depending on which combination of the valves is depressed.

Origin & History:

The modern rendition of the trumpet began in the workshops of German inventors of the 19^th century, with the incorporation of valves, pistons, removable mouthpieces and additional adjustments to the previous models. The earliest trumpets began as simple horns played in Fanfare to welcome people or alert people to the presence of invaders as early as 2000BC. These were stuck with one basic note that could be played. To produce a range of notes multiple trumpets were required. During the middle years of the second millennium AD, tinkerers added removable crooks that allowed for a multitude of notes to be interchanged, allowing versatility in the instrumental compositions available. With the advent of the valve system around the beginning of the 19^th century, the Trumpet suddenly became far more useful for a wide range of applications. Ensembles, military bands and soloists began to play with the instrument, and its brilliant sound began to journey to the frontiers of battle, and of musical composition.

Famous Trumpet Musicians:

Louis Armstrong is perhaps the most noted trumpeter of recent years, playing songs written by himself, and Duke Ellington, among others. His boundary pushing use of the trumpet, combined with a phenomenal ability to produce notes that were thought out of the possible range of the instrument, gave him huge credibility within the evolving styles of the Jazz movement.

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Where it's played:

Trumpets are now widespread through musical genres, being utilized by Classical composers, Jazz musicians, Reggae performers and Dub groups. The combination of Brass instruments visually similar to trumpets but with different fundamental principles of sound generation, the Trombone and the Saxophone, can produce amazing sound that is more than just literal music to the ears. The musical harmonies produced across the three instruments lend themselves to smooth, roots style playing, being used to good effect by the New Zealand group Fat Freddie’s Drop.

Care of instrument:

As with any valve type brass instrument, there are a few considerations relating to the care of the instrument that should be kept in mind. Sticky fingers will be detrimental to the action of the valves, so make sure that sugar coated fingers are kept far away from the valves. If left out of the case, dust can settle on the shiny brass, and residues in the atmosphere may cause tarnish or discoloration of the brilliant, reflective exterior. Oiling the valves and polishing the outside will help to keep a trumpet in a playable condition. It’s important to take extra care when dismantling the valves for cleaning the Trumpet, as there are small parts that may be lost if you are not careful. Look after the trumpet, and it will keep its value for a long time.