Trumpet
Brass family
Listen to Examples
Guidelines for Success
- Lips are thin to medium. Thick lips tend to be better suited for the Trombone, Euphonium, or Tuba.
- Level of confidence is high.
- Parental support is strong.
- Work habits are strong and achievement is high.
- Student is able to sing a common folk song.
- Front teeth are straight and even; closed teeth meet evenly; an overbite tends to cause problems with tone production.
Trumpet Supplies
Call to Order
A quality instrument is crucial for successful learning. Parents can call (800) 637-6872 to order supplies from District 47's preferred vendor, Quinlan and Fabish, Mon-Fri. 11am-7pm or Sat. 9am-3pm or order online with the buttons below...
Method Book
5th grade students will read music from their own method book entitled, "Habits of a Successful Beginner Band Musician."
Music Stand
Students will set up their own music stand at full band. We use the Hamilton KB400N music stand and the Hamilton KB12 carrying bag.
3-Ring Binder
Please help our class run smoothly and organize our songs, worksheets and other handouts in a 3-ring binder.
Mouthpiece
The Bach 5C mouthpiece has a lively and rich sound without a sharp edge. Watch Video.
Valve Oil
Trumpet players use a valve oil called "Blue Juice." Use 3-4 drops as needed. Watch Video.
Mouthpiece Brush
Rinse in a sink when using brushes. Watch Video.
Snake Brush
Rinse in a sink when using brushes.
Valve Casing Brush
Rinse in a sink when using brushes.
Tuning Slide Grease
Trumpet players use Tuning Slide Grease on the main tuning slide and 3 valve slides as needed.
Recommended Brands
Origin of Trumpet
The origins of the trumpet can be traced to ancient Egypt, Africa, and Greece. The "natural" valveless trumpets were made of wood, bronze, or silver. In the Middle Ages (500-1430), these instruments played only lower notes. During the Renaissance era (1430-1600), they performed at many ceremonial functions. Gradually, players began to develop their high range, especially in the Baroque era (1600-1750).
Inventor of Trumpet
Heinrich Stolzel introduced a valve trumpet in Berlin in 1814. By 1830, the Bb Cornet was introduced in Europe. Valves made it possible to play all the notes of a chromatic scale on these two closely-related instruments.
Trumpet Family
Trumpets and Cornets are the highest-pitched members of the brass family. As one of the primary instruments in the sound of concert bands and jazz ensembles, they play melodies, harmonies, and solos. A trumpet is longer than the more conically-shaped cornet.
Composers & Performers
Virtually all important composers have written music for the trumpet, including J.S. Bach and W.A. Mozart. Some famous performers are Maurice Andre, Adolph Herseth, Doc Severinsen, and Wynton Marsalis.