Das Flugelhorn

The flugelhorn has an interesting history that traces back to military and brass band traditions in Europe, with roots that intertwine with the evolution of other brass instruments. Early Origins The name “flugelhorn” comes from the German word Flügel, meaning “wing” or “flank.” It was originally used in the 18th century Austrian military where the “Flügelhornist” was a signaling officer, calling troops to the wings of the battlefield. Early flugelhorns were valveless bugle-like horns, used for signaling—much like trumpets and bugles were in various armies. Development into a Musical Instrument Around the early 19th century, as valve technology emerged, the…

What are the differences between trumpets, cornets, piccolo trumpets and flugelhorns?

Trumpets, cornets, piccolo trumpets, and flugelhorns are all part of the brass family and look quite similar at first glance, but they each have unique characteristics that make them suited for different styles, ranges, and tones. Here’s a breakdown of their main differences: 🎺 Trumpet Key: Most commonly in B♭. Tone: Bright, piercing, and powerful. Bore Shape: Cylindrical (same diameter throughout most of the tubing), which contributes to its sharp tone. Usage: Classical, jazz, pop, marching bands, orchestras—very versatile. Range: Standard trumpet range, extending from F# below middle C to about 2.5 octaves above. 🎺 Cornet Key: Also usually in…

Jazz Is Alive and Well in Sherman, Texas…

If you have not spent some time in Sherman, Texas, you have missed an event that you would have remembered for the rest of your life. If you are a Jazz fan and have not experienced the amazing collection of Jazz memorabilia in Sherman, Texas, you are not a true Jazz fan! If you think you know a lot about the history of Jazz, you are delusional! I encourage you to experience a true transformation back to the time of the big bands, tight Jazz combos and the legacy, history and “feel” of America’s only true art form. You need…

Features to Consider when Buying a Trumpet

When deciding on which trumpet/cornet to buy, there are a few guidelines that need to be addressed. The bottom line cost is one of the most obvious questions for most people. Unless you are interested in the ultimate, hand fitted, custom made, work of art, one of a kind horn, you should expect to pay between $1,000 and $2,500 for a quality instrument. When I speak of the ultimate, one of a kind trumpet, I am reminded of a situation many years ago when a college first told me about  his friend who was making truly one of a kind,…

Learn How To Arrange Music For Your Ensemble Without Knowing How To Arrange Music For Your Ensemble- Lesson #6

Download and follow instructions… Lesson #6 instructions Lesson #6 score Please take a moment to visit our sister site- Trumpet Ensemble Music for all your Trumpet and Brass instrument arrangement/transcription needs. We have added more than thirty-six new arrangements/transcriptions in the past thirty days. You’ll find everything from “Bach to Rock”. Our prices are way below those of Big Publishing Companies, ranging from $2.50 up to $12.50 depending on instrumentation and length. Check it out and enjoy great charts at very reasonable prices. Sample- Hymn To The Fallen- Trumpet Sextet – Trumpet Ensemble Music

Learn How To Arrange Music For Your Ensemble Without Knowing How To Arrange Music For Your Ensemble- Lesson #3

Download and follow instructions… Lesson 3 instructions LESSON 3  SCORE NOT AVAILABLE BECAUSE OF RECENT crash! Please take a moment to visit our sister site- Trumpet Ensemble Music for all your Trumpet and Brass instrument arrangement/transcription needs. We have added more than thirty-six new arrangements/transcriptions in the past thirty days. You’ll find everything from “Bach to Rock”. Our prices are way below those of Big Publishing Companies; ranging from $2.50 up to $12.50 depending on instrumentation and length. Check it out and enjoy great charts at very reasonable prices. Sample- Bouncin’ Down The Yellow Brick Road- Trumpet Trio – Trumpet…

Update on “Clocking Trumpet Mouthpieces”

On July 10 of this year, I contacted my AI source (openai.com) to establish the top twenty most popular mouthpiece manufactures at that time. From the list of twenty manufacturers, I was able to locate nineteen who are listed below- Bach Yamaha Schilke Warburton Monette Denis Wick Curry GR Mouthpieces Marcinkiewicz Pickett Brass Stork Custom Mouthpieces Kanstul Jet Tone Giardinelli Reeves JK Mouthpieces ACB (Austin Custom Brass) CarolBrass Doug Elliott Mouthpieces   From the list of twenty, I received five responses- Home – Stork Custom Mouthpieces grmouthpieces.com Bob Reeves Brass Mouthpieces Mouthpieces – Brass & Woodwinds – Musical Instruments -…

Clocking Mouthpieces- A Practice from the Past

My first introduction to clocking a brass instrument mouthpiece began several decades ago when I was returning home from Willard Elementary School in Moline, Illinois. On the way home I stopped at a local gas station to visit with its owner.  That day I happened to be lugging my Olds Recording cornet home with me and as I visited with the proprietor, we were joined by a customer who aggressively questioned, “Hey kid, what are you doing with that horn”. As a grade school youth, I was more than intimidate as I replied, “I’m taking it home to practice” was…

Substantiating Evidence That All Trumpet Mouthpieces are Not Equal (or consistent).

In a previous post, I addressed the practice of “Clocking” your mouthpiece (“Clocking” Your Mouthpiece Part #2 – Trumpet Blog (thetrumpetblog.com). At the end of my post, I admitted to the possibility that rotating one’s mouthpiece can and did change the sound as well as a resistance factor. In the same article I admitted that I was originally skeptical of this technique but after trying it myself, I was convinced that the rotation made a difference in the final outcome. I also admitted that I had no idea why this happened. I recently had the pleasure of visiting with someone…