Brass

Brass instruments come in a multitude of shapes and sizes. They can be divided up into two distinct ‘families’: one is made up of the instruments normally found in a brass band (cornets, tenor horns, euphoniums and baritones), while the other consists of the instruments used in a modern symphony orchestra (trumpets and French horns). The trombone and the tuba are regular members of both families.

Choosing the best instrument for you to play should be done in consultation with a brass instrumental teacher. For example a child wishing to play the French horn may well be advised to start on the cornet or tenor horn. Each individual child will have different needs according to age, size and their dental structure

Trumpet

This is one of the most versatile instruments of the brass family. The trumpet can be found in orchestras, windbands as well as jazz ensembles and pop groups. The instrument is easy to carry, durable and if looked after a student instrument would last 4 or 5 years before needing upgrading. The cost is from about £200 upwards.

Cornet

Similar to the trumpet, but with a slightly sweeter sound, the cornet is used mainly in brass bands, and is an ideal instrument for beginners as the tubing is more compact than a trumpet, making it easier to hold. If you play the cornet and want to switch to the trumpet or a larger brass instrument, the techniques and music reading can be easily transferred. Cost: from about £220.

Tenor Horn

The tenor horn is another excellent instrument for a beginner brass player. Its shape makes it easy to hold and the slightly larger mouthpiece allows the player to produce more notes in the early stages. Tenor horns can be used in school bands and orchestras but their natural environment is the brass band.

French Horn

The French horn is circular in shape, flaring at one end to a wide bell. Compact (mini) horns are available for smaller children. The characteristics of the horn probably make it the most demanding, yet the most rewarding of all the brass instruments. Its role in orchestras provides a link between woodwind and brass, enjoying a status quite apart from the other orchestral brass. The horn is equally at home in wind bands and can also play in wind ensembles jazz groups brass ensembles and horn quartets.

Euphonium

The euphonium (or tenor tuba) is larger in size than the tenor horn and can produce a lower range of notes. It has a warm and mellow sound. The euphonium has the advantage of being able to play solo melodic lines yet also has the versatility to play various parts of an ensemble.

Baritone

The baritone has the same amount of tubing as the euphonium but has a narrower bell, producing a slightly brighter sound.

Trombone

The trombone produces notes at the same pitch as the euphonium and baritone but, with a narrower bell and slide mechanism in place of valves, allows the player to produce a powerful penetrating sound and sliding effects known as glissandi. This makes the trombone unique amongst brass instruments. It is equally at home in orchestras and brass bands, as well as jazz ensembles and pop groups.

Tuba

The tuba is the lowest-pitched (and largest) of the brass instruments. Its large mouthpiece allows the player to produce a wide range of notes and the bass lines played by the tuba allow time to breathe easily between notes. The tuba is one of the easiest instruments to play as part of an ensemble. It is capable of playing as a solo instrument and it is a member of both the brass band and the orchestral brass family