Trumpet
Hey, Kids, It's a Trumpet
Learn trumpet history, how it's made, how it's played, about the trumpet family, and a fun fact.
The Trumpet is the smallest member of the brass family. Its tone is bright and penetrating.
History
For hundreds of years instrument makers have experimented with different shapes and sizes of trumpets.
Natural Trumpets
Natural trumpets are like bugles, which have no valves to change the pitches. Sometimes you can see them being played in orchestras when the music of Johann Sebastian Bach is being played.Slide Trumpets
Beginning in the 15th century instrument makers experimented with slides for the trumpet, similar to the trombone slide. The slide allowed the trumpet player to play more notes, though it was awkward to play. This went on for about 400 years.Valve Trumpets
Finally in 1813, valves (those button thingies) were invented.
How It's Played
To make a sound on the trumpet the player buzzes his/her lips into a cup-shaped mouthpiece. The valves on the trumpet allow the player to quickly switch the length of tubing that the air is going through, to provide a whole new set of notes. All the trumpet player has to do is press down the valve combination that they want and presto! More notes.
*Credit to Making Music Fun website
Listen to a Trumpet:
