Cornet

The Eb soprano cornet is the highest pitched instrument in a brass band. The Bb cornet is the same size as the soprano although the soprano has a wispy, flute-like quality in contrast to the more rounded Bb cornet sound.

Flugel horn

The flugel horn has a larger and more conical bell than the cornet and as a result has a mellower tone. It is of the same pitch as the Bb cornet.

Tenor horn

The tenor horn is an Eb instrument and has a slightly larger mouthpiece than the cornet. It has an upright bell as opposed to the cornet and also has a lower tone.

Baritone

The baritone has a lighter tone than that of the euphonium but has the same pitch. It is larger than the tenor horn and has a larger mouthpiece.

Euphonium

The euphonium is larger than the baritone, has a larger mouthpiece and a larger bell which produces a much mellower sound. This gives the brass band its characteristic quality of sound.

Trombone

The trombone is the longest brass instrument, and is the only brass instrument to have a slide to alter the pitch of notes. When the tube is lengthened the pitch gets lower and has a very effective sound. The mouthpiece is usually the same size as the euphonium.

Tuba

It is the tuba or bass that makes a brass band sound effective. They are the largest brass instrument and therefore have the lowest pitch. There are two types of basses: the smaller Eb; and the larger and most common Bb bass.

Percussion

The percussion occupies a range of instruments, from the drum kit and symbols to the bass and snare drums when marching, and includes the timpani or kettledrums, bells, glockenspiel, xylophone and triangle. However the drum kit is used more often in brass band pieces.