INSTRUMENTS
Flute
Oboe & Bassoon
Clarinet
Saxophone
Horn
Trumpet
Trombone
Baritone & Tuba
Percussion
THE BRASS FAMILY
HISTORY
The horn's ancestors were played in ancient Scandinavia, Egypt, and China 4000 years ago! They were mainly used for signaling and for ceremonies. Since they had no valves they could only play a few notes, though. The horn became an important member of the orchestra in the 1700's. The horns played then had many different sections of curved tubing, called crooks, that could be added or removed depending on the song being played. With these crooks and using one's hand in the bell, a good horn player could play any note of a scale. They still had no valves! Valves were added around 1815, making the instrument much easier to play. It interesting that French instrument-makers added piston valves, like a trumpet uses. German instrument makers added rotary valves, like the valves used on modern-day horns. This is why I try to call the instrument a "horn" and not a "French horn" !! Almost one hundred years after valves were introduced, Fritz Kruspe added more tubing and an extra valve, creating what is called a double horn. This is what most horn players use today, because it allows the instrument to be an F and a Bb instrument.
PROBLEM SOLVING
I recommend that you get started with a teacher so that you learn to hold your trumpet correctly, and make your first sounds correctly. If you get home and still have problems, though, these hints might help.
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No sound (except air)? Lick your lips, form an "em" position with your lips, and buzz into the mouthpiece using faster air.
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If you're getting an airy tone, try the suggestions above. Don't be surprised if you have that airy tone for a while, until your lips get used to vibrating.
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Make sure you are always using plenty of air and support to get a good sound with every note.
LINKS
