Brass Techniques - Trombone & Trumpet Written Exam

How many sets of harmonic series does the trombone have?

7

How many primary positions are on a trombone?

7

What is the hardest part for beginner trombone students?

Manipulating the slide

What are the different parts of the mouthpiece?

The rim, the cup, the shank/backbore, and the neck

What is the name of the predecessor to the trombone?

The sacbut

What was one of the first instruments to play diatonically?

Trombone (because of the slide)

Who designed the first modern trombone?

Antoine Curtois

What is the bore size for beginning students on the trombone?

.500

Where is the .500 bore size typically used?

Jazz and commercial music

What is the bore?

The hole for the mouthpiece

Where is the .547 bore size typically used?

Classical and orchestral music

What’s the difference between the .500 and the .547 bore size?

The .547 bore has a darker, fuller, more blended sound

What does the F-attachment do on the trombone?

It extends the lower register of the horn

What is the lowest note played on the regular trombone?

E1

What do you call notes played in the lower register of the trombone?

Pedal tones

What notes does the F-attachment add to the trombone?

Eb, D, Db, C

What are the two different types of trombone vibrato?

Jaw/mouth vibrato, slide vibrato

What do trombone players do to slur their instruments?

They use different articulation: “do” or “da”

What are the two reasons to use mutes on trombones?

To reduce volume or to change the timbre/color of the sound

What is the most commonly used trombone mute?

The straight mute

Which mute is a little quieter than a straight mute?

The cup mute

What music styles are cup mutes and straight mutes most commonly used?

Classical and jazz music

What do mutes do to all brass instruments?

Makes their pitches go sharp

What kind of instrument is a trumpet? (i.e. fixed pitched, transposing…)

It’s a transposing instrument

What is the most common trumpet played in schools?

The Bb trumpet

What is the second most common trumpet?

The C trumpet (non-transposed)

Where is the C trumpet primarily used?

In orchestras

What are the ideal characteristics for a trombone player?

Straight teeth, square jaws, and good ears

Which brass instrument is the “melodious” instrument?

Trumpet, because it plays the melody the most often

What is the conical cousin to the trumpet?

The cornet

Who are some notable jazz trombone players?

JJ Johsnon, Melba Liston, Kurtis Fuller, Slide Hampton, Carl Jarbis, Carl Fontana, Bill Watrous

Who are some notable classical trombone players?

Ron Baron, Joe Alessi, Abby Connic, Christian Linberg

Who are some notable beginner mouthpiece makers?

Bach, Benge, and Shilke

What does a flatter rim on a mouthpiece promote?

Cleaner articulation

What does a rounder rim on a mouthpiece promote?

Easier movement between notes

What does a shallower cup on a mouthpiece do?

It gives easier access to top notes

What does a deeper cup on a mouthpiece do?

It gives a darker, richer sound, and works better for the lower register

What are the steps for teaching a beginner trumpet/trombone student the correct embouchure?

You tell them to put lips firmly together with the corners of their mouths tightly pinched, say the syllable ‘m’ and take their right index finger and place it in the center of their lips. Then, replace their index finger with a mouthpiece.

Why are there trumpets in different keys?

To avoid transposition and some pieces require specific trumpets

What is the main difference between trumpet and cornet?

Shape–trumpet is cylindrical and cornet is conical

What are the two types of trumpet valves?

Piston valves and rotary valves

Who is the most recorded trumpet player?

Adolf Herseth

What is the suggested size for a beginning trumpet student’s mouthpiece?

7C

Who are some notable classical trumpet players?

Maurice Andre, Allison Balsom, and Rolf Smedvig

Who are some notable jazz trumpet players?

Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, and Clifford Brown

What is the difference between rotary valves and piston valves?

Rotary valves play smoother, piston valves play faster

Which trumpet player is famous for his swing style and is known as the father of jazz trumpet?

Louis Armstrong

Which trumpet player won Grammys for both classical and jazz trumpet?

Winton Marcell

What are the two most misplayed positions on the trombone?

2 & 5

What syllable is used for multiple tonguing?

‘Taka,’ tookoo,’ or ‘taco’

Why is multiple tonguing used?

Based on the speed of the notes being played