Hi there

I've been asked to accompany a grade 3 trumpet student in her exam next week and before I look a fool in the first rehearsal I thought I'd drop a quick post to see if any one can reccomend what I would need to be careful for?

I'd never worked with a brass instrument without being in a band, so I'm really quite excited.

Things I probably should know would be -

What note do trumpets tune to?
Is their method for articulation similar to woodwind instruments
What would be the main possible places for errors during an exam - if there are any??

I dont know really - any pointers for working with a brass instrument would be helpful

Thanks x

Well, assuming its a b flat trumpet they'll usually play a B and you play an A on the piano for them. Not a clue about the rest!

Presumed it was just like my clarinet, but I thought I'd check just in case

Thanks - guess I'll just have to find out when I see her

I have accompanied my daughter (who has only been learning since September) a little bit on the trombone.

She would actually rather tune to F (if she has a choice) as this is the easiest note to play on the trombone (doesn't involve moving the slide). I'm afraid I don't know about trumpets.

With brass instruments you vary the note not only with the valve/slide but also with your embouchure; so on the trombone the same slide position gives you Bb (two octaves below middle C), F (one octave below middle C), Bb (just below middle C), D (just above middle C) (and others that my daughter hasn't learnt yet). This means that when she is a bit stressed sometimes the wrong note in this series comes out (ie she wants a Bb but plays an F or D instead). For me (as a pianist/oboist/former violinist) these are not predictable wrong notes.

You need to tune to and open (no valves) trumpet C = piano Bb below middle C, then to their open G = piano F. If the pupil is good (and by G3 this should be fine) check upper C/Bb. Tune in the warm area if there is a piano there and check when in the room.

One tip, do not allow the pupil to play too much before the exam if they are young; just enough to be well warmed up. Get the teacher to check that the tuning slide actually moves - this should be done a few weeks before the exam!!!

All tips from bitter experience over 30 years.

Having never had to accompany anyone before I cannpt help much, though I offer a couple of things:

• As far as I know trumpets, cornets, euphoniums, and baritones all tune to a middle C. Trombones to an F. Tuba's to a G. Not sure about tenore horns. (That is how my conductor does it anyhow!!!!)

Brass players also need plentry of time to warm up, but not to high, so as not to ruin their lip. Perhaps a few scales.


Not much but I hope it helps....

I would advise accompanying a trumpeter and not a trumpet as you may end up bitterly disappointed!

*Sorry, couldn't resist.....!*

LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes, exactly like your clarinet, and the tenor sax. All Bb instruments. But the piano music should already be in the correct key. You shouldn't have to transpose or anything like that.

My son did his grade 4 last week. I'd say, be prepared to slow down, play loud to cover their mistakes- - and don't laugh out loud when they attempt the high notes!

Steve

Just to clarify the above, in brass bands everyone (except bass trombone) reads transposed treble clef parts, either in Bb or Eb.
The "middle C" for trumpet, cornet etc is a concert Bb, the G (tubas / tenor horns) is also actually a Bb (the instruments are pitched in Eb - what they call a "C" is actually an Eb, so their "G" is a Bb). Tenor trombones in brass bands tune to their "C" (again a Bb), bass trombone will tune to the actual note Bb (they play everything at its actual pitch).

Accompanying a grade 3 trumpet, I would ask them to play "bottom C" (the Bb below middle C on the piano), "G" (the F above it), and "top C" (the Bb above again). Another thing I often do is ask them to play the first note from the first piece when tuning - apart from making sure it's in tune it also fixes the pitch in the student's head before they start, making them more likely to confidently hit the first note.

Thanks for that - great help!!!

Hmm one of the pieces is the pink panther but it's in 6/8

Its a rather bizarre 'straight' version, that sounds werid to someone who hears the pink panther from her sax students quite often!

I'm sure you've thought of this, but don't forget to allow them time to breathe!!!

Having taught this piece a LOT for G3 trumpet and cornet (its been on the list for nearly 4 years now!) can i just point out that the accompanist MUST play the repeat in the introduction as the solo part is written straight out (ie no repeat). Also, be aware that after hearing the phrase once some kids just dive in thinking that they have counted all the bars rest!

Have fun

Thanks for that - I did wonder, shall make a note of that to make sure I do it twice

Oh well - should be fun. Maybe she could give me a few tips as my trumpet's sat in its case and makes a great door-stop!

Hi rachyroo

I'm also accompanying a trumpet exam next Saturday. Generally trumpeters tuned to Bb on the piano either the one below middle C or an octave above or you can also play F between the octave C depending on their grade. My son always tunes to the higher Bb, the intonation on the lower Bb is always flat especially if the instrument isn't that great!!!

The articulation is probably very similar to woodwind but they have to empty spit out more often. I always remind the boys to use the water keys between pieces, scales, in fact before the start of every section is good if possible. If they don't you often hear bubbling notes!!!

With brass you need alot more stamina, you have to warm up to get those higher notes, to get the best performance all sections have to be well balanced. Warm up on some long open notes. TG candidates always warm up on lip flex but AB candidates as far as I am aware don't do lip flex.

I always start my piano and violin students on scales in exams BUT scales tend to be last whenever I have accompanied brass exams. My son usually goes for lip flex followed by piece with the highest notes another piece, scales and then study to give time for lips to relax and recover.

Errors usually happen when they forget to breathe or run out of breathe, valves get stuck because no ones oil them before entering the exam room. Water still in instrument from warm ups, makes a bubbling noise when playing, over blowing to get fortes and lack of lip pressure on high notes. If they haven't worked on the whole program all the way through they may not have the stamina for the entire exam.

My son finds it quite easy to play all the sections of the exam well individual but having to do each section one after another can be a real struggle!! I find if he is relaxed and has good slow breathe control his tone is alot better but slow breathing is hard under exam conditions.

At the moment he's working on several short practices a day to build enough stamina and strengthen for Saturday.

I'm also accompanying my 7 year old in his school concert this week, he's playing Titanic on the Euphonium. He's never performed solo before so it will be an experience for both of us.


Good luck!