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| brass instrumentsBrass Instruments taught by Durham Music Service CornetThis is one of the smaller brass instruments available. The cornet is pitched in Bb and is played using a small cup shaped mouthpiece which not all young players find easy to blow and reach the upper range of notes at first. It has a conical bore (tube) which gives it a mellow sound. For this reason it is used more commonly in brass and wind bands. It is supplied with a lightweight case usually with carrying straps.
 TrumpetThe Trumpet is a popular choice and probably the most well known of the brass instruments. It is the same length tube and pitch as the Bb cornet, however, it has a longer construction and a more cylindrical bore (tube). This gives it a much brighter sound which is preferred in orchestras and big bands although they are also used in wind bands along with cornets. Flugel hornThe Flugel Horn is a more specialist instrument. It is constructed in a more open shape with a very large conical bore giving it a very mellow hornlike sound. It plays at the same pitch as the cornet and trumpet . This instrument is used mainly in the brass band as well as being popular with jazz players who like an alternative sound to the bright trumpet. The sound mixes well with other horns and saxophones. Tenor HornThe tenor horn is a member of the 'saxhorn' family, not to be confused with saxophones! It is pitched in Eb, lower than the cornet and trumpet. In America and the Continent this instrument is known as an altohorn. The tenor horn is played with a larger mouthpiece than the cornet and can be easier to produce sounds at first for the young player. It uses three piston valves like the cornet and trumpet and has a conical bore with a mellow tone. More commonly used in brass bands, it can also be used effectively in wind bands along with French Horns. French HornThe French Horn is different from the Tenor Horn in that it has a very long cylindrical tube with a small funnel shaped mouthpiece and rotary rather than piston operated valves. It is pitched in F and Bb and posseses a considerable range of notes often making it a challenging instrument for a small beginner. It is played in a different position to other brass instruments in that it requires the valves to be played with the left hand while the right hand manipulates the sound produced from the bell. The french horn is used extensively in the orchestra and small ensembles as well as the wind band. Mini French HornDurham Music Service has introduced the 'mini' french horn. This is smaller and more managable than the full sized french horn. It is pitched in Bb but plays from the F horn parts. This makes it easier for younger students to learn the basics and pitch notes more accurately. This provides a step towards progressing to the full sized french horn. It is supplied with a lightweight case and carrying straps. BaritoneLike the Tenor Horn, the Baritone or 'Baritone Horn' is a member of the saxhorn family of brass instruments. It is pitched lower than the tenor horn in Bb a full octave lower than the cornet. For this reason it has a large cup shaped mouthpiece and a long conical tube with a larger bell. The larger mouthpiece is often more comfortable for a beginner to produces a range of notes at first. It produces a lower mellow sound in the tenor and baritone range and is commonly used in brass and wind bands EuphoniumThe Euphonium is the same length tube as the baritone, however it has a much bigger bore which gives it a very sonorous mellow sound. The Euphonium can have an additional 4th valve which helps tuning and extends the lower range of notes. Less commonly known as a 'tenor tuba' the euphonium is at home in brass bands and wind bands as well as becoming a desirable 'soloists' instrument.
 Tenor TromboneThe Tenor Trombone is the same length and pitch as the Baritone. However, instead of valves the trombone uses a slide to alter the pitch of the notes. It has a large cup shaped mouthpiece like the baritone. It has a cylindrical bore which gives it a bright powerful sound however, it can also produce a mellow tone when required. The trombone is used extensively in orchestras, brass bands, wind bands as well as jazz, big and rock bands
 Mini TromboneLike the french horn, the tenor trombone can be a bit cumbersome for the young beginner. So Durham Music Service also uses the 'Mini' trombone. This is a much smaller version of the tenor trombone and is used like the mini horn as an introduction and step towards the full sized trombone for young players.
 Bass TromboneThe Bass Trombone is a specialist instument that playes at the low pitch range, for this reason it has a larger tube and mouthpiece and special valves to extend to the lower range.
 TubaThe Tuba or 'Bass' Tuba is the largest of the brass instruments. It has a very long and wide conical bore (tube) which requires a very large cup shaped mouthpiece. It produces a very round low piched sound which is a vital part to any brass band or wind band. They also have quite an extensive range of notes and can be very melodious in the hands of an accomplished player. The bass tuba is also the lowest member of the orchestra's brass section as well as being used in traditional jazz and umpah bands. Student Model TubaThe Student Model Tuba is used extensively by Durham Music Service. It is a scaled down version of the professional sized tuba. However the young beginner needs to be of a certain size and height to manage this instrument succesfully. Most tuba players start off on a smaller or medium sized brass instrument and are easily able to transfer to the tuba when ready. Tuba cases are usually lightweight and have wheels attached for easier mobility.
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