Wind instruments: Brass instruments - 3º EP

 

Remember that wind instruments are divided into two types: brass and woodwind, which are related to the materials from which they are made. In the case of brass instruments, they are mainly made of metal.

Brass Instruments

Brass instruments are wind musical instruments composed of a metal tube (usually brass), which may be bent or straight, a mouthpiece, and a bell at the end opposite the mouthpiece. Although these instruments are made of metal, most of them have ancestors taken from nature, such as conch shells, hollow branches or the horns of some animals.

Some of the most common brass instruments are:

- Trumpet: The trumpet is the highest pitched brass instrument. It is played by blowing air through a mouthpiece and using valves to change the effective length of the tube, producing different notes.

- Trombone: The trombone has a long, straight tube with a wide bell at the end. Unlike most brass winds, the trombone does not have valves. Instead, the player changes the pitch of the note by using a sliding stick.

-Tuba: The tuba is the lowest brass instrument.

- French Horn: Its tube is long and rolled into a circle with a large bell. It is played by holding the hand on the bell to change the pitch and using valves to alter the length of the tube.

Valves, rods and pistons

Wind instruments obtain their sound by blowing more or less hard with their lips resting on a mouthpiece. These instruments obtain musical notes by lengthening tubes with rods, like the trombone, or with valves and pistons, like the trumpet, French horn, or tuba. Wind instruments obtain their sound by blowing more or less hard with their lips resting on a mouthpiece. These instruments obtain musical notes by lengthening tubes with rods, like the trombone, or with valves and pistons, like the trumpet, French horn, or tuba.

Mouthpiece: Brass instruments sound when blowing with the lips resting on a mouthpiece.

Valves and pistons: They lengthen or shorten the sound of the French horn, trumpet and tuba.

Rod: Lengthens or shortens the tube of the trombone.

Brass instruments are essential in many bands and orchestras, providing both brightness and power as well as depth and resonance in the brass section. Their versatility makes them suitable for a wide variety of musical styles, from classical music to jazz and popular music.