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Instrumentation
E flat Soprano Cornet serves as the
piccolo voice. The soprano cornet often adds ornamentation and they
generally think of themselves as the star of the show (people do notice
them but generally it is because their faces turn red while playing).
B flat Solo Cornets are the lead voices in the
ensemble. The use of multiple cornets permits players to switch off on
parts that are frequently continuous throughout the entire piece.
Fighting among the solo cornets for position of the loudest is common
and sometimes results in injury.
B flat Second Cornets and B flat Third Cornets
fill out the cornet choir. These are ideal positions for cornets that
can play low notes loud. The ability to play them in tune is preferable,
though not required.
B flat Repiano Cornet is the "roving middle linebacker"
of the section. Often used as a solo voice or doubling the Soprano
Cornet in unison or at the octave. An ideal position for those that are
still seeking to find themselves.
B flat Flugelhorn serves as a bridge to the Tenor
Horns. This instrument frequently provides a voice and is often used as
the top voice in the horn family. These players are generally laid back
and mellow. Remember Chuck Mangione?
E flat Tenor Horns (Solo, First and Second) often
perform as a choir with flugelhorns and baritones. Commonly referred to
as the Alto Horn in the United States and also called a "peck horn"
because they provide the “pah” in “oompah.” An ideal instrument for
people who always have something to interject into any conversation.
B flat Baritones are often doubled with Euphoniums but
work best as lower extensions of the Tenor Horn section. As separate
voices, their ability to blend and add a middle-low voice without
heaviness is a unique feature of the brass band. Baritone players rarely
start out to play the baritone. But after realizing their lips were too
big for the smaller mouthpieces and that there were too many positions
on the trombone, they finally arrived.
B flat Euphoniums are the predominant
solo tenor voices and also function as tutti enforcers with the basses.
Euphonium players must have the range and technical acumen of solo
cornet players, but generally higher SAT scores.
B flat Tenor Trombones provide punch and drive because
of their cylindrical construction. How do they know where to place the
slide? And why are they so good looking (guess which instrument the
webmaster plays)?
Bass Trombone is both a low support for the trombone section
and an additional weight to the tubas. Think of power tools.
E flat Tubas and B flat Tubas give
composers an extraordinary flexibility in dictating the sound of the
bass part. In octaves or fifths, the section can give the brass band an
incredible richness of tone - especially if trying to emulate the sound
of an airplane or train.
Percussionists will cover the entire spectrum of
percussion instruments. Timpani, battery, and mallets are standard for
almost all compositions. They also must have proficiency on kazoos,
slide whistles, bird calls, sirens, brake drums, chimes, cabasa, guiro,
castanets, vibraslap, finger cymbals, suspended cymbals, crash cymbals,
bell tree, wind chime, tam tam, wood blocks, tambourines, cow bell,
maracas, claves, timbales, congas, triangle, egg shakers, bongos, and
lots of other cool toys. They also carry big bags with lots of
sticks, mallets, and other such things.
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