Lincoln High School Music

HistoryInstruments of the Orchestra Series:

The Trumpet

Instructor, Nicholas Marzuola

The TrumpetThe Power of the Orchestra

History of the Trumpet The Trumpet can be

traced as far back as prehistoric times

In Ancient Rome, there was a circular trumpet called the Cornu

More History of the Trumpet The first known

manufactured trumpet was found in King Tutankhamen’s tomb. Its made of bronze and has a metal mouthpiece.

History of the Trumpet Continued The trumpet was

mainly used to announce royalty or call soldiers to battle in medieval times.

Composers saw the value in the trumpet’s sound, and started to use them in ensembles.

Eventually, the trumpet found its way into the orchestra.

Today, trumpets are mainly played in bands, orchestras and jazz ensembles.

The Bb Trumpet The Bb Trumpet is

mainly used in jazz and bands. This is because the trumpet has a brighter sound and provides a “cutting” character to the ensemble

The C Trumpet The C trumpet is used

in Orchestras and other “classical” ensembles. It has a mellow sound compared to the Bb and is played In most orchestras today.

Other Trumpets Other trumpets can be

tuned to Eb, F, G or other lengths. Also, there are piccolo trumpets, which produce a high and bright tone.

Top Orchestral Trumpet Sections Chicago New York Cleveland London Vienna

Adolph Herseth- Chicago Adolph Herseth played

principal trumpet in the Chicago symphony for many years.

He is considered one of the greatest orchestral players of all time.

Michael Sachs- Cleveland Michael Sachs plays

principal trumpet for the Cleveland Orchestra, and teaches at the Cleveland Institute of music.

Phil Smith- New York Philharmonic Phil Smith played

principal for the New York Philharmonic.

He has recordings of trumpet excerpts for students to use.

Orchestral Literature for Trumpet

Pictures at an Exhibition- Mussorgsky Mahler Symphony No. 3- Mahler Mahler Symphony No. 5- Mahler Brandenburg Concerto 2- Bach Also Sprach Zarathustra- R. Strauss

An American in Paris Trumpet Excerpt

Sources Cleveland Orchestra Website Chicago Symphony Website New York Philharmonic Website The International Trumpet Guild