How to Play Louder

oldenick · Posted: Fri Sep 21, 2018 10:54 am Post subject:

This exercise was given to me in college when I was playing 2nd on Beethoven 9 with the principal players from the local symphony. I was flat out not loud enough.

I was given half note exercises from the front of the Arban but any phrase will work.

Play an 8 bar phrase at full volume right up to the point of the sound breaking up.

Then repeat the phrase as softly as possible.

Play again at full volume. Your fortissimo will be louder and your sound will be better. Repeat but don’t overdo it.

In time your loud gets louder without sacrificing a good sound.

Worked for me and my students. Don’t see why it wouldn’t work with a section.

Good Luck
Nick
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PacoTheTrumpeter · Posted: Fri Sep 21, 2018 11:11 am Post subject:

I have zero concern for the marching band aesthetic. My concern is for the quality of musical sound, and how easy and efficient sound production is for a player. I am not particularly concerned about the embouchure, per se, either. A cursory examination of what happens to one's sound when adjusting the angle of the upper body up and down or from side to side should be enough to show anyone with a decent quality sound and working ears that every postural change has an audible consequence. Only in one or possibly a few basic positions can any trumpeter play with maximum efficiency, and only for a relatively small number of people will that be a position that fits the marching band aesthetic. If you want to intentionally spend time in bizarre positions that are detrimental to your development as a trumpet player and that sap your resonance, so be it, but please don't pretend there are not negative effects for a significant number of physical types.

kehaulani · Posted: Fri Sep 21, 2018 11:43 am Post subject:

I'm having a little problem following this thread. PacoTheTrumpeter, what weird configuration and what post are you referring to?
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JoseLindE4 · Heavyweight Member Joined: 18 Apr 2003 Posts: 791

If horn angle and comfort is an issue, mouthpieces can be bent by good repairmen for not a lot of money.

I would start with quality of sound. There's a spot in every note that is efficient, resonant, easy, and jumps out of the horn. Sometimes this is referred to as the "center." Bending a note up and down until it rings out usually is a revelation for the player. They often aren't really sure what a trumpet should sound like behind the bell. One they find that sound, have them chase it always.

Nate · Regular Member Joined: 30 Jun 2018 Posts: 31

Might the playing register have any bearing? -- that is, the high playing is being heard more than the lower parts? I hear that in some of the groups in which I've played. I also wonder if more horns might be helpful -- or at least more 2nds (if they can find them), esp. if the more accomplished or mature players are playing first?

bike&ed · Heavyweight Member Joined: 24 Dec 2004 Posts: 1837

cheiden · Posted: Sat Sep 22, 2018 1:09 pm Post subject:

1) Work on a clear and ringing tone. I think it carries better.

2) Work in intonation. Sections and ensembles are louder when pitches line up.

Never blow so hard that 1) or 2) take a hit.

Also, my teacher likes to say that you can't tune a bad tone, and I believe him.

3) Balance soft practice, flexibilities and an otherwise well-rounded routine against loud to refine the embouchure. Too much loud/high and the chops spread making everything harder.

Add me to the list of those critical of insisting on a high horn angle. Sure it makes a difference in competitive marching, but when it seems obvious that it can stunt the development of some players, the choice is easy. Unless you're marching DCI, put the bell where it objectively works best for the player.
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Schilkes22 · Posted: Mon Sep 24, 2018 6:40 pm Post subject:

Horns are now clean. I've really been focusing on intonation and helping them hear it for themselves. They are making some improvement. I have also come to the conclusion that they( the younger ones) have never been asked to play loud before. I'm pretty sure that they had never tried it. Thanks for all the help. I just wanted to make sure there wasn't something I was missing.
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Sharkbaitboi · Posted: Mon Sep 24, 2018 7:15 pm Post subject:

Next step is to buy them Monette mouthpieces. Thatll do the trick

kevin_soda · Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2018 10:43 am Post subject: