About the Trumpet
Trumpets were first seen over 3,500 years ago and were even found in Tutankhamun's burial chamber in Egypt. The earliest examples were made of wood or shell and have no valves as these were not added until around 1820. Modern trumpets are now usually made of brass.
If we were to unravel the tubing we would find it is around 2 metres (6 1/2 feet) long.
The notes are changed by pressing down different combinations of the valves. This adds and subracts different lengths of extra tubing, effectively make the pipe longer or shorter.
Trumpets and Cornets are quite similar. They both belong to the brass family and are played by blowing into a mouthpiece and pressing down valves to change notes. Trumpets appear slightly bigger although the tubing is exactly the same length.
Smaller children may wish to start with the Cornet which is more compact.
Trumpets can be found in a wide variety of groups, including concert bands, big bands, jazz bands and orchestras.
Listen to the Trumpet
More useful information
Trumpet maintenance is fairly minimal. Periodically you will need to oil the valves to keep them moving freely. From time to time wash the instrument inside and out with warm soapy water and rinse thoroughly.
To avoid clogging up the instrument try not to eat or drink anything sugary before playing.
Remember to return it to its case each time after you've finished playing.
For more information on looking after your trumpet click here.
