THE ORCHESTRA: A USER'S MANUAL

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Introduction Orchestration Orchestration Resources Historical Andrew Hugill
  Philharmonia

TRUMPET


Section: Brass
Transposing? Yes

Construction
Range
Articulations
Effects
Mutes
Extended
Player's Tips and Tricks

Links

Mutes

NAME
DESCRIPTION
NOTATION
LISTEN/VIEW
COMMENTS
straight
Cone shaped object (usually metal) with three pieces of cork to hold it in the bell of the trumpet
mute
(It. con sordina Germ. mit Dämpfer Fr. avec sourdine)
straight mute Be sure to instruct the player to remove the mute when no longer required.
bucket
Bucket-shaped mute filled with cloth which clips over the bell of the trumpet
bucket
bucket mute Be sure to instruct the player to remove the mute when no longer required. Allow lots of time to attach a bucket mute!
cup
Cup-shaped cardboard inserted into bell of trumpet
cup
cup mute Be sure to instruct the player to remove the mute when required.
harmon
Metal mute wrapped in cork and inserted into bell of trumpet. The mute has a stem which is normally fully inserted, but may be pulled out or removed entirely. A 'waa-waa' effect may also be achieved by using the hand to cover and uncover the stem opening.

harmon
- stem out
- remove stem
- waa-waa (+ = shut, o = open)

harmon mute
waa-waa effect
It is best to clarify what you mean by 'stem out' with a note in the score. As with all mutes, allow time for inserting and removing, and indicate when the player is required to remove the mute at the end of a muted passage. The harmon mute makes a quiet sound!
plunger
A plumber's plunger held over the bell of the trumpet and opened or shut
plunger
(+ = shut, o = open)
plunger mute Be sure to instruct the player to put down the mute when no longer required.