Trumpet versatility news will provide a glimpse of the incredible versatility of the trumpet. So, in my opinion, it is the most versatile wind instrument of all time. It has an incredible range and variety of sound styles, Also, it has been used in virtually every style of music known to mankind. This also includes trumpets in the Bible. The trumpet’s versatility is heard in recordings, live performances, videos, movies, commercials, and ringtones just to mention a few. Behold, the Trumpet!
Brief History of Trumpet Versatility
The trumpet has a history that dates back to shortly after the creation of mankind. The first trumpets were simple ram horns or conch shell blown into to produce sound. So, as time progressed these crude trumpets were replaced by more sophisticated metal instruments. According to Woodwind – brass articles, the first known metal trumpets can be traced back to around 1500 BC. Silver and bronze trumpets were discovered in the tomb of King Tut in Egypt. Also, other ancient versions of the trumpet were found in China, South America, Scandinavia, and Asia. We can assume that they started even earlier than the evidence dates because I’m sure it took time to develop and probably started by blowing into a hollow reed. You can actually get a pretty good tone from a half-inch diameter piece of PVC pipe.
The Advent of the Valves
Initially, the trumpet had limited notes that could be played on it. Then in the 1800s the keys and valves were added which provided the versatility of being able to play any note. Following its new capabilities, composers started writing music that included them. Consequently, the trumpet took its rightful place as a dominant musical instrument.
Trumpet Versatility
The trumpet is used in just about every form of music. The following will be a short list of the various types of music in which the trumpet is used. I will also provide Links to samples of the incredible versatility of the Trumpet.
Baroque Music
Within classical music, you find the Baroque trumpet, also known as one of the Natural Trumpets. It didn’t have the versatility of the modern trumpet but had a unique should well suited for baroque music. See an example of these trumpets and their amazing sound at this Link.
Chamber Music
The next classical music I want to share is chamber music. In this style of classical music, the trumpet and other brass instruments really shine. So you can hear a beautiful example Here.
Classical Music
The standard classical music that we all think of is a trumpet accompanied by an entire orchestra. In this example, I’m sharing a recording of a trumpet solo that I played in Highschool. I did not play it as well as this amazing young woman, but I did earn a Superior Medal for my performance. I actually still have all of my Junior High school and Senior Highschool metals. But, anyway, listen to it the way it was intended to be played Here.
Wait for it… Mariachi Music
This is a truly unique sound and, in my opinion, very exciting and full of life. Further, it’s a truly Mexican form of music that takes trumpet playing to a fun and festive place. So, check out a fun example Here.
Ragtime or Dixieland Music
This form of music was born in the United States and is still very popular in Louisiana. It dates back to the early 1900s and was popular around the same time as Swing music. You’ll find a pretty good example Here. Also, if you want to enjoy a really great and inspiring movie, check out the movie “The Five Pennies” with Danny Kaye and Louise Armstrong. I love that movie and you get to hear great music too. This is Harry James with a great example of swing, Here.
Modern Jazz and Blues Music
This music often has no musical scores and is completely spontaneous. So in this example, you see 4 of the greats, improvising and just playing whatever feels right within a pre-determined or spontaneous key. This is a great example found right Here.
Modern Era Big Band Jazz Music
My personal favorite! It grew from the swing and early jazz era of Glen Miller, Tommy Dorsey, and others into the modern-day Big Band Jazz. With musical greats like Maynard Ferguson and his Orchestra and Doc Severinsen and the Tonight Show Band. So, check out this song. It’s one of my personal favorites, Birdland.
Pop Music
I would be remiss if I left out this music. Because one of my favorite bands had powerful trumpets and brass backing them up and it still sounds amazing. Earth, Wind, and Fire, “September” is a great song, but I hate this video. I just close my eyes and listen.
Other Trumpet Versatility
You can find trumpets playing country music, Irish music, and numerous styles in-between. So, I believe the trumpet is truly the most versatile wind instrument ever. From its simple beginnings as a method to sound alarms and herald leaders and heroes, to the myriad of uses it has today. It is truly an astounding instrument. I’m leaving out so much. Please feel free to explore it further yourself.
On a More Personal Note
As I mentioned, I was a trumpet player. But, please don’t get me confused with these amazing musicians you’ve heard. Especially my favorite, Maynard Ferguson. Because he is a true prodigy that could do almost unbelievable things with a trumpet. But many greats came before him and after him. Both male and female and truly gifted. They are musicians. But I was just a trumpet player. I was very good at the mechanics, but I was sorely lacking in the knowledge of music theory and composition. I was a really good player and won numerous Marching Band, Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, Solo, and Ensemble metals. But the mechanics were all I had, so I never pursued a career in music. Also, I no longer play today.
My Famous Friends
John Allred
Some of my friends did go on to musical carriers. When I was in Junior High School, I had a good friend named John Allred who is today a very amazing trombone player. I’ve added a picture of a little band we were part of in Westridge Junior High School in Orlando, FL. Hence, John was on the left behind the saxophone player, I was standing next to John with my trumpet. This was a crazy wonderful little band. Further, from left to right you’ll see Doug, John, David, Rob on the drums, Chris, Martha on keyboards and crazy Jeff. Several of these band members are still Facebook buddies of mine.
Jim Derrick
My next all-star friend is Jimmy Derick. He goes by Jim now, but he’ll always be Jimmy to me. He went on to do great things too. But he’s best known for being one of the Walt Disney World “Main Street Philharmonic” trumpet players. He also plays for “The Buzzcats” in Orlando, FL. He’s awesome and a great Christian friend. So, here’s a video of Jimmy on Main Street, Walt Disney World. He’s the second person from the left. See him Here.
Nichole Sasser
This is Jimmy’s friend and that’s how I got to know her. She also, at one time played for the “Main Street Philharmonic. She is the wonderful Nichole Sasser who is an amazing trumpet player and singer. As a result of Jimmy knowing her, she’s now one of my Facebook buddies and she’s amazing. Check her music out Here.
My Crowning Moment as a Trumpet Player
My crowning moment was not in front of an audience. I had many experiences with people applauding and congratulating me on my skills. But, my crowning moment came on a football field. We were on the field for Marching Band practice. It was my Junior year of High School. We were practicing a song made famous by Maynard Ferguson called Conquistador. But, the soloist didn’t show up for practice, so the Band director said something like, “well I guess we can’t practice that.” Then my friends spoke up and said, “David can play it.” So, the director agreed to let me try. I was to step out of the band formation, play the solo and then run back into place for the rest of the song.
The Solo
The introduction music began. The Flag Girls made a big circle and laid their flags outward from the center and kneeled down by their flags and I stepped into the circle. I closed my eyes and played and it was just about perfect. So, I turned to run back to my position and the director stopped everything. The Band and the Flag Girls spontaneously broke out in applause and cheers. Then the director made me do it all over again.
How the Experience Touched Me
I’m weeping a little as I write this, again, because I consider it my crowning achievement as a trumpet player. Because my friends were so wonderful to me at that moment. It was awesome! I was so grateful, proud, and humbled by the experience. Consequently, no one heard it except the band, the Flag Girls and the Band Director. This was not the crowning achievement of my life, but it was the crown in my trumpet playing days. So, I will cherish that Oak Ridge High School Marching Band and those beautiful Flag Girls for eternity. Literally, whether death or the rapture takes me, I’m taking this memory to heaven with me and keeping it always.
Concluding Thoughts Concerning Trumpet Versatility
The trumpet is special and precious to me, even though I no longer play. But I am not just biased in my estimation of the trumpet’s versatility. Because it has a truly staggering impact on history, application today, and a rich future. The raw power of its sound is unmatched. Also, the tender melodies it can produce are amazing. It is truly a beautiful, delightfully, and exciting wind instrument. God himself loves the trumpet. According to the Bible, “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” 1 Corinthians 15:52 We will then be forever with the Lord. The word Trumpet is used 104 times in the KJV Bible. There will be trumpets in heaven – count on it.
References
Woodwinds-brass-articles. (n.d.). A Brief History of the Trumpet | Woodwind & Brasswind: The Music Room. Retrieved from https://www.wwbw.com/the-music-room/a-brief-history-of-the-trumpet
