In chapter 11 the book talks about how to properly play each instrument.

The trumpet

players left hand wraps the fingers around the valve tubing and puts the pinky in the ring or the

valve slide. The thumb of the left hand goes in the other valve slide. The right hand cups, which

allows fingertips to push valves straight down. The instrument must be predominately played

mostly downward angle so that it doesnt put more pressure on top lip. The trumpet along with

all other instruments other than the tuba should be practiced sitting along with standing.

The Horn can be played in two positions, the upright position and the position with bell

resting on the leg. The first is better for players to sound their best. Left hand is cupped to allow

fingertips on the valves, thumb is on lever. Right hand is made into a tight knifehand and then is

cupped. The hand is inserted into the bell only knuckles deep and is pressed against the far

wall. The hand is moved to more free space or less based on character of playing desired. The

mouthpiece is to be played at downward angle.

The trombone is held and supported by left hand. Left palm is placed on top of receiver.

Thumb is under receiver and brace while other fingers wrap around brace and barrel. The

positions of the slide for notes depends on the player using their ear to figure it out, through

practice and with ensembles. Usually for trombone players positions 2 and 5 are the two

hardest to hit. Move bell and slide to left of the stand.

The Euphonium is held diagonally with bottom pressed into hip for stability. The right

hand is cupped so that fingertips press the valves. The left hand reaches around the front to grip

far tubing on right side where there is compensating fourth valve is to be played by index finger.

Left hand holds weight of instrument. The instrument is to be held up off the leg so that the body

is straight up and can breathe freely.

 The tuba held by resting it on the thighs. The right hand position is either on top of top

action valves or is around the tubes to where the valves are in front action. Left hand grabs first

valve slide to control intonation. The player should maintain a straight posture.

Chapter 12 covers how to teach beginners to play brass instruments. First, teachers

must check for students is that the instrument and mouthpiece is at adequate level for them.

This means checking instrument for: dents in important parts, working valves, and for air leaks.

Then musicians should have a mouthpiece that is fitting for level, which is commonly medium

cup and depth. Once passed through these inspections the instrument should have a proper

case to protect from damage.

The first lesson should consist of students learning how to buzz a note on the

mouthpiece and then producing a sound on instrument at the end. Explain that sound for brass

is produced by air moving through vibrating lips. The student should say tu while blowing air

through to create buzz. Then teacher correctly positions mouthpiece onto students lips.

Students should listen to buzzed note from teacher and then should try to imitate. Later, if

students are not sounding correct pitch have them use ee at the end to raise the pitch or ah

to lower the pitch. Then teach students to move up and down pitches on mouthpieces. Next

teach students how to start pitch with air and tongue and then teach them to stop it only by air.

The teacher should demonstrate assembly of instrument including mouthpiece. Then have them

play note through the instrument. Then demonstrate good and bad sound, so that the student

knows the difference. Teachers should explain plainly how to breathe for playing an instrument.

For inhaling use comparisons of balloons so they picture filling from bottom up. Exhaling

shouldnt need to be explained in depth. Teacher needs to explain how to empty the instrument

of condensation. Done by demonstrating: tilt right, push valves down, put bottom lip under
mouthpiece, pull slide and blow air. Lastly, teacher should explain and demonstrate how to put

up instruments.

In Second lesson students should begin to learn more pitches. This will allow them to

learn easy tunes. Later lessons should consist on working on good tone, tempos, and other

musical elements. Throughout all lessons the teacher should have the student play by

themselves every lesson to hear them play. Teachers need to make sure they have available

another level of teaching to prepare the students for college auditions. The teacher needs to be

knowledgeable and able to demonstrate great tone along with great technique to better prepare

their students.