The trumpet has a very familiar sound long associated with ceremony, from weddings and military funerals to inaugurations and coronations. It is perhaps the most versatile of all the winds, and can be heard in music of a great many other styles as well. As with the rest of the brass family, the sound is produced by buzzing one’s lips into the mouthpiece. The characteristic tone of a trumpet is full and focused, and can project strongly through even the largest of ensembles.

• valve oil
• tuning slide grease
• a mouthpiece brush
• a valve casing brush
• your band method book
• a flexible cleaning brush ("snake")
• a polish cloth
• a music stand

Some things to remember:

1. Please keep your trumpet in its case when not in use.
2. Please do not let anyone else play your trumpet.
3. Before you play, put two drops of valve oil on each valve. Be sure to replace each valve in its proper casing, with the valve guide securely slotted in the groove on the inside of the casing.
4. As necessary, lubricate your tuning slides with tuning slide grease. Don’t forget to move all of your slides in and out every day to keep them from sticking in place.
5. Never “pop” your mouthpiece into the receiver with your hand. If it gets stuck, you will have to bring your instrument to the repair shop to have the mouthpiece safely removed.
6. After you play, evacuate any collected moisture from inside the instrument by using the water keys on the main tuning slide and the third valve slide.
7. Clean your mouthpiece regularly with your mouthpiece brush, the leadpipe and tuning slides with your flexible cleaning brush (“snake” brush), and the valve casings with your valve casing brush. Rinse well with warm water.
8. Remember, practice is an essential part of playing an instrument. Give it your best, and you will be amazed how rapidly you progress!

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