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Trumpet Equipment 3
Trumpet Equipment 3
Trumpet Equipment 3
Trumpet Mutes
By Adrian Griffin
Playing with a Mute siveness, and correcting the intonation. Mutes in the Bandroom
A mute in the bell of a hrass instru- It also takes skill to make rapid changes A director who has limited experi-
ment changes or distorts the sound in without dropping or clanking the mute. ence with brass instruments should
a particular way, and mutes construct- By working with a tuner students can consult with experienced players when
ed of cardboard, aluminum, brass, cop- determine how much to adjust the tun- selecting a uniform brand of mute in
per, synthetic polymers, or a combina- ing slide, typically about 1A inch on the each style. Some schools purchase
tion of materials produce subtle differ- main tuning slide. If they mark the tun- matched sets of mutes for students to
ences in sound. On rare occasions ing slide with a pencil they will have a use, but if the budget precludes this,
players use a cloth bag or other soft fast reference to the correct point. students should buy the prescribed
material to mute the sound quality. Playing clean articulations with a mutes at the beginning of the school
It takes practice for students to learn mute in takes more air and heavier year. When seeking the advice of pro-
the adjustments to play well with a tonguing. When the mute is removed, fessional brass players or teachers, be
mute, adjusting to a different respon- articulations will seem much easier. sure to explain which pieces or styles
of music the ensemble will perform.
Mutes have no place in a beginning
band year. Generally seventh grade is
the time to introduce mutes, and
straight mutes are adequate for every-
thing but a jazz program, which at any
level will need a complete set of
straight, cup, harmon, and plunger
mutes. In high school students will
probably use four types of mutes to play
the broad range of literature.
Some jazz and classical pieces will
call for specialized mutes to create spe-
cific colors. For example a very hushed
band or orchestral passage might
necessitate a specialty mute such as a
Denis Wick wooden mute. It is pru-
dent to tell the local music store what
mutes you have specified so these will
be on hand when students arrive.
(above) Derby hat mutes add During Performance
an interesting visual effect to It is prudent to order mute racks to
the change in sound color. reduce the clatter. During quick
changes a trumpet player can put the
(above right) In a jazz piece an mute between the legs, under a knee or
indication for a harmon mute in an armpit. If a mute rack isn't avail-
generally means it should be able I suggest placing the mutes on a
played without a stem, but in a black or charcoal-colored towel. For
classical piece the assumption those who play standing up, place it on
is that the stem should be in. a flat music stand at waist height.
When sitting try folding a towel sever-
(right) A practice mute seals al times and place the towel an mute
the end of the bell so sound on the floor.
can only pass through small Before inserting a mute into the
vent holes. trumpet be sure to blow warm air into
the bell; the cork will stay in place
50 THE INSTRUMENTALIST / OCTOBER 2007
better with the resulting condensation. carry them in a mute tote bag, which versatility in sound. Metal straight
The mute should be inserted firmly to can safely hold several mutes. These mutes have a more defined and consis-
compress the corks for a secure fit, A bags are relatively inexpensive and tent sound color across the dynamic
slight twist will lock the mute in place. will hold other accessories as well. range. For passages played by several
With a practice or a harmon mute Some players wrap each mute indi- muted trumpets, using the same model
there should be an airtight seal against vidually in a sock or cloth, but moving will produce a unified sound and con-
the bell; with other mutes there will be and rubbing in a tote bag rarely dam- sistent intonation.
a gap between the mute and bell in the ages them. Some of the more expen-
areas between the corks. Some straight sive models come in a cloth bag, which Types of Trumpet Mutes
and cup mutes have felt around the top protects the finish but offers little A straight mute may be either cone
of the mutes, which minimizes noises cushioning. A good tote bag is still my or pear shaped. It produces the sizzling,
while inserting the mute. It also pro- first choice. distant sound that suits the opening of
tects the bell from small scratches. If a mute develops a leak along a Respighi's Pines of Rome or the open-
When a mute keeps slipping out of a seam, try blowing into the mute to feel ing trumpet solo of Shostakovich's
bell, it may be the result of too little where the air comes out. The leak may Symphony #1. A trumpet plays sharp
moisture or worn corks that provide poor be sealed with epoxy, but it may have with a straight mute, so move the tun-
traction. A few gentle rubs with fine to be replaced. ing slide out a bit to compensate.
sandpaper will roughen the cork surface. Aluminum straight mutes (below)
If the corks have become compressed Mute Materials and Sound produce the most traditional tone. The
over time, they should be replaced. Dirty Mutes made of aluminum have the
or oily corks can be cleaned with rub- brightest sound; brass is warmer and
bing alcohol; do not use water which more mellow, but copper produces the
evaporates slowly and may cause the warmest, richest sound. The familiar
corks to swell. red and white mutes are made of lexan
polycarbonate and may be known as
Care of Mutes stonelined. These are virtually impos-
Some wear and tear is inevitable, sible to dent, but the sound is some-
including dents, but mutes should be what duller than more resonant metal
protected as much as possible because mutes. Jazz players often use the stone-
major dents change the fits and vibra- lined variety of straight mute because
tions, a leak will distort the intonation the sound color changes across the
and response. The best protection is to dynamic range to provide the greater
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