Thinking of Playing Brass?
If you are looking for a new hobby then learning a new instrument can be a great option - and playing in a brass or silver band is the perfect option for people wanting to pick up something new
Why Brass?
Brass is a great choice for learning a new instrument.
Here are just a few reasons why.
Easy to get started 🎺
Brass instruments are great to pick up. You can very quickly make a pleasant sound and it's surprising how quickly new starters can play simple tunes.
Join in straight away 🎶
The beauty of playing in a group means that even players who can only play a few notes can join in and be part of playing something that sounds impressive. Playing together can be much more rewarding than getting frustrated picking up a new solo instrument - and it's much less scary playing in front of an audience for the first time!
Great fun 🙌
Brass instruments are great fun to play and bands have the choice of a huge range of musical genres and styles. At CSB we strive to play interesting fun music with plenty of modern pieces
"A painter paints his pictures on canvas. But musicians paint their pictures on silence." Leopold Stokowski
The Instruments
Not sure which instrument might suit you. Here's a brief guide to the instruments in a brass or silver band - the instruments are the same in both just a different colour!
Cornet
Similar in pitch to a trumpet but with a mellower sound, the cornet is a popular starting instrument.
Flugel
The flugel is a member of the horn family, but looks more like a large cornet. A beautiful instrument with a mellow sound
Horn
With a beautiful warm tone the horn is a middle voice in the band and a common solo instrument.
Baritone
The baritone horn completes the middle section of the band. A great starter instrument with a similar pitch to trombone.
Trombone
Easily recognisable due to having a slide rather than valves. The trombone is an incredibly versatile instrument being welcome in brass and jazz bands as well as orchestral brass sections
Euphonium
The euphonium is a deep mellow instrument which is often used as the solo voice of the lower section of the band.
Bass
Coming in both E flat and B flat variety the bass is the powerhouse of the band. A great fun instrument that gets to play some famous bassline parts!
Drums
Not everyone will realise that percussion is a key part of the band and a traditional drum kit is a common addition to band performances
Percussion
As well as kit drums there are also parts for a wealth of percussion instruments in band pieces. Not sure brass is for you - why not try your hand at percussion!