Posted by middle school band director on February 26, 2008 at 11:41:55:
In Reply to: Trumpets not playing higher than a D above Middle C posted by Melinda on February 21, 2008 at 09:44:45:
Buzzing does not produce the sound, the air does. Have them say the word toe, tah, tee. Ask them where their tongues are for each syllable (low, middle, high). Ask them if they have ever heard a cat hiss. Demonstrate "heeee". Higher notes use a high "teeee" tongue placement with a hiss. Make sure they have very light pressure on the lips with the mouthpiece and that their corners are forward in the French "tu" position. Have them sing on the proper syllables before they play the notes.With young kids they should just copy after you demonstrate so they don't get confused. Then add the trumpet. If this doesn't work, looks like you may have a great Baritone horn section!