Mr Ball’s Brass Demonstration

The whole school enjoyed a lively demonstration, by peripatetic music teacher Mr Ball, of the wonderful array of instruments available to learn at school. Mr Ball started with the smallest instrument of the family, the trumpet, before working through the cornet, baritone horn, trombone and tuba. His demonstration of each instrument showed how its role in an orchestra or ensemble can influence the decision which instrument to learn: the higher pitched trumpet, cornet and baritone horn often carry the melody of a piece of music whilst the huge and very deep tuba takes the bassline. The trombone is the loudest instrument of the brass family and lends itself perfectly to big band and jazz numbers. Mr Ball was ably assisted in his demonstration by Archie Powell whose super duet with Mr Ball showcased Archie’s wonderfully miniaturised ‘pocket trumpet’. Any pupil wishing to take up music lessons with Mr Ball, even just on a trial basis, should contact Mrs Ford in the Music Department.