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Trumpet guy · 07-09-2008, 01:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldlips48

I've done some searching of the forums and I've come across great discussions on approaches to transposing and the different key trumpets that have been developed through the years (Robin, your knowledge in this area is amazing!). But none answered the (I think fundamental) question I have.

Why are trumpet students taught to read a C on the page when the tone coming out of the trumpet is Bb?

I learned trombone in high school to play in the jazz band and they are written in concert pitch, why isn't the same done with trumpets?

Thanks in advance,
Steve

I think this is because it makes more sense for the fundamental pitch to be labeled "C" as the C is one of the basics of music. Do is C. Piano students are taught notes in reference to middle C.
I find that Trombone, Euphonium, and Tuba are the ones written strangely. Every other instrument has it's fundamental pitch written as C. Written C on an F horn is concert F. Written C on an Eb Trumpet is concert Eb. But Trombone, Euphonium and Tuba are Bb instruments, yet they are notated like C instruments where written C is concert C. Although I believe British Brass Bands have everything written in Bb for all Bb instruments.