Buzzing Techniques

maestro76 · 07-23-2007, 02:29 PM

Hi All! I am looking for suggestions on some buzzing techniques for early high school brass players. Band camp is in a couple weeks and I would like to introduce some new ideas to the kiddos. Any thoughts?

Chuck

Vulgano Brother · 07-23-2007, 02:47 PM

Buzzing without the mouthpiece can be dangerous at any age, as it can be a quick way to learn some bad habits very quickly. Even when taught properly, it is real easy to say to oneself "I know this isn't how they showed me, and said it was cheating, but it works for me" and doubly so for teenagers.

Buzzing with the mouthpiece can be challenge enough.

Expanding siren calls can be great for air flow and flexibility.
Matching a pitch or an interval is great for the ears.
Playing a note on the mouthpiece and slowly introducing the instrument is good for control.

When playing a scale or melody, a slight, short glissando between notes is desirable.

I'd encourage using the mouthpiece only for short periods of time as part of a warm up. Later it can be used to diagnose wrong notes (if we can't hear it we can't buzzit; if we can buzz it we can play it).

Have fun with all those eager brass players!

Walter · 07-23-2007, 03:16 PM

I don't know a lot about buzzing but find that if my tone goes off a bit I use a B.E.R.P for a few minutes and it seems to refocus my embrochure...this web site has lots of information if you search around it The All New ULTIMATE B.E.R.P. ....FWIW

Walter

rowuk · 07-23-2007, 03:36 PM

I second the Vulgano buzz approach.
For kids it is a great way to get the juices flowing without the noise level. For it to be of any use at all, it must be played "seriously". Just making bumblebee sounds with any old lip position can do much more harm than good. The best way to buzz is with a mirror.

RG111 · 07-23-2007, 05:14 PM

For clinic situations I have given each student a copy of a well known tune and had them sing it on a neutral sylable, buzz it, and then play it on the trumpet. Results are usually immediate, and it sure gets their attention!

Roy Griffin

07-23-2007, 02:29 PM	#1 (permalink)
maestro76 New Friend Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Illinois Brand: Bach Strad Posts: 15	Buzzing Techniques Hi All! I am looking for suggestions on some buzzing techniques for early high school brass players. Band camp is in a couple weeks and I would like to introduce some new ideas to the kiddos. Any thoughts? Chuck
	__________________ Bach Strad 43 Bach 1/2c Schilke 14a4

07-23-2007, 02:47 PM	#2 (permalink)
Vulgano Brother Moderator Fortissimo User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Home Posts: 2,967	Re: Buzzing Techniques Buzzing without the mouthpiece can be dangerous at any age, as it can be a quick way to learn some bad habits very quickly. Even when taught properly, it is real easy to say to oneself "I know this isn't how they showed me, and said it was cheating, but it works for me" and doubly so for teenagers. Buzzing with the mouthpiece can be challenge enough. Expanding siren calls can be great for air flow and flexibility. Matching a pitch or an interval is great for the ears. Playing a note on the mouthpiece and slowly introducing the instrument is good for control. When playing a scale or melody, a slight, short glissando between notes is desirable. I'd encourage using the mouthpiece only for short periods of time as part of a warm up. Later it can be used to diagnose wrong notes (if we can't hear it we can't buzzit; if we can buzz it we can play it). Have fun with all those eager brass players! Last edited by Vulgano Brother : 07-23-2007 at 05:51 PM. Reason: spelling
	__________________ "A tool good enough to be so used and not too good" C.S. Lewis That Hideous Strength www.letsbuildhope.org

07-23-2007, 03:16 PM	#3 (permalink)
Walter Pianissimo User Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 230	Re: Buzzing Techniques I don't know a lot about buzzing but find that if my tone goes off a bit I use a B.E.R.P for a few minutes and it seems to refocus my embrochure...this web site has lots of information if you search around it The All New ULTIMATE B.E.R.P. ....FWIW Walter

07-23-2007, 03:36 PM	#4 (permalink)
rowuk Moderator Fortissimo User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Germany Brand: Nat, Piston, Rotary Posts: 3,923	Re: Buzzing Techniques I second the Vulgano buzz approach. For kids it is a great way to get the juices flowing without the noise level. For it to be of any use at all, it must be played "seriously". Just making bumblebee sounds with any old lip position can do much more harm than good. The best way to buzz is with a mirror.
	__________________ Whenever I feel blue, I start breathing again.

07-23-2007, 05:14 PM	#5 (permalink)
RG111 Piano User Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 261	Re: Buzzing Techniques For clinic situations I have given each student a copy of a well known tune and had them sing it on a neutral sylable, buzz it, and then play it on the trumpet. Results are usually immediate, and it sure gets their attention! Roy Griffin
RG111 Piano User Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 261

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