WildTrumpet

Hey TK,

I've been having an argument with a fellow trumpeter about use of the harmon mute in musicals. The way I understand it is like this...

When the book says "harmon", that means "harmon with stem out". If is says "wa wa" or "wah" over the note(s), that means "harmon with stem in". Can you please clarify this? How is it done on Broadway?

Also, when the book says "hat" or "in hat", what kind of hat do you use? I have always used the red and white stone lined "derby", but I have seen others hang a baseball cap from their bell. What is the Broadway standard for "hats"?

Thanks for the help.

tedh1951

Hey Alex,

Great question. I have a brace of mutes and also struggle to know the exact intonation each gives and when and where it/they should be used. Is there anyone out there amongst all you TMers who can help?

kadleck

Alex -

My guess is that you are correct. "Harmon" (to me) means no stem. (The exception might be some "classical" shows, though most writers are pretty good about saying, "with stem" if they want it.)

I just finished doing a show that had "harmon - stem 1/2 extended" in it. (Kind of a pain.)

Often the style of music dictates the use of the stem. In the 1930's, almost all harmon mute stuff was with a stem. Later on the opposite was true.

We usually just play in the stand or off mic when we see "in hat". Though certain writers (like Don Sebesky) insist on us using the stone lined derby. It is a cool sound but a drag to use.

Thanks -
Tony

WildTrumpet

Thanks for the responses. Sometimes, just when you think you have figured out "the rules", they change on you. I have always found it best to let my ear by my guide.

If you're interested, when the part calls for "hat", I have recently been draping my polishing cloth over the bell. It has a really nice sound! I was quite surprised. I have one of those 2-layered polishing cloths, so it is a bit thicker. You might want to try it just for fun.