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The Trumpet – An Overview

The trumpet is the newest and most recent musical instrument introduced to the modern-day mariachi ensemble.
Though the cornet started in the late 1920s, the trumpet in the mariachi ensemble eventually replaced the cornet in the
1930s. The history of this brass instrument spans many centuries. Did you know that in Egypt, a silver and bronze
trumpet type was found in King Tutankhamen’s (Tut’s ) tomb? It is interesting to know that people from around the world
have been using some kind of wind instrument or object to produce a sound for many, many years. The early civilizations
in Mexico, Central, and South America would use conch shells, large snail shells, or make a clay-type flute or animal-e!gy
(sculpture) ocarina for military or religious exercises. Some of these early objects were made with only a 1-note pitch and
others with up to 5 notes. In early mariachi recordings, as well as other early genre musical recordings, the
instrumentation of violins, guitars, and harps did not record very well because of the not-yet refined recording practices.
The trumpet was introduced to the mariachi in the 1930s because of its recording sound capabilities. The sound was
focused and loud. “Miguel Martinez is considered the creator of the mariachi-style trumpet performer and teacher”. The
modern trumpet is constructed of brass tubing. It produces sound by blowing air through closed lips into a mouthpiece
creating a “buzz”. The Trumpet has piston valves to lengthen and shorten the length of the tubing to lower or raise the
pitch. The embouchure (the lip opening and tension on the mouthpiece) also aids in pitch selection and execution. Single,
double, and triple tonguing is an important technique for the mariachi trumpet player. The role of the trumpet in the
mariachi ensemble is to provide melodic lines. Extensive training in breathing and playing techniques is crucial in the
stylization of this genre of music. Most mariachi ensembles will have at least one trumpet player while large show groups
may have up to three trumpet players. The trumpet section usually plays the lead, in harmony, and at times, counter
melodies to the violin section. Since it is a loud instrument, many people associate the trumpet with the mariachi as a
required instrument and also an instrument that characterizes the mariachi. But we all know that the trumpet was
introduced to the mariachi ensemble in the 1930s. The instrumentation roots of the modern-day mariachi ensemble
started with the Harp, Guitarra de Golpe, Vihuela Mexicana, and Violin.

Trumpet Fingering Chart

Trumpet/CornetFingeringChart

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How is the trumpet played? Check out our post How to

Hold Your Brass Instrument: Tips and Reminders

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