| The trumpet has always been an integral part of the | | | | of the instrument by bringing out low (cup and plunger) |
| traditional big band, both as a lead instrument and as a | | | | or high (straight and harmon) overtones. The use of |
| soloist. The section consists of four players, with the | | | | mutes can significantly alter the overall sound of the |
| first chair being labeled the "lead" chair and the second | | | | section with a wide variety of colors. Gil Evans was |
| part generally considered the "jazz" chair. Although | | | | one famous arranger that used muted trumpets |
| improvised solos can be played by any of the four | | | | extensively in his arrangements and compositions. |
| players, the second trumpet is usually depended upon | | | | In addition, most professional trumpeters today own a |
| to cover the solos within the section when needed. | | | | flugel horn. This instrument looks like a large trumpet, |
| It is the "lead" trumpet that carries the melody over all | | | | but sounds much more mellow and with a limited high |
| other musicians during full band sections. This important | | | | range. Flugel horns are used primarily for melody, but |
| position carries quite a large responsibility, mainly | | | | can also be used as harmonic pads with the big band. |
| because it is he/she who is called upon to play the | | | | Modern writers such as Maria Schneider utilize flugel |
| highest notes within the ensemble sections. | | | | horns in this role quite often |
| Melodic and Harmonic Roles | | | | Famous Big Band Trumpeters and Sections |
| In traditional big band repertoire, the trumpet section | | | | Trumpet players and big band trumpet sections can be |
| provides both melodic and harmonic roles. Melodies | | | | found throughout the history of jazz. Maynard |
| can be played by one or up to all four players at one | | | | Ferguson, for example, made his debut with the Stan |
| time. Melodic roles are often coupled with instruments | | | | Kenton Orchestra during the 1950s. Maynard played |
| of similar timbre, such as the alto saxophone. As a | | | | lead trumpet and was featured as a high note virtuoso |
| melodic instrument, the trumpet is generally in the | | | | at a young age. He later went on to lead his own big |
| middle range when matched with other instruments. | | | | and small bands for more than half a century. High |
| The upper register is used for full ensemble sections | | | | note artists such as Stan Mark and Lynn Nicholson |
| where the lead player must carry the melody over the | | | | were members of famous Maynard Ferguson trumpet |
| rest of the band. | | | | sections. |
| When fulfilling a harmonic role, the section is usually | | | | Bill Chase led one of the more famous trumpet |
| voiced in either three or four distinct parts. Since the | | | | sections in the 1960s with the Woody Herman |
| trumpets are set in the upper register of the ensemble, | | | | orchestra. Known for his high range, Bill Chase |
| they have the responsibility of covering the upper | | | | provided the high note excitement for the band. In 1974, |
| extensions of the given chord. In harmonic roles, the | | | | Chase met an untimely death in a plane crash near a |
| section often extends the basic chord tones (i.e. root, | | | | small airport in Minnesota, Among the most famous |
| 3rd, seventh) that are played by the trombone and | | | | trumpet sections of all time might have been in the |
| saxophone sections. These upper extensions often | | | | Duke Ellington Orchestra. Cootie Williams and Cat |
| take the form of a simple triad when played alone, but | | | | Anderson filled soloist and high note roles, respectively, |
| create sophisticated extended chords when playing | | | | for Duke's band for many years. Duke often wrote |
| with saxophone and trombones. | | | | entire compositions to feature Cootie (Concerto for |
| Mutes and Utility Instruments | | | | Cootie) on trumpet. |
| Modern trumpeters today are expected to own and | | | | The trumpet will always play an integral role within the |
| carry a variety of mutes to alter the sound of the | | | | realm of big band jazz ensemble music. Because of |
| instrument. In every trumpeter's bag are a straight | | | | this, skilled lead players and gifted soloists will always |
| mute, a cup mute, a harmon mute and plunger. Each of | | | | be in demand in the jazz and commercial music |
| these "tools" are designed to alter the color and sound | | | | industry. |