What are the trumpet notes for pink panther?

Will a bigger or smaller mouthpiece for trumpet affect the range of notes I can play?

• I've been playing a trumpet for several years now, and in order to play lower or higher notes, I've been considering getting bigger and smaller mouthpieces. However would a big mouthpiece dramatically let me play lower notes, and a small mouthpiece dramatically let me play higher notes?

• Answer:

  You have received some good advice, so far. I would like to add to what has already been said. When choosing a mouthpiece, our primary concern should be to improve upon our playing characteristics, in order to gain more efficiency. Among those are articulation, flexibility, intonation, accuracy, endurance, and a good sound throughout our entire range. As for the subject of range itself, that depends upon the type of music that you play most of the time. For instance, if you are playing lead trumpet in a jazz ensemble, you will want to use a mouthpiece that is efficient for playing with some consistency in the upper range. If you are playing in a brass quintet, or something more classical, you will want to use a mouthpiece that is efficient and lets you blend well with the other players in the group. I use a mouthpiece with the same rim for Bb, C, D/Eb trumpet, and flugelhorn. Only if I play piccolo trumpet do I change the diameter. However, the rim itself has the same shape or profile. My range is basically the same, no matter what mouthpiece I use. However, as a professional player, if what I am playing requires more of a "commercial" sound, I play the mouthpiece that fits my needs for that type of music. That mouthpiece has a fairly shallow cup. If what I'm going to be playing requires a fuller sound, I use a mouthpiece with a deeper cup to produce the sound that I need to blend with the group. So, your first step will be to find a rim and a diameter that works for you and stick with it. When you find that rim, many of your playing characteristics will improve immediately. The following statements are very important: However, when we make a change, we have to keep in mind that what is allowing us to play well on the new mouthpiece, initially, is the muscle memory from the one we've been playing. It takes 3 to 6 weeks to completely adapt or acclimate to a new mouthpiece. Additionally, it is important to find a company that offers mouthpieces with different cup, rim, and backbore options, to help you meet your needs. Shallow mouthpieces enhance the higher overtones, while a mouthpiece with a deeper cup enhances the lower overtones. Keep in mind that what you gain on one end, you will tend to lose on the other. Changing mouthpieces can be a very expensive proposition. For that reason, I highly recommend that you seek the help of someone who is an experienced mouthpiece consultant. There are many experienced players and teachers who do not have a clue as to why a mouthpiece works. They play what works "for them", and they will often recommend something similar for their students. So, what they suggest may or may not work for you. You need to find a good all-around mouthpiece that works well "for you", and if necessary, more than one if your needs require it. An experienced mouthpiece consultant can help guide you to a mouthpiece that will work for you, not only now, but after the acclimation period as well. Best of luck to you!