Why should I make the switch from
Trumpet to Euphonium?
There are several great reasons to make the switch from trumpet to euphonium. The most important reason should be that you want to play the euphonium. Just listening to the euphonium you can hear that this is truly a special instrument, blending the forceful power of the trombone with the beautiful color of the French horn. This versatility of sound allows the euphonium player to take on many roles within the ensemble, playing soloistic melodies, pounding out powerful counter-melodies, and adding some rich color to beautiful chords. But don't just take my word for it. Take a little time and listen to these examples of wonderful and diverse euphonium music.
Here is an example of one euphonium player covering all four parts to this medley of music from the motion picture Pirates of the Caribbean.
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This is virtuoso Robert Childs showing off the technical ability of the euphonium in this solo version of The Carnival of Venice.
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In this video of Holst's Second Suite, you can hear the euphonium playing solos, counter-melody, and harmony throughout the piece.
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To show off the euphonium's versatility, here is a jazz version of the same Holst Suite you just heard, arranged as a euphonium feature.
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If hearing that isn't enough reason for you to want to play the euphonium, here are some more practical reasons for you to make the switch:
- MY RANGE ON THE TRUMPET IS NOT VERY GOOD - Depending on a number of factors, such as straightness of your teeth or the thickness of your lips, playing the trumpet in the upper register of the trumpet can range from a struggle to an impossibility. If you've noticed that no matter how many long tone exercises and range building techniques you have tried you are still having trouble playing above the staff, making the switch can transform you from a struggling trumpet player into a euphonium rock-star.
- I HAVE BRACES AND PLAYING THE TRUMPET IS DESTROYING MY LIPS - It seems like a cruel prank by nature, and orthodontics, that the age most students are learning the trumpet is the same age most students get braces. The diameter of the trumpet mouthpiece puts the rim, and all the pressure, right on top of those sharp brackets. Luckily for you, the diameter of the euphonium mouthpiece put the pressure outside of the brackets, allowing you to play with minimal discomfort.
- THERE DON'T SEEM TO BE MANY (IF ANY) EUPHONIUMS IN MY BAND - Unfortunately this is a problem for many school band programs. Most students don't start playing euphonium at the beginning band level for a number of reasons. Many students haven't even heard of the euphonium and go into their musical education set on playing a more popular instrument, like the flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, or trumpet. This leaves many of the more obscure instruments neglected. The problem is these obscure instruments, like the euphonium, are necessary to create a well balanced, full sounding ensemble. If you're looking around your school's ensemble and see an army of trumpets and few euphoniums, you can make the switch and fill a vital role within the group. Your band director will certainly take notice and you can become of their favorite students.
- I WANT TO GO TO COLLEGE, BUT IT CAN BE REALLY EXPENSIVE - One of the best ways to help yourself get into college with a scholarship is to play an instrument those colleges need. University ensembles have the same problems middle and high school ensembles do. They have too many of the popular instruments and not enough of the obscure ones. That means instruments like oboe, bassoon, French horn, tuba, and euphonium are scarce, and basic economic theory teaches us that scarcity means greater value. As a more valuable instrument to the university, you have a greater chance of getting accepted to the school of your choice as well as increased chances of being awarded a scholarship. Sometimes you don't even have to be a music major to play in a college ensemble. If you work hard and excel at the euphonium, you can find yourself with opportunities that trumpet players aren't even offered.