Brass Instruments in Big Bands and Swing - By: Kelby McMullen

During the 1930’s, moral in the United States was at an all-time low. The Great Depression was heavy on the minds of all American’s as they watched the stock markets fall, and it seemed that the devastation would never end. When it seemed that there was no escape, a new kind of music emerged; one that was up-beat and made the people dance, providing them with much-needed fun and relief. Big bands and swing music quickly became popular among all groups of people. This music was characterized by its soulful woodwind section and colorful brass. Though typically outnumbered by the woodwinds and rhythm sections, it often seems to be the brass that dominates the sound. These instruments are “also called labrosones, literally meaning lip-vibrated instruments,” because a sound is created when the player used a buzzing sort of vibration against the mouthpiece (Baines). The main instruments involved in this section include the trumpet and the trombone, both very loud and unique in their own ways.

                When listening to the brass part of a big band or swing ensemble, the trumpet tends to be the most noticeable member due to its higher pitch and projecting sound. This instrument is one of the oldest in history, dating back to at least 1500B.C (Tarr). The trumpet is the member of the brass family that is capable of reaching the highest register. It is constructed with brass tubing that is bent into a rounded, oblong shape. The typical trumpet has three valves that help the player reach various pitches depending on how far down they are pressed, and in relation to the air speed, the players embouchure, and other valves being pressed. There are typically four trumpet players involved in big bands and swing styles , each playing four different parts, with a lead trumpet playing the highest range and the others accompanying him below. This section is known for having many solos, and a screaming sound that can be heard over the loudest of bands.

                The second part of the brass section is the trombone. Though the bell of this instrument it similar to that of the trumpet and the two are made of the same metal, the two are quite different. The trombone’s origins date back to the 15^th century, and like the trumpet, sound is produced by using a buzzing style of vibration. However, that is one of the only similarities as far as technique goes. Instead of having the small, compact structure of the trumpet, the trombone is a long, cylindrical tube that is bent into a sort of “U” shape. It doesn’t have the valves that its companion employs, tut instead uses a tuning slide to achieve different pitches. The slide is pulled out at various lengths as the player blows in to the instrument, with each position providing them with a different note.  Like the trumpet section, there are typically four trombone players in big bands and swing ensembles, though some band also employ a bass trombone – a bigger version of a trombone that has a deeper sound. Also like the trumpets, there is a lead player that usually plays the higher registers and is accompanied by his fellows, and when there is a bass trombone, this instrument plays more of a bass line with the rhythm section than the melody. This section is known for having many solos in relation to the trumpets, and for its deep, soulful sound.

                Without the brass section, big band and swing ensembles would not be remotely the same. This particular section provides a lively and upbeat, yet soulful sound that is unmatched by any other instrument. Though unique in many ways, these instruments are very different and unique, and it is because of this that they were important to this era. 

Works Cited

Tarr, Edward. The Trumpet. 1st ed. Portland, Oregon: Amadeus Press, 1988. 20-30. Print.  

Baines, Anthony. Brass Instruments: Their History and Development. 1st ed. London: Faber &                   Faber, 1980. 23-24. Print.