My trumpet and trombone students are beginning to see music that involves the use of instrument mutes. One student, Chrystal, is particularly interested as her solo music is calling for it more often. It also will give them a chance to play and produce a different sound.
My students were seeing 'con sordino' in music and wanted to know what it meant. After doing some research and watching videos on Youtube, my students wanted to try mutes themselves. Unfortunately, our school does not have any mutes and some creative students even attempted to make a homemade mute--which showed me that this is something that they really wanted to try. While researching mutes, students also discovered the pBone and wanted to see and hear the difference between a brass and plastic trombone.
Students will be learning a new piece of music and work as a team to bring different parts together to become a full song. Many students participate in extra curricular music activities and they can also use this experience as a spring board to receiving a music scholarship in college.
In Their Own Words
Adam-- I want to know how the mute changes sound and volume of the instrument. I play the trumpet and have listened to recordings of pieces with the mute and it makes a huge difference.
Edgar--I like the cool effects that it can do on the trombone.
Chrystal--I've been taking lessons as part of a college outreach program and tried my teacher's mute. This would make a huge difference in our music at school where it is marked to make a sound.
Chrystal--Since I've used one in lessons, I want to give tips to other students about how it completely changes the instrument. Like using a tuner when using a mute.
Kevin--The trumpet has helped me make friends and become a leader of the section. I really want to get one, learn how to use it, then teach others how to use it properly.
Danny--We play concerts at school and around town and this will help us play cooler and different music for people.
Yaseen--This could inspire a 9th grade student to consider volume and tuning with and without a mute for an IB personal project next year.
Harry--Having everyone in the auditorium to listen to us perform is our school community. I like playing for the school and sharing my experiences with them.
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