SHS TRUMPETS

Outplaying all other sections since 1970

Welcome to the official site of the SHS trumpets.  In the fall, we are the power in the SHS Marching Saxon Band.  In the winter, we fill the gym with our huge sound at basketball games as part of the Pep Band.  In concert band, we are perfection.  There is “Excellence in the trumpet section.”  The trumpets set the tempo in all bands.  When the drummers don’t watch the drum majors, it’s up to the trumpets to steer the band back on track.  Only the fiercely tremendous raw power of the trumpet section can control all others.  One section to rule them all.   
 

It takes an iron will to play the trumpet.  It is the most physically demanding instrument to play.  You have to be tough.  You have to be strong.  You have to be confident.  This is why no matter what a trumpet plays, they are right.  If a trumpet makes a mistake, he/she plays it loudly and confidently as if it were obviously intended to be played as such.  A trumpet is always correct. 
 

Rules: 

Marching Band

  • Horn angles are paramount.  We are the best.  We look the best.  We play the best.  Period. 
  • If you ever miss a step off, turn, horns to box, etc., blame the trombones. 
  • If the band starts to drag/rush, it is the fault of the drummers.  It’s ok, they’re too attractive to worry about such trivial concepts as time.  Just play as loud as possible to emphasize that yes, the drum majors really do have some say in the tempo. 
  • With regards to the previous rule, if a trumpet doesn’t like a drum majors tempo, he may set his own.  The trumpet always wins. 
  • In marching band, any note held with a full band cutoff that is at or above G above the staff maybe be held just long enough after the rest of the band so that the audience recognizes the excellence of the trumpet. 
  • In marching band, any trumpet who can hold a note at or above G above G above the staff can just hold it for as long as he/she likes, regardless of key, time, angry band directors, etc. 
     

Pep Band 

  • The higher, the better.
  • The louder, the better.
  • Trumpets will strive to play stylistically correct, even though they are the only section that attempts to . 
  • 8va stylistic playing is encouraged. 
  • A high note is any note at or above A. 
  • A trumpet is allowed, at the end of the song, to hang over half a beat if play from A to C.  If above C, a full beat is allowed.  If above G above C, it is similar to marching band.  Just keep holding as long as you can.  No one can stop you. 
  • If a trumpet tries for aforementioned high note and misses, he is allowed to tear the horn off his face and act as if he nailed it.  Arm flailing is encouraged. 
  • If and when the drummers mess up an ending to one of their drumline only songs, trumpets play the sad plunger song.  This starts on 2nd line G, and chromatically descends until Eb, at which point we “plunge.”  Even drummers need encouragement sometimes.  A little negative reinforcement never hurt anyone. 
     

Concert Band

  • Excellence in the trumpet section. 
  • Trumpets play all rhythms perfectly, no matter what. 
  • If a trumpet misses a note, it was due to faulty equipment.  Valves stuck, mouthpiece too small/big etc., are all acceptable excuses.  The trumpet player is perfect in his execution and perfect in his conviction of his execution. 
  • If at any point in time percussionists (the respectful name we give drummers during concert band season) play along with the Paynter, tuning note, etc., trumpets should turn and scowl.  Marimbas and other mallet instruments cannot be tuned and are therefore just getting in the way of the trumpet section’s tuning. 
     
  • Trumpets will always be patient when the director works with another section on a “tricky” part in their music.  Every section is encouraged to try and emulate the trumpet sections perfection.  The only time a band director will make the trumpet section play alone is if: 

      • A. To use them as an example for the rest of the band to follow 
      B.  Because the director wrongfully assumed the trumpets made an error.  He will then apologize when the trumpet section plays the questionable passage perfectly.

 


French Horns forever.  Trumpets too.
Last Updated Thursday, October 23, 2008
Created by Zack Moy, Class of 2007.
Maintained by: Matt Bockman, Class of 2008; Jason Deran, Class of 2010
Send questions, suggestions, and pictures to schaumburgband@gmail.com

From many, one