OdeToArsenal47 Posted September 21, 2008 Share Posted September 21, 2008 Yeah, I originally thought I would go Mello as my first brass horn for drum corps, but I'm not sure if I can take one out now (no idea why my band director won't let me). There aren't any other avenues (price is an issue), so I'm looking around at other horns. Trumpet has caught my eye, particularly because of the cheapness for a beginner horn. Just looking at craigslist, I see some Conns, Kings, and a Yamaha for less than $200. So, my question is, how hard is it to make it in drum corps on trumpet? With the amount of people that play it, I'd assume that it's really competitive. Is this true? I don't want to sound disrespectful or anything, but I'd just really like to play in a World Class corps one day. If it is indeed as hard as I think it is, would it be easy to switch to mellophone or baritone from trumpet? Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coathope Posted September 21, 2008 Share Posted September 21, 2008 It would be easy to switch from a trumpet to a mellophone. Trumpet to baritone, not so much. World Class trumpet is highly competitive. You need to have solid flexibility, good tone, and good grasp on range. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HornsUp Posted September 21, 2008 Share Posted September 21, 2008 Just looking at craigslist, I see some Conns, Kings, and a Yamaha for less than $200. Go on eBay and score an Olds Ambassador for a hundy or so. After the nuclear holocaust, all that's left on earth will be Olds Ambassadors, Shure microphones ......... and cockroaches. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BAC Baritone Posted September 21, 2008 Share Posted September 21, 2008 Going from Trumpet to Mello really isn't all that hard. You just have to get used to playing everything a 4th lower. That being said Mellophone is also very competitive. If you could make the transistion to Baritone then your chances of making a spot are much greater. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazymello Posted September 22, 2008 Share Posted September 22, 2008 Hmm... I would transition to baritone, but I am not afraid to say it... MY ARMS WOULD FALL OFF. >_< Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martybucs Posted September 22, 2008 Share Posted September 22, 2008 I would say that you should choose the instrument you wish to play. The one that YOU WANT to play - not the easiest one. Then do what is necessary for you to excel on that instrument. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ictrumpet Posted September 22, 2008 Share Posted September 22, 2008 I would say that you should choose the instrument you wish to play. The one that YOU WANT to play - not the easiest one.Then do what is necessary for you to excel on that instrument. I agree completely. If you are a good and disciplined musician, you can become fluent and proficient on any instrument that you put a great amount of work into. Go for it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G-horns Posted September 22, 2008 Share Posted September 22, 2008 If you have the time (next year isn't your age-out) and the resources ($$), you might do better going to an Open Class corps (old Division II) for one season. Or, if possible, latch on to an All-age corps (i.e. DCA). You'll get the chance to improve your skills and will have related experience on your resume. Going for the big time without at least one year of experience might be disappointing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G-horns Posted September 22, 2008 Share Posted September 22, 2008 I would say that you should choose the instrument you wish to play. The one that YOU WANT to play - not the easiest one.Then do what is necessary for you to excel on that instrument. I agree. If you make the cut and go on tour, you'll be playing whatever it is EVERY DAY. If you hate the sound of it, you could be in for a long summer. When kids ask me about learning the trumpet, I always ask them why they want to play it as opposed to flute, clarinet, sax, etc. The best answer I've gotten so far is "I like the sound". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DoubleHighEZ Posted September 22, 2008 Share Posted September 22, 2008 It would be easy to switch from a trumpet to a mellophone. Trumpet to baritone, not so much. World Class trumpet is highly competitive. You need to have solid flexibility, good tone, and good grasp on range. Very true, and don't forget about the marching side of it as well. I have a student who tried out for BD last season who was told that his playing was good enough but his marching wasn't. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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