Dear Malcolm,
"Sounding" like a cornet is really a matter of understanding what a cornet "sounds like". I was literally "raised" listening to British Brass Bands and their soloists. I have never heard an "American" Brass Band which has (what is to me) an authentic "cornet" sound. My guess this is because of our "orchestral brass" tonal concept.

Equipment-wise, a very deep, "V" throated mouthpiece will take most people much closer.

I suggest that you visit our website. We have lots of mp3 soundclips which will demonstrate the Cornet or trumpet "sound", as is appropriate for the occasion - whether a cornet solo (All of the ARBAN clips, Orchestral (FANFARE from Fanfare & Tarantelle),

"As Time Goes By", is played on the Cornet using a turn of the century true cornet mouthpiece. The H.L Clarke Etude 24 is played on a Schilke Trumpet with a Bach 1 mouthpiece.

This most essential ingredient is having a strong tonal concept of the style in which you need to play.
Keep 'Em Flying!
Clyde Hunt

As some of you know, my training is NOT of the standard "party line" of trumpeting, as taught in the USA. I was taught to play by an "English" immigrant euphonium player, Mr. William Booth Best. (In fact, my only contact with the trumpet establishment, as a student, was with Mr. Harry Herforth (Boston Symphony and Cleveland Orchestra.)

The point I wish to make, is that my "concept" of brass playing is the result of listening to, "growing up on", brassbands. Yep! Black Dyke was at the top of the heap (mid -to -late 1940's) - and my "hero" was cornetist, Willy Lang (whom I have had the great pleasure of being in contact with, of late, thanks to Ian.)

Though I grew up "playing cornet" (stylistically), the truth is that I bought my first cornet in about 1989! And at least one well-known (nameless here) American Cornetist, is known to have lost a little "bet" with my teacher, band director, and friend Edward L. Masters (US Marine Band Cornet Soloist Ret.), as to whether I was playing a trumpet or a cornet. It was, in reality, my trusty SUPER OLDS Trumpet (Grin!).

IMHO - you can play a cornet "like a trumpet", or a trumpet "like a cornet" - the latter, perhaps, being more convincing, given the physical characteristics of the two instruments.

And finally, I suspect that some important factors that differentiate the British Brass Band from USA Brass Bands (more like a brass choir?) are: (1) the attack (2) the vibrato (3) a greater "concern" with "technical virtuosity" ??? Could we please hear more on this thread from our UK TPINers??

Hey - I'm still awaiting an opportunity to play with a British Brass Band!!!

Keep 'Em Flying!

Clyde Hunt

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