Learn to play Bb Trumpet, Trombone or Tuba by playing like a bugler
Learn Time Signatures, Tempi,
Rhythms & Articulations
About Elementary Bugler
Why I created this Series
I teach Brass instruments (Trumpet, Trombone, Baritone Horn and Tuba) privately. In 2018 - 2020, I was a volunteer Bugler, playing “Taps” at military funerals. I also became interested in incorporating the teaching of Bugle Calls to my Brass students. I was once asked by the parent of one of my beginning Trumpet students, “What would be the first thing a beginner Brass player would need to understand?” Answer: firstly, how to create a good Buzz and then I would teach the Overtone Series. Ah! These are notes that a Bugler plays!
The Genesis of this Series
The essential reason I composed these Melodious Buglings and wrote these books (Elementary Bugler, Expanded/Full-Range Bugler, Military-Type Bugler & Tenor Bugler) is that in the world of the Military and the Scouts, Bugle is prevalent. In the civilian world, Bugle is virtually forgotten. I want to see that changed. With the various kinds of compositions that I have written for Bugle, I can well imagine the interest that beginning Brass (BbTrumpet, Trombone & Tuba) players will have playing these pieces. These pieces are in various Time Signatures (44, 24, Alle Breve, 34, 38 & 68), styles, tempos and can be appropriate for various settings.
The Ceremonial Bugle
Story of me getting feedback that indicated to me that this book writing/composing project was a good thing to do.
After one military funeral, I spoke with the Marines who had performed Color Guard and talked with them about the Ceremonial Bugle that they had with them. For those who are not familiar with what is a Ceremonial Bulge, it is an actual Bulge pitched in F having an insert in the bell that is the devise that plays Taps. All that the “Bugler” needs to do is press a button on the insert, get in position (standing, holding the Bugle with the Left hand) and let the insert play Taps
Learn with Elementary Bugler
Back of tongue: Controls Air Pressure
Playng the notes of the Overtone Sries requires utilizing 'Vowel' Shapes.
For Partial 2, use an "Aah" . For Partail 3, use an "Ehh". For Parttial 4, use an "Ihh".
For Partials 5 & 6, use an "Eee". As you playing from low to high, your embouchure WILL tighten. Tighten or loosen your embouchure simultaneously with the use of the Vowel Shapes.
Front of Tongue: Articulation
There are two schools of thought on Articulation Consonant: "T" & "D". "T" is used for playing crisply, as in a fanfare. "D" is use to play Legato, or gently.
Setting the On-Set
This is the act of whhat you do when you begin playing your note. To avoid a "Splya" (when the beginning of the note is NOT focused ans sounds like a jumble of 3 or 4 notes)nd, .
Be aware of how you are taking in your breath, hearing the partial you are going to play in your mind and the position your embouchure andthe back of your tongue needs to be in to play that note.
The 3 Factors of good Musicianship
1. Your Tone & Technique - How you sound when ou play.
2. Your ability to Sight Read your part.
3. You ability to blend your sound with the sound of the other players in your ensemble. This is acheived first by playing in a small ensemble first (Duet, Trio or Quartet).