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The Brass Section Classroom Resource The than Brass Section Where did the brass section come from? Trumpets and horns were original used for military purposes, ceremonies or hunting but in the 17th century the instruments were introduced into the orchestra. At first they were only used to provide special effects, but as the instruments became better made and the musicians became more skilled composers began to write more interesting music for them. It was the composer Beethoven who established horns and trumpets as permanent members of his orchestra. Composers such as Berlioz, Wagner and Mahler expanded the size and purpose of the brass section. Today, although there is a standard brass section format (5 horns, 3 trumpets, 3 trombones and tuba), composers regularly ask for many more players to achieve their desired effect (which s often a bigger, louder sound!). Repertoire that features the brass section Many composers have written pieces just for groups of brass players (called a brass ensemble). The Renaissance composer Gabrieli is well known for his large and complex brass music. Since his time composers have enjoyed writing stirring and often challenging music for groups of brass players. What is a spit valve? Otherwise known as a water key, a spit valve allows brass players to empty fluid which collects inside their instruments. Brass instruments make their sound by air being blown into metal tubing. The warm air which the players blow into the instruments is full of moisture and this moisture turns into liquid inside the instrument. It builds up and eventually, if it isn’t released, it will make a gurgling sound when the player blows through the instrument. This would ruin the sound that the player was trying to make! Next time you come to hear the NZSO, watch the brass section and see if you can spot when they are letting fluid out of their instrument via the spit valve. Research task... The renaissance was a period of great advancement and change in the arts, in politic and in the way people thought. 8IBUEPTFUIFXPSESFOBJTTBODFBDUVBMMZNFBO Researsch this period in history and find out when it happened and where it took place. NZSO Music for Schools - Rachel Hyde ©2011 nzso.co.nz/education