- 1). Think about your sound quality and equipment. If you're in the habit of switching horns and mouthpieces, choose a combination that will give you the most cutting and forward sound, such as a smaller mouthpiece. Otherwise, just try to alter your tone through the shape of your oral cavity to give your sound a little more edge.
- 2). Give the rest of the ensemble or section visual indicators of time, when necessary. For chamber music groups and brass or trumpet section solos, it's the job of the lead trumpet to give the trumpet or whole brass section visual signals to help the players play together, such as a slight lift of of your horn and a starting breath before the beginning of phrases. Indicate releases with a small motion of the instrument as well.
- 3). Lead trumpet parts are generally written to stand out and include important melody and counter melody elements that are meant to be more prominent than the other parts of the musical texture. Pay attention to your music and watch for these parts so that you can play them with a little extra volume and somewhat more on top of the beat--slightly sooner.
- 4). Pay close attention to style and phrasing. It's the lead trumpet player's job to serve as the ensemble's leader in matters of musicality. Observe all dynamic and articulation markings and interpret them in a slightly more exaggerated manner than you would if you had a different place in the ensemble.
- 5). Lead with your attitude. Avoid being a "prima donna," and always respect the opinions and playing of your fellow musicians. But when you are playing, adopt the attitude that your part should be a little more prominent and important. Thinking this way will subconsciously alter the quality of your playing to make it more appropriate for a lead player.
previous post