Top D

Post by **njh** » Fri Jan 20, 2006 8:51 am

Why do brass band players insist on playing top D with the 1st valve (3rd position for trombones), when it's perfectly in tune when played open (1st position for trombones). It'd also be easier since you can use a lower harmonic [ the same is true for C# ].

I have even seen this in print - Wright and Round's Complete Method states to use 1st valve on top D. Why? It isn't needed and you're just making life more tricky than it need be.

-Nigel

Dave Payn · Post by **Dave Payn** » Fri Jan 20, 2006 1:49 pm

It's also generally more in tune and less 'splitty' than playing it on 1st valve which on most instruments I've played, comes up flat. And yes, high C# is better on 2nd valve.

I think there is a 'gap' in many (not all) lower section bands in knowledge or lack of willingness to try alternate fingering. I've just taken over conducting Arran Brass, an inexperienced 4th section band with some players admittedly not having played for very long. Nevertheless, it's a job to convince some of the euphs and basses (some of whom have played for a few years) about the joys of the 4th valve, likewise the triggers on the cornets as well as possible alternate fingerings. I feel it is an area, as I've said before, where tuition is lacking in lower section banding.

Post by **njh** » Fri Jan 20, 2006 1:51 pm

Sorry to say that I've also seen this fingering used in top section bands...

gcb_trombone · Post by **gcb_trombone** » Fri Jan 20, 2006 4:23 pm

I've always played my Top D (Trombone) in 3rd. Slightly shortened as with the Top A.
Never been a problem for me - unless its after a heavy blowing piece....

Post by **njh** » Fri Jan 20, 2006 4:28 pm

Why play it on 3rd when you can play it easier on 1st?

Dave Payn · Post by **Dave Payn** » Fri Jan 20, 2006 4:33 pm

I should clarify a point I made in my original reply, having re-read it! When I said it was a job to convince certain players in Arran Brass to use the 4th valve etc. that wasn't meant to imply they were unwilling to learn! Far from it, it's just something that they had not tried before and it's taking a while for them to get used to the idea! Willingness to learn is just one of the many joys I've encountered since taking over the reins.

gcb_trombone · Post by **gcb_trombone** » Fri Jan 20, 2006 5:34 pm

I;ve always played top D in 3rd - so why change?

Post by **njh** » Fri Jan 20, 2006 5:39 pm

gcb_trombone · Post by **gcb_trombone** » Fri Jan 20, 2006 5:56 pm

Its true - ive been playing music for 12 years and ive always blown with my cheeks out (shouldn't do) and I got told i needed to bring them in - well after 12 years I don;t think im going to spend another 12 years perfecting playing with my cheeks in too!

Nothing to do with Top Ds but oh well..