Is it your horn? A recent article focused on the topic of dynamics in large ensembles. But there is a proverbial “elephant in the room” related to this topic — it just may not be possible to play loud on your horn, at least loud with a good tone.
What makes for a “professional horn” sound?
So, there is a large topic here that comes up pretty often in my teaching.
The big issue is that many if not most student model horns, your ability to play loud on them may be limited. You may not be able to push a really loud dynamic out of it at all, or, if you can, it may sound harsh.
At this point you may be thinking you just need to practice more and learn how to manage it on your horn. But I would also propose the following as being pretty true:
On a professional level horn you can play 10% louder with 10% less effort compared to the average student model horn.
How so?
Horns are made at different price points, and as part of being at different price points they have many small differences. They not even be visible to you, but I assure you that many little things (bracing, annealing and thickness of of tubing, fit of parts, etc.) make the professional quality horn play and sound better.
You can, by the way, improve a lower price point horn with upgrades. Done well, a new lead pipe and bell flare can make a huge, positive difference. But having a horn built from the start at a higher price point is the best option for the player that wants to hit higher dynamics with a better sound.
It’s easy to hear actually
The difference of sound between a pro horn and a student horn is part of the basic difference between a good student or amateur player and a pro. Horn teachers over time can certainly hear this element easily.
Early in my time at ASU I recall one student who upgraded their horn. Before, they got some sound out of their horn, sure, but after — they had to back off! Because it produced so much more sound and more easily.
It’s not the impossible dream
If loud playing is an issue for you, you really should try to find a way to test a horn from a higher price point and see what it does for you.
