Trumpets can be loud for a few reasons: The vibration, the length of the tube, the technique of play, the skill and the effort of the trumpeter.
Why are trumpets so loud?
The question is not about the volume of the trumpets, and how well the sound from the buzz of the trumpet or from the blast of the trumpet can fill the air, because we already know that the trumpet is loud. Hence, the quest of the article is to uncover and bring to the limelight why the brass instrument—the trumpet or trumpets are so loud.
The good thing is that there are indeed reasons behind the loudness of the trumpet. While the reasons might only be a few, the clarity we will bring to you in this article will also show you that this brass instrument (the trumpets) are loud for reasons that are not only sufficient, but equally necessary.
Whether you consider the sound of the trumpet to be too loud, or noisy, or that you deeply enjoy the sound of the trumpet that you probably want it to be louder so that distance is not a barrier to the effect you get from the trumpet, or whether you like the sound just as loud as it is, whatever the case maybe for you generally– here are few reasons behind the loudness of the trumpet, you might have to take note of these reasons and see what you observe afterwards especially if you are not aware of any of these reasons.
Trumpets can be so loud for a few of these reasons:
- The vibration of the columns of air in the trumpet
- The length of the tube
- The technique of playing the brass instrument (the trumpet)
- The skill and the effort of the person playing the trumpet (the trumpeter)
1. The Vibration of the columns of air in the trumpet
While the trumpet is played, the embouchure which is the buzzing sound of the lips of the player, as well as the vibration of the columns of air in the trumpet dwells within the trumpet which later creates a sound that can be pitched quite low, or a sound that can also be pitched higher as the case maybe. So, this is one of the reasons behind the loud sound of the trumpet.
2. The length of the tube:
Apart from the first reason, which is the vibration of the columns of air in the trumpet, the other reason for which the sound of the trumpet is loud and is really considered to be loud is the length of the password. This is like a major reason for the volume of the trumpet, whether it is loud or not is dependent on the length of the tube of the trumpet.
When the length of the tube of the trumpet is long, or even very long the sound is not very distinct, neither is the pitch of the song produced too high because the length of the tubing of the trumpet is quite long. On the other hand, when the tube of the trumpet is shorter than usual, or just short, the sound from the instrument is usually more pronounced, and the pitch is quite high. Although this seems quite ironic, it also tells a lot as to why the trumpet is as loud as it is. It also shows extensively, how effective the length of the tubing, as it plays a very important in the trumpet.
3. The technique of playing the brass instrument.
The brass instrument – (the trumpet) involves a lot more to be played, and what happens as the player does his or her art while playing the instrument is really amazing and is more than the eyes can meet. Starting with the energy put in it, to the pressure, and to the effect of the tube and the bell, and the final sound you hear and never wish the skillful trumpet player should go away, instead that the volume be increased so that the sound can follow you to wherever you are going. You are not alone in that feeling, I feel the same too.
So in this part, I will be sharing with another reason that plausibly as well as professionally accounts for the loudness of the trumpet that you probably have not considered. Below is how the technique of playing the bass instrument – which is the trumpet, affects the overall sound and volume of the trumpet and how it accounts for the loudness of the sound of the trumpet.
When someone, especially someone skillful plays the trumpet, the person pushes so much molecules of air with a force and an energy that is unimaginable through a space that is quite narrow or better put small, then these molecules of air in the space gradually begins to reverberate in there and then the molecules of the air kind of blows (that is explodes) outward through a part of the trumpet (identified as the bell), and then creates a resonating and very loud sound.
Now you see the entire science that comes with the art of playing the trumpet, the air goes on a different journey through that small and slightly narrow space (which is the tube) and then the explosion of the air through the bells, almost like a prison break for the air.
It finally finds an expression through the sound it emits as soon as it gets outward through the trumpet’s bell.
Another amazing thing about this reason is the fact that it happens like it is nothing, because while watching a trumpeter create his or her art while playing the trumpet, you may only be able to notice the energy and effort from the cheeks that appear to be blown as a result of the transfer of air from the mouth of the person blowing the trumpet to the mouth piece of the trumpet that is been played, and then a seeming strain at the sides of the neck.
However here is what you can do to experience this process for yourself. Kindly pick up a trumpet, look through the parts carefully, attempt playing it again and imagine the molecules of air that you have blown in trying to escape. It is something that is quite louder than the sound that comes from an instrument like the piano.
This is so because the act of striking the keys on the piano even one by one can just be relatively high when compared to the piano. The highest sound the piano can ever produce except an amplifier is added is only about eighty-five decibels with the energy and force that is at working while the keys are being pressed.
On the other hand, the trumpet players have an edge over the piano players (or the pianists) because the trumpet player (the trumpeter) has the ability to push so many molecules of air through the tubing of the brass instrument (the trumpet) so that they are able to create a melodious yet amplified sound, depending on the skill of the trumpet player, as well as the volume of the breath of the trumpet player.
I believe you noticed a difference in the two scenarios or in the two different cases. Especially in relation to the effect of the players. Now in case you did not notice anything at all, or that you did not notice much here is the thing:
Apart from having to attach an amplifier and speakers to the piano, the player of a piano (the pianist) does not have so much effect on the sound of the piano, the highest the pianist can do is basically striking a key, or striking keys as the case maybe because the piano can only reach about eighty-five decibels, and the sound cannot go beyond that.
However on the hand, the person who plays are trumpet must make deliberate efforts. Although the trumpet has the potential or better put, the trumpet has the capacity of its sound reaching up to one hundred and fifteen decibels, but only the effort of the player can make it happen, plus the length of the tubing of the trumpet, as well as the bell too.
This brings me to the fourth point or the fourth reason of why trumpets are so loud. The fourth reason is the effort of the player.
4. The skill and the effort of the person playing the trumpet (the trumpeter)
This particular reason was not highlighted first, not because it is irrelevant or minute, but because I wanted that even before I write it down, you will be able to figure it for yourself from reading the first three reasons both intensively and extensively.
Although the tubing of the trumpet is important, and the bell of the trumpet is essential, as well as the process of the air finding expression within the tube (the tubing) of the instrument is necessary, the skill and effort of the player is very important and cannot be taken for granted.
This is simple especially following through the explanation of the preceding paragraphs; the combination of the skill of the person playing the trumpet, as well as the effort that accompanies this skill while the player does the art is both a necessary condition and a sufficient condition for sound of the trumpet or for the loudness of the sound of the trumpet.
