I got an email from one of my new trumpet students at the school. Heres what it said. Hi Mr.Frye, I was practicing some scales and my trumpet started heating up near the mouthpiece. Like it is literally hot to touch. Do you know whats going on? Never one to turn away from a snarky response, I replied with: Worry not. There is a perfectly reasonable explanation as to why your trumpet is heating up while you play. Your body operates at an average temperature of 98.8 degrees Fahrenheit, including the breath that comes out of your mouth. By blowing said breath into the mouthpiece of your horn for an extended period of time, say five or more consecutive minutes, you are bringing the temperature of the air within the instrument to a warmer temperature due to natures constant desire to achieve stasis. Brass is an excellent thermal conductor, therefore the rise in temperature of the air within the lead pipe will cause the instrument to warm up to the touch on the outside. For new trumpet players, like yourself, it is recommended that the instrument is played for more than five consecutive minutes no less than four times a week so that the metal can adjust and settle. Please let me know if you start hearing a bubbling noise while you play, that could indicate that your spit is boiling within the lead pipe. See you in class, Mr. F My campaign for teacher of the year is in full force this year!
Posted on: Tue, 09 Dec 2014 09:32:57 +0000
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