The brass family and playing in the F position
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Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can identify the characteristics of the brass family and can play in the F position on the keyboard.
Key learning points
- The brass family consist of four main instruments: the trumpet, French horn, trombone and tuba.
- As the instruments get bigger, the pitch gets lower. The range of an instrument is how high and low it can play.
- The brass family are often used to play fanfares, which are triumphant melodies.
- The middle section of Going Home is played in F position.
- F position uses the notes F, G, A, B and C and the thumb should rest on F.
Keywords
Brass - a family of instruments in the orchestra made of brass metal, that produce sound by buzzing air through the instrument
Fanfare - a short, triumphant-sounding musical idea often played by brass instruments
Range - how high and low an instrument can play
F position - a hand position on the keyboard where your thumb rests on F
Common misconception
Pupils may mistake another note for F when changing position. Brass instruments can only be identified by pitch.
Reinforce that F is to the left of the three black keys; this has to be correct for the finger prompts to work. The ranges of the brass instruments overlap, so it's important to emphasise that the timbre of each instrument is slightly different.
Teacher tip
Pupils may prefer to follow the finger prompts although new pitched notation is introduced briefly. Encouraging the correct keyboard technique will make it easier for pupils to play in a legato style. Encourage pupils to recognise the impact the brass have on the music.
Equipment
Keyboard instrument
Licence
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