• The standard instrument for MS/JH and HS concert band.
• Pitched in B♭; reads a major 2nd above concert pitch. Sounds a major 2nd below concert pitch.
• Tuning notes are 3rd-space C and 2nd-line G.
• If a student starts on cornet, they "step up" to B♭ trumpet.

• Pitched in B♭; same transposition as trumpet.
• Uses a cornet mouthpiece (smaller shank) — a trumpet mouthpiece will not fit.
• Creates a different, darker sound due to its conical bell (similar in concept to French horn and tuba).
• Some beginners start on cornet, then step up to trumpet.
• Very good for HS inventory — popular band literature often calls for 3 cornet parts and 2 trumpet parts.
• Most commonly used in MS/JH.

• Pitched in B♭; same transposition as trumpet.
• Uses a flugelhorn mouthpiece — do NOT use a trumpet mouthpiece.
• Conical bell like the cornet.
• Has a leadpipe tuning slide (similar to piccolo trumpet).
• Used in very few concert pieces but almost necessary in every other jazz ballad.
• During marching season, some directors use flugelhorn solos in slower/lyrical sections.
• Only for HS students who are very proficient on B♭ trumpet.
• Recommended to keep 2 in HS inventory.

• C Trumpet: Reads concert pitch (non-transposing); sounds a major 2nd higher than B♭ trumpet. Mainly found in professional orchestras. Not recommended until college level unless specific criteria are met.
• E♭/D Trumpet: Reads a fourth lower / minor 3rd below concert pitch. Mainly for military bands and brass bands.
• Piccolo Trumpet: Reads an octave lower than B♭; a novelty instrument for brass ensembles. Not for MS/JH/HS students.
• Herald Trumpet: Simply a B♭ trumpet with an elongated bell. Only used in organized professional groups.

Each component of the mouthpiece affects playing in a specific way:

• Rim: Wide = more endurance; Narrow = more flexibility and range. Round = more comfort; Sharp = more brilliance and precision.
• Cup: Large = more volume and control; Small = relieves fatigue. Deep = darkens tone (especially low register); Shallow = brightens tone, improves upper register response.
• Throat: Large = more freedom, volume, and tone (pitch rises in upper register); Small = more resistance, endurance, and brilliance (pitch lowers in upper register).
• Backbore: Varies in shape and size. Can darken or brighten tone, raise or lower pitch, and increase or decrease volume.

• Bore size refers to the instrument's leadpipe diameter, not the mouthpiece. Small bore: .410–.425". Large bore: .460–.470".
• Cornet shank: Fits cornet and piccolo trumpet (smaller receiver).
• Trumpet shank: Standard for most trumpet-family instruments.
• A trumpet mouthpiece will NOT fit a cornet-sized leadpipe, and vice versa. If a student switches between cornet and trumpet, they need separate mouthpieces for each.
• Match mouthpiece to bore: Small bore + bigger cup / looser throat to compensate; large bore + smaller cup / tighter throat.

There is ongoing controversy around whether gold plating improves endurance, tone quality, ease of playing, or embouchure health compared to silver plating. The truth is that embouchure response is highly personal — students will discover what works best for them under the guidance of a teacher.

Start all beginners on silver-plated mouthpieces. There is no reason to invest in gold plating until a student is advanced enough to identify specific embouchure needs that gold might address.

• Rotary: European style. Found on B♭, C, and piccolo trumpets. Less common in American school settings.
• Piston: American standard. Invented by the French. Best for etudes and standard playing.

• Conventional: Most common. The tuning slide fits into the leadpipe.
• Reverse: The leadpipe slides into the tuning slide. Less resistance, more endurance.
• Leadpipe: Found on flugelhorns and piccolo trumpets.
• Bell: Found on E♭/D trumpets.

• Saddle: First valve slide. The most common adjustor type.
• Ring: First and third valve slides. The most common third-valve adjustor.
• Trigger: Found on older models. Not recommended — distance varies per note.

• Al Cass Fast Valve Slide and Key Oil — $6.59
• La Tromba T2 — $7.95. Better for Monel/steel pistons.
• Blue Juice — $4.99. Cheaper alternative. Avoid in extreme weather and marching band.

Oil valves at least once a week.