CONTACT
CORNETS
ABOUT
- Instrumentation
CORNETS
There are nine B-flat Cornets in the brass band that play four different parts. On the front row are four Solo Cornets who play most of the melody lines. This part is very taxing so the duties are divided between the players in order to allow them short rests during rehearsals and performances. The top player is the Principle Cornet, he sits at the beginning of the row immediately to the conductor's left and plays the most critical and exposed solo lines. He is also responsible for tuning the band and maintaining order and discipline. The Repiano Cornet is a single (solo) part that sits on the back row next to the Soprano Cornet.
This part may double any voice in the band, most often working toget-
her with the Solo Cornet row or the Soprano. Sitting on the back row next to the Repiano are two Second Cornets. This part is often split so that each player is has a seperate line and the notes are not as high the Solo Cornets or the Repiano. Rounding out the cornet section are two Third Cornets. This part requires minimal range capability but is vital to filling out the harmonic structure of the section. Third Cornet is a good starting part for beginners to get started in the band and many famous cornet soloists have worked their way up from this position.
The E-flat Soprano Cornet is the highest voice in the band and is played by a single player. Sometimes it plays in unison with the Solo Cornets, but more often it can be heard floating an octave above the rest of the
band. The piping high notes of this instru-ment add a lot of excitment to the band and it is one of the most exposed parts requiring a confident player with nerves of steel. The Soprano sits on the outside of the second row to the conductor's left, behind the principle cornet.