Horn Hacks, Episode 10: Clean & Clear Articulation

[@tomhughes122]

ok queen literally saving my bad articulation 🙏🙏🙏

[@evathreatte7863]

Great video! I'm wondering about a couple of things. 1) what is the position of the tongue in the mouth when doing breath attacks and 2) where does the tongue make contact during articulation (i.e. behind the teeth, between the teeth, etc)?

[@jenagardner1136]

Hi Eva! Great question. 1) I like to say or think “who” when doing breath starts, keeping the tongue mostly down. However, the arch of the tongue varies depending on the pitch (air speed). The front of the tongue should stay out of the way and down. 2) this is also varied based on the range. For me, I get the best articulation when the tip of my tongue hits the front of my hard palette, right above the teeth (as in saying To or Do). As I play into the lower range of the horn I get a clearer sound with the tongue hitting between the teeth. Everyone is different and you should do some experimenting while listening to the impact on sound. I also recommend you check out the Sarah Willis MRI video for a great visual of what’s happening.

[@ojtrumpet]

Have you used the pOOO articulation? The whOO, kOO and tOO all starts with an open embouchure, while the pOO is closed. (P.S. Håkan Hardenberger uses the pOO every day when starting his warm up.)

[@WIUHornStudio]

Yes, that is another great option! Thanks for mentioning it!

[@Deppey]

have you tried using the pEE articulation? i made middle school allstate with it!

[@ojtrumpet]

@@Deppey No - btw - poo & pee may be interpreted as something different :-)

[@Deppey]

@@ojtrumpet its a sarcastic joke