Q&A for How to Play the Baritone

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Can I wear braces if I am playing the baritone?

Community Answer

Yes, but the sound might be slightly different, depending on your teeth and lip position.

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Question

What is a trick to get higher notes on the baritone?

Caeiia

Top Answerer

Purse your lips like you're playing normal notes. Put your top lip over your bottom lip and blow concentrated air downwards. It should make less of a buzzing noise.

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Question

One of the slides on my baritone gets stuck. How can I remove it without expensive equipment?

Community Answer

If you have a band director, ask him. If not, see if you can move the slide as much as you can without damaging it, and add timing slide grease and exercise it until it comes loose.

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Question

I have been playing the baritone for three years. My music teacher says I need to improve on playing louder and taking breaths (which are kind of the same). How do I improve on them?

Community Answer

To improve your volume, try loosening your embouchure. To improve your timing for taking breaths, try writing commas in your sheet music pretty much everywhere where you could take a breath without messing up the song. When you're playing and you get to one of the commas take a deep breath (try not to make it very audible). Having more air in your lungs will also help your volume as it will allow you to put stronger breaths into each note. If you find that you're taking too many breaths, you can erase a few commas. Practice a lot.

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Question

When playing a brass or wind instrument, am I supposed to sit on the edge of the chair?

Ruby

Top Answerer

Yes. You are supposed to sit at the front of your chair as the sound will be better.

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Question

In the picture, that was a marching baritone. Why not use a pic of a regular one?

Community Answer

That was not a marching baritone; it was a regular one turned on its side.

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Question

How can I play without puffing my cheeks?

Community Answer

Keep the corners of your mouth tight as you blow into the instrument. If you notice you are puffing your cheeks, tighten them back in while you play so you can get used to that feeling.

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Question

I have a non-compensating four-valve euphonium that makes it hard to hit the fourth valve. How can I get better?

Community Answer

Try positioning your hand so your pinkie is resting lower; this will make it easier to reach the valve. Keep in mind that your pinkie will grow stronger over time.

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Question

My baritone valve will not open, and not even the music store can get it unstuck. What should I do?

Ruby

Top Answerer

Try unscrewing the valve and adding valve oil to it. If you are having trouble with that, speak to a music instructor or consider getting a replacement.

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Question

What about the marching baritone?

Ruby

Top Answerer

The steps here should work for any kind of baritone or euphonium, including a marching baritone.

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