Trumpet History

The trumpet is one of the oldest instruments. It was first used for signaling in ancient China (2000 B.C.), Egypt (1500 B.C.), and Scandinavia (1000 B.C.). The trumpet was long and had no valves. By Roman times, the trumpet was also played at military and civilian ceremonies.

The first musical use of the trumpet wass in the late 1300's, when it acquired the folded shape similar to today's trumpet. In the 1500's, Nuremburg, Germany became the center of trumpet making. It was during that time that the first music for trumpets was written.

In the late 1700's, the trumept became a regular member of the Orchestra. Crooks (short pieces of tubing) were invented and were used to lengthen or shorten the trumpet so it could be used to play more notes. In 1815, the valve was invented which made crooks unnecessary. Now, teh trumpet could play any note of the scale by using the valves.

Trumpets and cornets are typically made of brass or other metal, usually silver-plated or lacquered. Today, trumpets are played in bands, orchestras, jazz bands, brass ensembles, and popular music.