Question about young student and trumpet

[JfW]

My nephew is currently in 7th grade and has moved into a situation where the local schools don't have enough drums for the 20+ percussionists who signed on with Jr. High Band this year. His director has asked some of the percussionists to switch instruments and my nephew volunteered to make the switch. His first preference is the trumpet, but the problem is that his lips are above average in size. Is that going to be a problem for him? His teacher is primarily a percussionist who due to budget cuts is covering a younger age group for the first time, and I think he may be making a mistake in allowing some students switch istruments arbitrarily without taking such things into account (as I remember having my mouth declined for trumpet when I was young).

Also, we need a trumpet. Who makes a decent student trumpet?




Thanks.

[Gordon (NZ)]

Did Louis Armstrong have thin lips? I very much doubt it.

[knighttrain]

I believe the bach "w" mouthpieces might be helpful for fleshy lips.

[JfW]

Did Louis Armstrong have thin lips? I very much doubt it.

good point.

I believe the bach "w" mouthpieces might be helpful for fleshy lips.

thanks for the info.

I was just concerned he was getting himself into a situation where he could have issues and I'd hate to have him get discouraged with music in general.

[I. Fallon]

We may be depriving the world of a great tuba player.

I agree with Gordon. The fingering should be the same for cornet, trumpet, alto horn (which are very fun to play and not too expensive second hand, by the way), and tuba.

I once played trumpet (no talent whatsoever) and have a Couesnon cornet and a Keilwerth trumpet in great shape if you are interested (say $75 plus shipping for either one). Provide email address if you are interested.

Watch for instruments sold by tpenrose on eBay. He completely goes through student instruments including replating or relaquering. Provides new cases, and sells them starting at $1 no reserve. No idea how he can do this. If he does not get into heaven first shot, no one can LOL.

[steve]

I started on trombone in 6th grade....still play it some. My lips are pretty chubby and the 'bone mouthpiece was a good fit. He might want to check out trombone if his arms are long enough...that way he gets to march in the front row in marching band, or baritone horn.

[trumpetdude]

w mouthpieces?

Just get a large rimmed mouthpice if his lips are a litte too thick. But how thick are we talking here?

The standard size for beginner trumpets is the 7c. It is a medium sizes mouthpice, pretty average for average size lips. If you think his lips are too big, go with something bigger, like say, a Bach 3c. Good cup, GREAT all around mouthpice.

[Tom Goodrick]

I do not think lip thickness plays any part at all. I have known people with thick lips who played well and people with thin lips whoplayed just as well. There is only one element in all this that makes any sense at all - DESIRE. If the kid likes a trumpet sound, get him a trumpet. He'll do great.

I have average lips and have played trumpet, flugel horn and trombone for many decades doing mainly solo work.