In the House of Sound where the science of music and musical instruments is always being investigated, Greg Foot and Fran Scott investigate brass instruments and how they make their loud, bright sounds.
They explain that in order to make a sound a brass player's lips must be made to vibrate very, very quickly.
When placed against the mouthpiece of the instrument the air inside begins to vibrate to form sound waves.
To make different notes the amount of air vibrating inside the instrument has to be changed.
On a trombone a part called the slide makes the tube of air that vibrates longer or shorter, and this changes the pitch of the note from lower to higher.
On an instrument like a trumpet, three parts called valves can be pressed down to change the amount of air.
Fran and Greg demonstrate how a sound wave travels using a large metal spring and form a standing wave with a length of rope.
Finally, Fran shows viewers how you can easily make a simple horn from a funnel, length of hosepipe, and a hosepipe connector for a mouthpiece.
House of Sound
If you haven't visited the House of Sound yet, why not go through its front door and find out what’s inside?
Nothing less than the science of sound, music and musical instruments in a series of five short fun videos!
Fran Scott and Greg Foot will explore how sound is made and how we hear it, and how stringed, woodwind, brass and percussion instruments make their different sounds.
And each video ends by showing you how to easily make an instrument from things you’ll find in your own house!
House of Sound