Producing a Sound on a Baritone horn
(click on image to enlarge photo)

Shape the mouth as if saying the letter "M."

The lips should be firm in the corners, yet relaxed in the center.

At first, take a full, deep breath of air from the corners of the mouth and try to create a relaxed buzz tone without the mouthpiece. Do not raise tshe shoulders or chest.

Try playing a long, steady tone of 8 beats.

The mouthpiece is placed approximately 1/3 on the upper lip and 2/3 on the lower lip.

Once this is mastered, gently place the mouthpiece into the lead pipe of the trumpet with 1/4 turn twist.

Do not "palm" the mouthpiece into the instrument.

Proceed each buzz with a "too."

Correct Position for Playing a Baritone horn

 Sit up straight on the edge of the chair.

The left hand and arm cradles most of the instrument. Refer to the picture in the method book.

Depending upon the size of the instrument, the baritone either rests on the chair or in the lap.

The right thumb rests between the first and second valve casing.

The right pinky is placed on top of the ring to allow for the wrist to be arched with the fingers curved and relaxed.

Play on the tips of the fingers, pressing straight down. The valves are "piston-like" and should not be depressed to the side.

Valve movements should be smooth. Do not lift all valves prior to each new note. (e.g. Teacher will demonstrate correct way to play "D" to "E".)

The chin is flat and pointed.

 

 Interesting Facts About The Baritone

 The baritone evolved from trumpet-like instruments used for signaling and ceremonies in ancient China 2000 B.C. (4,000 years ago.)

Its ancestors were made of conch shells, animal horns and hollowed. They could only play a few notes.

The first baritone appeared in the late 1830's as a result of the invention of valves.

Baritones were often featured as solo instruments in military and school bands.

During the Civil War, some baritones had bells which pointed backwards over the player's left shoulder. Since marching bands led the soldiers, the backwards bell enabled the soldiers to hear the music.

Marching military bands eventually led to concert bands. Bells were designed to be forward or upright.

The baritone is similar in looks to the euphonium. The bell is different. The baritone bell extends higher and curves a bit at the top, while the euphonium bell is straight upward and is almost the same level with the top tubing.

Baritones usually have 3 valves, while euphoniums often have 4 or 5 valves.

The euphonium is larger bored than the baritone.

Baritones are played mainly in bands and occasionally in orchestras.

Baritones are usually made of brass. They are then silver-plated or lacquered.

[from: http://schools.portnet.k12.ny.us/~dtedeschi/Baritone.htm