The Metal

Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc. The proportion of copper varies between 70% and 90% - the resulting brasses are called 'yellow', 'gold' and 'red' brass. The instruments are usually lacquered to stop the brass tarnishing or sometimes silver plated. Instruments can also be made from solid sterling silver and an alloy called nickel silver which is silver in colour but contains nickel, copper and zinc.

The Instruments

Brass instruments come in all shapes and sizes. They very in size from piccolo trumpets - total tube length about 4 ft - to Bb bass tubas 16 ft long. Click on 'instruments' for some pictures and more information.

The Sound

Brass instruments are driven by the lips. The buzzing of the lips sets up a wave resonating in the tube of the instrument and out comes a note.