The Piccolo Trumpet is the smallest of all orchestral trumpets. Its range is one octave higher than the standard orchestral trumpet, and it has a high, piercing sound. The piccolo trumpet is normally used in concert bands, military bands, and as a solo instrument in the orchestra.
Family |
Brasses |
Pitch range |
About two octaves. |
Material |
Brass. |
Size |
Total length of unwound tube is 25 in (64 cm). |
Origins |
The B-flat piccolo trumpet was invented in the mid-20th century to make high trumpet parts easier to play. |
Classification |
Aerophone: an instrument that produces its sound by the vibration of a column of air. |
And also... |
The first small trumpets, made in the late 19th century, were straight and over twice the length of the piccolo trumpet. Because they were difficult to hold, shorter ones were made in D that later had a looped design. The B-flat model is the shortest trumpet ever. |