The Archetypal Brass Band

Eb Soprano cornet: too loud, usually out of tune. Convinced he has the most difficult part in the band.

Principal cornet: conceited, uses too much vibrato.

Second man down or bumper upper: either thinks he would make a better principal, or hero worships the principal.

Third man down: loud brutal musical thug with lots of stamina and no finesse.

Fourth man down: like third man down, only louder and thicker!

Repiano cornet: waiting for a chance to play principal.

2nd cornets: hesitant, out of tune, but can play a bottom C.

3rd cornets: loud, out of tune, but can play bottom G.

Flugelhorn: plays flat. Can't decide whether to be a cornet or a horn.

Solo horn: usually a girlie - irrespective of whether a male or female player.

Tenor horns: can play a unison tone in tune if one of them is dead.

1st Baritone: useless player, out of tune all the time.

2nd Baritone: even worse player. Only there to show what the first baritone could do if he tried.

Euphoniums: show-off and trainee show-off.

1st trombone: steam driven. Rasps most of the time.

2nd trombone: sloppy player, but can rasp even at pianissimo.

Bass trombone: chainsaw with vibrato.

Eb basses: look like two drunken farts.

Bb basses: sound like two drunken farts.

Percussion: Has lots of noisy toys which must be used in the most inappropriate way possible. Must be totally incapable of producing a swing rhythm.

Conductor: Devoid of musical ability that he thinks the above shower sounds good!.

close page