When a valve is pressed down, it opens up an additional section of tubing, lengthening the instrument and lowering the pitch. Conversely, when a slide is pulled out, it shortens the instrument and raises the pitch.
The following is a more detailed explanation of how valves and slides work:
* Valves: Brass instruments typically have three or four valves, each of which is controlled by a finger. When a valve is pressed down, it opens up an additional section of tubing, lengthening the instrument and lowering the pitch. The farther down the valve is pressed, the longer the additional section of tubing and the lower the pitch.
* Slides: Slides are movable tubes that can be pulled out or pushed in to change the length of the instrument. Pulling the slide out shortens the instrument and raises the pitch, while pushing the slide in lengthens the instrument and lowers the pitch. The amount that the slide is pulled out or pushed in determines the amount of the pitch change.
The combination of valves and slides allows brass players to produce a wide range of pitches. By using different combinations of valves and slides, they can play melodies and harmonies in all keys.
Here are some specific examples of how valves and slides are used to change the pitch on different brass instruments:
* Trumpet: The trumpet has three valves, which can be used to produce seven different pitches. The first valve lowers the pitch by a whole tone, the second valve lowers the pitch by a half tone, and the third valve lowers the pitch by a tone and a half.
* Trombone: The trombone has a slide, which can be used to produce any pitch within a range of seven octaves. The slide is pulled out to raise the pitch, and pushed in to lower the pitch.
* French Horn: The French horn has three valves and a slide, which can be used to produce a wide range of pitches. The valves are used to change the pitch by specific intervals, while the slide is used to fine-tune the pitch.