In This Month’s Newsletter

The Brass Family of Musical Instruments
Fun and Important Dates
Upcoming Recitals and Forum
Welcome Our New Students
Student of the Month:
Spotlight on Patriotic Music for Memorial Day
Did You Know? About the Trumpet Mute
Inspirations
Music Playdates in the Parks
Did You Read Your Newsletter Contest?
Referral Program

The Brass Family of Musical Instruments

The brass family of instruments includes the trumpet, trombone, French horn, tuba, and related instruments such as the cornet, flugelhorn, euphonium, and sousaphone.

These instruments are typically made of brass and produce sound through the vibration of the player’s lips against a mouthpiece. By changing lip tension, air speed, and valve or slide positions, players control pitch and tone. Brass instruments are known for their rich, powerful, and resonant sound, capable of both bold fanfares and warm, lyrical melodies.

Brass instruments differ from woodwinds primarily in how sound is produced. While brass players buzz their lips into a mouthpiece, woodwind players create sound using reeds (as in clarinet or saxophone) or by blowing across an opening (as in flute). Despite the saxophone being made of brass, it is classified as a woodwind because it uses a single reed to produce sound. In contrast, brass instruments rely entirely on lip vibration, placing them in a distinct family with their own technique, tone production, and musical role.

Learning a brass instrument offers many benefits for students of all ages. Physically, it promotes strong breath control, lung capacity, and posture. Musically, it develops a keen sense of pitch, listening, and ensemble awareness, as brass players often play prominent roles in bands and orchestras. Cognitively, students learn discipline, coordination, and problem-solving as they navigate the unique challenges of tone production and range. Socially, brass players are frequently part of collaborative groups such as concert bands, jazz ensembles, and marching bands, where teamwork and shared musical goals create a strong sense of community.

Beyond these benefits, there is a unique joy in playing brass instruments. There is something deeply satisfying about producing a full, resonant tone that can fill a room or soar above an ensemble. Brass playing allows for expressive contrast, from triumphant and brilliant to soft and noble. Many players find joy in the physical connection between breath and sound, where the body itself becomes the engine of music-making.

Whether leading a bold musical statement or blending seamlessly into a rich harmonic texture, brass instruments offer a rewarding and exhilarating musical experience that can last a lifetime.

FUN and IMPORTANT DATES

**Cinco de Mayo & May Day**
Tuesday, May 5
Lessons are ON (Open)

**Mother’s Day**
Sunday, May 10
During Off-Days (5/9 to 5/10, Closed)

**Memorial Day**
Monday, May 25
During Off-Days (5/24 to 5/25, Closed)

Upcoming Recitals and Forum

Recitals

Forum

**Please welcome**
**our NEW Students who enrolled**
**in March**

Liam S.
Liliana E.
Raynique M.
Seth W.
Lucas W.

Student of the Month

Wynne Watson

Wynne started playing the piano when she was seven,
stopped for a year or two, and then came back. Her favorite part about playing piano is the joy it brings to others. "What I love about my music teacher is that she is so chill: she isn't overly energetic, lets us relax when playing, and makes learning fun." Wynne also plays the clarinet, which is
her favorite of all instruments. She appreciates the way it makes her feel when playing.

Wynne says, "What I like best about this school is that the music teachers are amazing and fun. I have had three teachers so far and each has brought joy into music."

Wynne's teacher, Miss Esther, says "Wynne has a wonderful attitude towards learning and playing the piano. Yesterday we had a guest student and I was impressed by how Wynne was coaching and teaching her how to play Duérmete, mi niño and being a good role model."

Wynne loves her amazing mom, and her dogs Penny (7) and Ramona (1). For hobbies she enjoys cosplaying and going to the Renaissance Faire. "It is the most magical place ever, with many shop booths of home made products." Her favorite place to travel to is beautiful South Carolina, where her papa and grandma Ana Lee, and other family, live.

Spotlight on Patriotic Music for Memorial Day

Patriotic music in the United States carries a powerful tradition, especially as we pause on Memorial Day to remember and honor those who have served. Few musical expressions are as moving as the official songs of the U.S. military branches: The Army Goes Rolling Along, Anchors Aweigh, The Marines' Hymn, The U.S. Air Force, Semper Paratus, and Semper Supra. Each of these songs reflects the identity, pride, and mission of its branch, often performed at ceremonies, graduations, and public events where audiences stand in respect.

Another important piece in this tradition is Hail to the Chief, the song associated with the President of the United States. Its stately and recognizable melody has become a symbol of national leadership and continuity, often heard at official appearances and state occasions.

Patriotic spirit also finds a joyful and theatrical expression in American musical theater. A beloved example is Seventy-Six Trombones from The Music Man. With its bold brass sound and parade-like energy, the song celebrates community, optimism, and the excitement of band music itself—echoing the same instruments and traditions found in military bands across the country.

Together, these works show how patriotic music lives in many spaces: in solemn remembrance, in national ceremony, and in joyful performance. On Memorial Day, they remind us not only of service and sacrifice, but also of the shared musical language that brings communities together in gratitude, pride, and hope.

Did You Know?
About the Trumpet Mute

A trumpet mute is a fun little device that fits right into the bell of the trumpet and changes the sound in playful and surprising ways.

It works by partially blocking and shaping the air as it leaves the instrument, creating sounds that can be softer, buzzy, nasal, or even a little “wah-wah” like a talking voice.

Musicians use mutes to add color, variety, and expression to their playing. You’ll often hear them in jazz, movie music, and sometimes even in classical pieces when composers want something a little extra special and magical.

Inspirations

“Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance.”

— Jude 1:2

“Once you face your fear, nothing is ever as hard as you think.”

— Olivia Newton-John

Music Playdates in the Parks

Weekly on Wednesdays and Saturday mornings
from 10:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.

Meet friends, dance a little, sing along, play with some musical instruments, and other fun toys!

Find us near the playground.
See park schedule on our website.

Did You Read Your Newsletter Contest?

May 2026

To encourage everyone to read the Dennis Frayne Music Studio Newsletter, each month we’ll feature a new contest winner or a new contest. Be sure to read your newsletter each month to see if your name has been drawn or you might miss out!

This month’s winner is Sawyer Bell