Ping-Pong Ball Trick for Brass Airflow

Who

This technique benefits brass players, including trumpet, trombone, French horn, euphonium, and tuba players, particularly middle school beginners, and band directors teaching them in school or community ensembles. It’s ideal for students learning proper airflow.

What

The challenge is teaching brass players to use strong, consistent airflow without excessive mouthpiece pressure or embouchure tension, which can produce a weak, airy tone. The ping-pong ball trick uses a backwards trumpet mouthpiece to demonstrate and develop proper airflow.

Why

Beginners often use insufficient air or press the mouthpiece too hard, restricting the oral cavity and producing a thin sound, as noted in The Art of Brass Playing. The ping-pong ball trick visually and kinesthetically teaches the fast, steady airflow needed for a full, resonant tone by making the ball “stick” to the mouthpiece shank, engaging students and reinforcing technique.

Where

The trick is applied via:

• Backwards Mouthpiece: Hold a trumpet mouthpiece backwards, with the shank (narrow end) between the lips, and blow to suspend a ping-pong ball against the rim (wide end).
• Air Support: Use fast, directed air to keep the ball in place, mimicking proper brass playing airflow.

When

Use the ping-pong ball trick in:

• Beginner Instruction: During early lessons to establish correct airflow habits for middle school students.
• Warm-Up Sessions: In band rehearsals to reinforce air support before playing pieces like Holst’s First Suite in Eb.
• Tone Development: When addressing weak or airy tones in any register.
• Engaging Exercises: To motivate students with a fun, visual activity during lessons or sectionals.

How

To teach proper airflow with the ping-pong ball trick:

1. Demonstrate the Trick: Hold a trumpet mouthpiece backwards, place the shank between your lips, position a ping-pong ball against the rim, and blow steadily to make it “stick,” as shown in Band Directors Talk Shop.
2. Guide Student Practice: Have students try the trick, focusing on fast, steady air to keep the ball suspended, ensuring lips are relaxed and not biting.
3. Connect to Playing: Transition to playing long tones (e.g., middle Bb for trumpet, low F for trombone) with the same airflow, checking tone with a mirror.
4. Use a Tuner: Verify pitch (A=440 Hz) during long tones to ensure airflow supports accurate intonation.
5. Incorporate in Warm-Ups: Add the trick to daily warm-ups, followed by scales like Bb major, to reinforce consistent air support.
6. Annotate Repertoire: Mark parts in pieces like Sousa’s Stars and Stripes Forever to remind students to apply strong airflow for tonal clarity.
7. Engage with Fun: Encourage competition (e.g., who can keep the ball suspended longest) to make learning enjoyable, boosting student motivation.

Conclusion

The ping-pong ball trick, using a backwards trumpet mouthpiece, is a powerful tool for teaching brass players proper airflow, producing a full, resonant tone. By demonstrating the trick, practicing with tuners, and integrating it into warm-ups and repertoire, directors can engage students and correct weak airflow. This fun, visual method ensures trumpeters, trombonists, and other brass players develop strong air support, enhancing their performance in demanding band settings.