I must confess, I’m musically challenged. My greatest musical success was playing the recorder aged 10. Even then, when the group was divided into ability levels, I was put in group 5 (those with “the lowest ability”).
But, ever up for a challenge, when Alexandria offered to show me how to play the flugelhorn, I prepared to lose any remaining musical pride.
“Alright, I’ll have a go.”
Listen to Alexandria James demonstrating how the flugelhorn should sound
Listen to My first ever attempt at flugelhorn
When you type ‘learn an instrument’ into Google, guitar is top of the list. Flugelhorn, however, is not.
The Flugel had a moment in the spotlight in the 1996 film Brassed Off, when beautiful actress Tara Fitzgerald plays a solo, impressing Ewan McGregor’s character.
As Alexandria James, a flugel player from National Youth Arts Wales explains, “In brass bands there’s only one flugel player and 28 other musicians, it’s a very respected role.
“The flugelhorn is relied upon to bridge the gap between the lower half (baritone) and top half (tenor) of the brass band”
To become a flugelhorn player you must start playing a cornet or trumpet and progress onto it, performing solos confidently.
“It’s a wonderful instrument to play, and so rewarding,” says Alexandria.
I must confess, I’m musically challenged. My greatest musical success was playing the recorder aged 10. Even then, when the group was divided into ability levels, I was put in group 5 (those with “the lowest ability”).
But, ever up for a challenge, when Alexandria offered to show me how to play the flugelhorn, I prepared to lose any remaining musical pride.
“Alright, I’ll have a go.”
Listen to Alexandria James demonstrating how the flugelhorn should sound
Listen to My first ever attempt at flugelhorn