BERP No.3 for Trumpet

The clamp. The BERP clamp fits firmly onto the open end of the instrument’s receiver, with the mouthpiece removed. It’s designed to tighten around a round, hex, or convex-shaped opening. If a receiver has an oversized ring at the opening, it may be necessary to push the clamp past that before tightening down. For some receivers, you may also need to add black electrical tape to the inside of the clamp to help prevent slippage and ensure a secure fit. Most people prefer to line The BERP up parallel to the receiver at the “three o’clock” position. You may want to experiment with other positions to determine what’s best for you. Once The BERP is firmly attached, you can easily alternate between buzzing and playing your instrument by switching the mouthpiece.

The resistance dial. The dial for the trumpet, horn, and cornet BERP should be positioned below the holes and pushed up to partially cover them to create the desired resistance. The dial on The BERP for trombones, euphoniums, and tubas should be positioned above the holes and lowered to create the desired resistance. Beginners usually have a better chance of getting a good buzz with slightly more resistance. Once a good buzz is achieved, resistance on The BERP should be dialed similarly to that of the instrument.

Clamp The BERP onto the receiver. Play the starting pitch on your instrument, then place the mouthpiece in The BERP and buzz the exercise like a siren or glissando.

Buzz the exercise again, but this time center each pitch and press your instrument’s valves down or move the slide to the notes that you are playing. When you play The BERP, practice making the beginning and ending pitch sound (resonate) the same. Correct sound production will result when the air leads the way, whether ascending or descending.

Finally, play the exercise on your instrument with the same energy you used to make a consistent buzz. The embouchure should feel more relaxed than when buzzing in order to get a free, resonating sound. Always alternate between the BERP and playing your instrument, to gain ear training benefits and strengthen your embouchure.