2.2 An Approach to Modelling Brass Instruments
47
Fig. 2.13 Infrared
thermography image of a
trombone after warm-up.
Adapted from Gilbert et al.
(2006)
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
Distance (mm)
20
25
30
35
Temperature (°C)
Fig. 2.14 Temperature profile along a warmed-up trombone, estimated by infrared thermography.
Adapted from Gilbert et al. (2006)
Although Fig. 2.13 shows that a brass instrument is literally warmed up by
the preparatory exercises of the musician, these exercises also have an important
physiological purpose. A runner preparing for a race engages in a sequence of
activities designed to increase the flow of blood to the leg muscles. In the brass
player’s case, the most important muscles are those controlling the embouchure.
Since the blood flow is restricted if the lips are pressed against a cold surface, a
metal mouthpiece is commonly warmed up by the player before starting the playing
exercises.
2.2 An Approach to Modelling Brass Instruments
The progress of all branches of physics relies on an interplay between experimental
observation of phenomena and the development of theories which explain the
phenomena. The theoretical approach uses models which are based on fundamental
47
Fig. 2.13 Infrared
thermography image of a
trombone after warm-up.
Adapted from Gilbert et al.
(2006)
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
Distance (mm)
20
25
30
35
Temperature (°C)
Fig. 2.14 Temperature profile along a warmed-up trombone, estimated by infrared thermography.
Adapted from Gilbert et al. (2006)
Although Fig. 2.13 shows that a brass instrument is literally warmed up by
the preparatory exercises of the musician, these exercises also have an important
physiological purpose. A runner preparing for a race engages in a sequence of
activities designed to increase the flow of blood to the leg muscles. In the brass
player’s case, the most important muscles are those controlling the embouchure.
Since the blood flow is restricted if the lips are pressed against a cold surface, a
metal mouthpiece is commonly warmed up by the player before starting the playing
exercises.
2.2 An Approach to Modelling Brass Instruments
The progress of all branches of physics relies on an interplay between experimental
observation of phenomena and the development of theories which explain the
phenomena. The theoretical approach uses models which are based on fundamental