Where does that buzzing sound come from when the brass section are warming up?
The buzz that you hear during the warm up of the brass groups on stage comes from the use of what is known as a B.E.R.P. (Buzz Extension Resistance Piece) The B.E.R.P connects to the instrument of the brass member and allows the member to detach the mouthpiece of the instrument, attach it to the B.E.R.P., and buzz on their mouthpiece in normal position, gripping the instrument with both hands as a normal player would. The purpose of buzzing is to warm up the lips, and to tune using the ears rather than the instrument.
