Soprano Cornet

Soprano CornetThis variant of the common cornet is considered a difficult instrument to play, in part because of the exposed nature of the parts. There is almost always only one soprano cornet in a band, and soprano players are considered specialists. Although it possess the same agile qualities as the Bb cornet, and is generally played by a skilled person, the soprano is rarely featured as a solo instrument.

Larger bands usually include an Eb soprano cornet. This instrument is pitched a perfect fourth higher than the Bb cornet. It is brighter in sound than the “regular” cornet, and can be easily heard above the full band tutti. Some players use piccolo trumpets instead of the soprano cornet.