I have a new theory as to why some people can't play high notes on the trumpet or french horn. It has to do with the shape of their upper lip. If you have a large widow's peak that descends sharply from your upper lip then I think that playing high will essentially be impossible.

Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIhwEbzPwNU

Yes. I agree.

With any accentuated differences between the upper and lower lips you will have difficulties in producing an extended range and the best of tone. Concentration on air flow and air speed will certainly improve both areas somewhat, but would still be limited.

The control for pitch and tone is directly related to the function of the Orbicularis oris muscle fibres. And as hard as one might try these muscle fibres cannot control the fatty tissue of the lips.

Anyone can learn to play high notes. You have to know how it works and then work through the exercises to develop things to work properly.

It's all in understanding how the tongue works to control the velocity of the air and then learning to coordinate the wind power to work with that.

There is a really good lecture of Claude Gordon on my website explaining these things. Listen to the ITG Lecture from 1977 posted on the following page. I am sure it will inspire you and give you hope.
http://www.purtle.com/jeff_sound.html

Jeff Purtle
www.purtle.com
Online Trumpet Lessons
jeff@purtle.com
864-292-3532 Greenville, South Carolina
AIM/iChat: ac6iw
Skype: jeff_purtle

Thanks for the info

Playing high notes boils down to this... relaxing your embouchure enough to allow it to vibrate as you ascend... keeping a small aperture, and using your abdominal muscles efficiently to create the compression you need with the air.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7l5d2PhrLKI

Check out my new book on this topic at http://www.brassplayersolution.com

Sincerely,

Keith Fiala
Former Maynard Ferguson Trumpeter