I was wondering what specifically a screamer does? I mean I know they play high and all, but specifically what do they do? I`m in a band with a 4th, a 3rd, a 2nd, a lead and a screamer so what will he play, the 1st part or does he have his own? stuff like that.

Screamers are trumpeters who can play super high notes (mostly above high `C` above the staff)and who can play them with power, entonation and authority. Listen to recordings of Maynard Ferguson, John Faddis and Arturo Sanvoval (to but mention a few real horses - or screamers). You will hear powerful Big Bands backing these artists up. These bands are made up of musicians (including trumpeters) who play charts (sheet music) behind these artists, while they perform their own parts which usually include solo Ad Lib performances. Besides the featured trumpet artist, Screamers can also be the lead trumpeter in the band and will be called upon to play the highest notes written for the entire trumpet section of the band. Many times these notes can exceed an octave above high `C` above the staff. Screamers - playing super high notes with power and authority.

I guess i could be called a screamer in my jazz band, I am first chair, but there is another first part player also. In tunes that have alot of energy, power, swing, latin and really cool parts, my conductor tells me to take the first part up an octave. So the first part is heart, yet you hear my screaming octave above it, which is the sound of jazz. In songs that are balads and slow however, you do not scream, it is uncalled for. I am able to take most songs up the octave except songs which have the High F written, my range only is up to a double E right now, I am reaching for the F but cannot play it full sound. Screaming is not the most important part, but it sure sounds kick ass
Cameron
Trumpets are forever the heart and soul of the band, soar

I made lead trumpet in the missouri all state jazz band.I learned form talking to Maynard &Jon Faddis that it is the hardest thing to be perfect at,on the trumpet.Scream trumpet players add a whole new tlayer to a jazz band. It adds the edge, or sharpness.You don`t have to have someone who can play trippa` C`s.Just someone powerfull to hold the band together. Like Jon Harner or Bobby Shew or Roy Roman or Scott Engelbright(they all can hit the trippa`C). Even in my scholl jazz band I could play up to F above dubba`C, but I never go higher than a G over High C.

P.S. it is not a double E you can play, it is a E over high C.Double E means E over double C.The first note above the staff is a G not a E.