i think people make a big deal out of this. i use both terms-"horn" and "french horn" from time to time, and everybody knows what i am talking about. it really isn't that big of a deal.

my advice to you? avoid the trumpet at all costs. i promise, i have absolutely nothing against trumpet players, but personally as a horn player...you can't get better than the french horn. you may find it difficult at first to adapt to a brass instrument, but you should be fine. as to the theory of it being difficult to tune? well, that may be true, but its a problen easily fixed. the way you hold your hand in the bell changes the shape of the sound and allows you to bend it to your will. a good horn player is consistantly moving their hand about, carefully listening to how the sound flows. not a huge roadblock if you have a good ear for tone and pitch.

At least in the UK referring to the "French Horn" as "horn" is asking for confusion. The most common amateur ensemble for brass players in the UK is the brass band which has 3 types of horn: flugel (Bb), tenor (Eb) and baritone (Bb). Contrary to the views expressed by many orchestral musicians - including those in the horn society - these intruments all have very credible unique characteristics and can play very difficult passages. The current desired brass band sound could not be achieved if french horns were used instead. I believe it is incorrect to suggest that the French Horn (which I play) is any more superior to these other horns than the violin is to a woodwind instrument. I know many woodwind players (I also play flute) who wouldnt find that comparison acceptable.

With most french horns you should be able to achieve good intonation without moving your right hand - the only obvious exceptions are pedal notes and a descant F horn used too low when you would normally use the Bb side of the instrument. You can use your right hand when there are 3rd valve tubing lenght issues - for which a trumpet has a slide - but its better to use your embouchure because that retains the tone.

This is actually the same on other brass instruments and if your intonation is giving problems the probable cause is your embouchure. For instance, if I use my normal horn embouchure with more lower than upper lip on my Bb Bass the intonation is hopeless ...

Hahaha. Refering to the "horn" argument earlier.

I call my horn a French Horn because that's its name. So many other instruments are called a "horn" that when I talk to people I do not know I refer to it as a French Horn.

But get this... a French Horn is actually French, it's German.

And an English Horn, isn't even a horn at all. It's more of large oboe. Which is actually....French.

Isn't that odd?

- Joey

yes joey...yes it is

hehehe can every1 stop argueing about whether its horn or french horn cause to be honest it doesnt matter what u call it as long as you know what you mean! lol

Yeah, it gets so annoying when the director says horns up, or something like that. As far as I know, it is the International Horn Society did switch the name to just horn, but with most people the French part sticks with it.

I call MY instrument the FRENCH horn, most of the time. Like if people ask me what I play, I'll say the French horn, but if I'm just refering to the actual horn I'll say "I've left my horn at home." etc.
French horn is cool

When I started playing the french horn last year it was my first year playing any type of musical interiment. I started on the trumpet but only play it for about about 6 weeks and then moved to in my oppoin the better, french horn. I think because you have the musical background you could!!! go either way, but i think it's aways a good idea to start on the trumpet because it has easier fangerings!!, and will get you used to playing brass interiments.

I agree!!!!!

So what exactly's the big deal about whether it's a horn or a French horn?
Granted, it's not completely French, but at least when you call it a French horn people know what you're talking about.

Big deal, I don't think so. But...people are weird.

i used to play trumpet fairly well, then my band directtor suggested the horn, and it just so turns out that horn was my talent! so if i were you, i would get that horn and play it!

my band director calls the mellophones french horns lol
no one cares next time just point to the instrument or draw a picture