The trumpet has a flared bell and bright, penetrating tone, making it the highest registered instrument in the brass family.  The modern trumpet has the tubing looped to form a straight-sided coil, with three valves and sound is produced by blowing air through almost-closed lips, making a “buzzing” sound that starts a standing wave vibration in the air column inside the instrument. The trumpet has a very long history as a signaling device in battle or hunting, dating back to at least 1500 BC as well as being popular in orchestras and concert bands of today.