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BARITONE HORN HISTORY
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The baritone horn comes from a long tradition of trumpet-like instruments first used in the ancient world for signaling and ceremony. Only a few notes could be played on these instruments made of conch shells, animal horns, and hollowed branches. By Roman times, and for centuries thereafter, brass trumpets and horns were common at military and civilian events.
The first baritones appeared in the late 1830's, just a few years after the invention of valved brass instruments. By 1850, baritones were used extensively in miliary and school bands. They were often featured as solo instruments.
Baritones used during the American Cival War had bells which pointed backwards over the player's left shoulder. Since the band marched at the head of the army, this was necessary to allow the other soldiers to hear the music. After the Civil War, marching military bands gave way to concert bands, and baritones with bells pointing upward or frontward became standard.
The baritone is very similar to the euphonium. The euphonium is larger bored and is related to the flugelhorn. The baritone is more closely related to the cornet. Baritones usually have three valves, while euphoniums often have four or even five.
Baritones and euphoniums are made of brass or other metal, usually silver-plated or lacquered. They are played mostly in bands, and occasionally in orchestras.
(per Standard of Excellence, Book 1)
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