<P> While horn players may be asked to play the mellophone, it is unlikely that the instrument was ever intended as a substitute for the horn, mainly because of the fundamental differences described . As an instrument it compromises between the ability to sound like a horn, while being used like a trumpet or flugelhorn, a tradeoff that sacrifices acoustic properties for ergonomics . </P> <P> The marching horn is quite similar to the mellophone in shape and appearance, but is pitched in the key of B ♭, the same as the B ♭ side of a double horn . It is also available in F alto, one octave above the F side of a double horn . The marching horn is also played with a horn mouthpiece (unlike the mellophone, which needs an adapter to fit the horn mouthpiece). These instruments are primarily used in marching bands so the sound comes from a forward - facing bell, as dissipation of the sound from the backward - facing bell becomes a concern in open - air environments . Many college marching bands and drum corps, however, use mellophones instead, which, with many marching bands, better balance the tone of the other brass instruments; additionally, mellophones require less special training of trumpeters, who considerably outnumber horn players . </P> <P> The Wagner tuba is a rare brass instrument that is essentially a horn modified to have a larger bell throat and a vertical bell . Despite its name, it is generally not considered part of the tuba family . Invented for Richard Wagner specifically for his work Der Ring des Nibelungen, it has since been written for by various other composers, including Bruckner, Stravinsky and Richard Strauss . It uses a horn mouthpiece and is available as a single tuba in B ♭ or F, or, more recently, as a double tuba similar to the double horn . Its common range is similar to that of the euphonium, but its possible range is the same as that of the horn, extending from low F ♯, below the bass clef staff to high C above the treble staff when read in F. These low pedals are substantially easier to play on the Wagner tuba than on the horn . Wagner viewed the regular horn as a woodwind rather than a brass instrument, evidenced by his placing of the horn parts in his orchestral scores in the woodwind group and not in their usual place above the trumpets in the brass section . </P> <P> Discussion of the repertoire of horns must recognize the different needs of orchestras and concert bands in contrast to marching bands, as above, but also the use of horns in a wide variety of music, including chamber music and jazz . </P>

The french horn in b flat which plays well in both the high register and the middle register