Hello, I am a sophomore in high school. I have played violin for 7 years, trumpet in 5th grade, and percussion from 6th through 8th grade. I am between the horn and the cornet as future instruments. I like the sound of both equally, but my dilemma is in a future in the instruments. Horn players are always in demand, and Trumpet players are always available. This means I could get many opportunities as a horn player, but I am scared I will get boring parts with lots of rests. When I played trumpet, it was very fun because the trumpet section is always the center of attention and is always playing exciting parts and barely have any rests. I am wondering if I could play the horn, but join a band playing trumpet parts. From what I have seen, the horn can get as high as the trumpet and as low as a tuba, am I correct? It would be very nice if you could tell me your experience.

I am going to post this on the trumpet forum as well so that anybody with experience there can respond as well.

High as a trumpet? No.

Low as a tuba? Yes, in theory, but the horn, being a much narrower bore than a tuba, cannot generate any real weight of sound in the low register.

Depending on what sort of ensemble you play in, horns can be very busy. In orchestras, not so much, but in orchestras trumpets are even less busy.