Wurlitzer band organs have a section in the roll scale called
Counter-Melody and it's usually for trumpets.  What is the musical
definition of counter-melody, and why do the [Wurlitzer band organs]
usually play trumpets?

Ed Hattrup

 [ At http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Countermelody : "In music, the
 [ counter-melody (often one word, countermelody) is a sequence of
 [ notes, perceived as a melody, written to be played simultaneously
 [ with a more prominent melody."
 [
 [ At http://www.southbendsymphony.com/pages/glossary.htm  is a related
 [ related term : "counterpoint - simultaneous setting of two or more
 [ melodic lines against each other (almost all music includes
 [ counterpoint)."
 [
 [ The finale Trio of Sousa's "Start and Stripes Forever" features
 [ two counter-melodies: the one introduced earlier by the piccolo
 [ and a contrasting extra counter-melody played by the low brass.
 [ The aggregate is glorious counterpoint in march time!  -- Robbie