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TromboneHistory
- The buccina, an instrument in Roman times that resembles the trombone, came and went with the fall of Rome. - It was prominently used in Germany for church music. - Written for first by Monteverdi, it was subsequently established as a standard member of the orchestra by Mozart and Beethoven. - Berlioz included the trombone in his "Treatise on Orchestration in 1844. |
What about the Trombone?
The most frequently used trombones today are the tenor trombone and the bass trombone, though as with many other instruments, the trombone has been built in sizes from piccolo to contrabass. Both the tenor and the bass are pitched at B-flat. The tenor trombone is an octave below the B-flat trumpet and an octave above the b-flat tuba. The tenor trombone is more often used in jazz bands and big bands, while the bass trombone is mostly used in symphony orchestras.
The trombone is non-transposing instrument that when stretched out is about 12 feet long! Two-thirds of it is cylindrical and one-third conical. An F-attachment is often added to the tenor trombone to increase the number of pitch range and allow for alternative positions, trills and other possibilities for technically difficult passages.
Producing an initial sound on the trombone is similar to playing the trumpet and the baritone/euphonium. The trombone embouchure closely resembles the baritone/euphonium embouchure.
When purchasing - The main warning to watch out for is leaks. It is also important to make sure that the slide moves freely. Mouth-piece selection is also important in order to play the desired tone.
Care - The slide of the trombone is extremely delicate. So, extra special precautions need to be taken to protect it from bumping, bending or dropping. As with all instruments, the trombone needs to be kept clean.
Health Issues - The trombone is one of the heaviest instruments played today without any kind of support. There are stands and other apparatus that can used to help support its weight.
The most frequently used trombones today are the tenor trombone and the bass trombone, though as with many other instruments, the trombone has been built in sizes from piccolo to contrabass. Both the tenor and the bass are pitched at B-flat. The tenor trombone is an octave below the B-flat trumpet and an octave above the b-flat tuba. The tenor trombone is more often used in jazz bands and big bands, while the bass trombone is mostly used in symphony orchestras.
The trombone is non-transposing instrument that when stretched out is about 12 feet long! Two-thirds of it is cylindrical and one-third conical. An F-attachment is often added to the tenor trombone to increase the number of pitch range and allow for alternative positions, trills and other possibilities for technically difficult passages.
Producing an initial sound on the trombone is similar to playing the trumpet and the baritone/euphonium. The trombone embouchure closely resembles the baritone/euphonium embouchure.
When purchasing - The main warning to watch out for is leaks. It is also important to make sure that the slide moves freely. Mouth-piece selection is also important in order to play the desired tone.
Care - The slide of the trombone is extremely delicate. So, extra special precautions need to be taken to protect it from bumping, bending or dropping. As with all instruments, the trombone needs to be kept clean.
Health Issues - The trombone is one of the heaviest instruments played today without any kind of support. There are stands and other apparatus that can used to help support its weight.
Ranges for Trombones