THE TROMBONE FAMILY

The trombone is the middle instrument in the brass family, functioning one octave below the trumpet and one octave above the tuba. Trombones also have their own family and come in a variety of sizes. Young students begin on a basic B-flat tenor trombone, the instrument most often found in bands and orchestras. There is a lower relative to the tenor trombone called the bass trombone. Bass trombones have extra tubing with one or two thumb- operated rotor valves, and a larger bell. Frequently, a bass trombone is used as the lowest member of a trombone section. Mother member of the trombone family is the E-flat alto trombone, a higher- pitched cousin sometimes found in orchestras. Tenor trombones may also have an f attachment, extra tubing with a thumb- operated rotor similar to bass trombones. This extra tubing preserves the basic tenor trombone while providing the option of additional lower register. Valve trombones — instruments with trumpet-like piston valves — do exist, hut are seldom used and considered a rarity~ Tenor trombones also come in different sizes. Wider-dimensioned or large- bored instruments provide a darker, fuller sound, while small-bored instruments provide a brighter, clearer sound.

For all the variety of the trombone family tree, all students should start out with the basic B-flat tenor trombone, and pursue other options after a period of study.

IS IT HARD TO PLAY?

The trombone is a middle-range instrument. Its sound, while full and large, does not have the forceful prominence of the trumpet. However, the trombone’s middle-register status does not limit the instrument to accompaniment lines — trombones do have solo or feature parts.

Trombonists, like all brass instrumentalists, must therefore develop an embouchure or correct lip formation, to produce a tone and move from high to low registers. Under the guidance of a qualified teacher, a student will produce a tone and play a few notes at the first lesson. With continued instruction and about half an hour of practice a day, most students will progress rapidly. As noted earlier, many young people say the trombone slide looks fun. Some others say it looks hard. Valves do seem like a more efficient means of changing notes. A trombonist must move the slide several inches as quickly as a trumpet player depresses valves. In practice, however, most students learn to move the slide in a quick and fluid manner. The trombone slide has seven positions, each position giving a series of notes depending on embouchure tension. As a student develops pitch recognition, he or she learns correct slide placement, not unlike a string player learning where to place fingers on a fretless fingerboard. Students who listen to recordings and live performances of slide trombonists in both the jazz and classical arena will hear musicians whose skill often surpasses that of valve instrument practitioners. With proper instruction and a serviceable instrument, most students progress rapidly and find the trombone not hard, hut rewarding and fun.

 

BUYING YOUR FIRST TROMBONE

The staff of any reputable musical instrument store can assist you in purchasing your first trombone. The director of the school music program as well as private teachers will certainly have opinions as to brand and instrument features. If possible, it is useful to have a teacher or experienced player present while selecting an instrument.