Trombone

OVERVIEW

The trombone is part of the brass family that plays parts that are between the tuba (low) and the trumpet (high). It is unique in the fact that it was one of the earliest instruments that could play chromatic (all of the notes rather than Key specific). It, like the trumpet, are found in many genres around the world.

TROMBONE HISTORY

The trombone dates to the early 1400’s but went by another name, the sackbut. This was an early French term that literally meant to “pull” (saquer) and “push” (bouter). The Italians called it Tromba (trumpet) crossed with “one” which means larger. Large trumpet became the trombone. Its unique ability to glissando (glide) from one note to another playing all of the notes in between made it different from all the rest.

WHEN TO START

Due to the fact that the instrument has 7 positions and must be used with an extended arm, students who are small in stature are encouraged to play another instrument in the brass family until they are able to reach the 7th position. You don’t have to have long arms in order to play the trombone, just be able to play the positions that are required.

TROMBONE BRANDS

Olds, Bach, King, Conn, Reynolds, Yamaha, and Jupiter are widely recognized as quality instruments. This is just a partial list of instruments for beginners to professionals.

TROMBONE PLAYERS

Joseph Alessi, Denis Wick, Christian Lindber, JJ Johnson, Glenn Miller, Frank Rosolino, Arthur Pryor, Bill Watrous and Tommy Dorsey are prominent names in the trombone world.

ADVANCED TECHNIQUES

Learning the basics of trombone will allow the musician to play the many different genres that are found in the world. Advanced techniques are also used in the different types of trombones like the bass trombone and the alto trombone. Check out more information at www.ita-web.org.