The trombone is the Tenor voice of the Brass family. It is unique because it uses a slide instead of valves to change the pitch. The use of the slide allows Trombone players to add "glissando" effects to their music, when appropriate, so the listener hears gliding from note to note, with all the notes in between. Interestingly, the earliest trombones were much smaller, and they went by the name, "sackbut." A sound is produced on the trombone by buzzing the lips together.
You might be a great trombone player if:
You might be a great trombone player if:
- You make a low buzzing sound on brass instruments
- Your arms are average to long
- You have a relatively good sense of pitch
- You are better at larger motions (like throwing) than smaller (like typing)
This video shows famous trombonist Wycliffe Gordon being featured with a Brass Band
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This video features the University of Alabama Trombone choir playing music from "Superman"
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Financial Information
The Trombone is slightly more expensive than the Trumpet, but relatively inexpensive in the brass family. Most Trombone players rent their first instrument, then upgrade to a larger instrument in 8th or 9th grade. Students often keep their beginner instrument for marching band and/or jazz band. Although students must take great care to not damage the slide, Trombone repair costs can be kept at a minimum if proper measures are taken. Trombone slides must be oiled daily, and typically trombone players take their instruments to a repair shop once per year for cleaning and maintenance. Great Trombone players may have college scholarships available.