Trombone and Brass
Trombone.
A brass wind instrument, developed from the sackbut,
made in four basic sizes: alto, tenor, bass and contrabass, the first
of which used to be rarely played, parts written for it being played
on the tenor trombone, while the last hardly ever appears in the
orchestra , except in Wagner's Ring.
The alto trombone is pitched in Eb and in the past ten years has
experienced a renaissance. It has its own unique sound that is
perfectly suited to the classical and early romantic literature, such
as Brahms, Mozart, Beethoven, Schumann and others. The alto is also
becoming an even more popular solo instrument, found on recitals in
colleges and universities, as well as being a speciality of many of
the trombone's premier solo artists.
The instrument's most characteristic feature is the slide, by
means of which the tube can be adjusted to different lengths in seven
positions, so that all the notes of the chromatic scale can be
produced as natural harmonics. The trombone was thus a chromatic
instrument long before the horn and trumpet became so by the
invention of the valves. The intonation, as in string instruments, is
not fixed, but depends entirely on the player's ear and skill. Many
notes are, of course, available in more than one position (as
different harmonics), so that the player often has the choice between
an easier and a more difficult way of passing from note to note. A
strict legato between notes in different positions is not possible,
as the breath has to be interrupted during the change of the slide to
avoid an unpleasant scoop; but this scoop, which is usually
designated by the term glissando, can be used as a special effect.
The compass of the contrabass lies an octave below the tenors. The
tenor-bass, a combined instrument in B flat with a trigger lowering
the pitch a fourth to F, is widely used at the present day. The
length of the slide makes it impossible to play the lowest note (B
flat) of the bass trombone on this instrument: the compass therefore
starts from C (trigger and extended sixth position) and goes as high
in to the tenor range as the player can manage.
In the 19th century valve trombones were invented and gained
favour in military bands as being easier to play, though their tone
was somewhat inferior.
Holton TR156
I play a Holton TR156 because it has a beautiful, rich dark tone.
I've played a Holton for about the past 6 years and am extremely
happy with it's performance. The mouthpiece I use is a Denis Wick 4
BL. The sound that is generated from this mouthpiece, combined with
the TR156 is a beautifully dark, rich sound, but it does require some
stamina exercises if you are continually playing in the upper
register. Anything above a top E flat is a struggle after about an
hour. The trombone I have at the moment is 12 months old and replaced
an older version of the TR156.
Current Bands
I play principal trombone with the following bands:-
- Oldham Brass 97
- Greater Manchester Police Fanfare Team
- Fanfayre
- Indigo Big Band
- Freelance for Shows etc.
Oldham Brass 97 is a brass
band based in Lees, Oldham, North Manchester. It was formed in 1997
and was an amalgamation of the Lees and Glodwick Band and Cobden
Chadwick Band. Oldham Brass 97 have just won the National
Championships and are crowned Champion Band of Great Britain (Third
Section). This was achieved at the National Finals in Harrogate on
19th September 1998 under the musical direction of Andrew White. The
test piece was "Three Miniatures" by Philip Sparke.
Greater Manchester Police Band
is military band based at Sedgeley Park training school Manchester.
The band in its current form is comprised of both serving Police
Officers and members of the public, as is the Fanfare Team.
The Fanfare Team comprises of
five trumpets, two tenor trumpets and one bass trumpet (pitched in
G). This team play at many prestigious events throughout the country
and usually when H.R.H. Queen Elizabeth II visits Manchester.
Fanfayre is a similar outfit
to the above Fanfare Team but is run purely by the principal trumpet
player. This group primarily perform at private functions, weddings
and the like. The team can be split, if a full body of players is not
required. If you require any further details please e-mail me and I
will be happy to oblige.
Indigo is Manchesters newest
Big Band comprising 3/4 trumpets, 3/4 trombones, 5 saxes, bass
guitar, rhythm guitar, piano, drums and 2 vocalists. We perform at
the Old Market Tavern pub in Altricham, Cheshire every 3rd Tuesday.
I also play freelance in shows, the most current being "West Side
Story" by Leonard Bernstein. This, for me is the most enjoyable.
Playing to an audience of 1,500+ really gives you a sense of
achievement.