Trombones
Alto trombone
The alto trombone is pitched in Eb and was commonly used from the 16th to the 18th centuries. The slide is shorter and the positions are different from the tenor and bass trombones. The instrument is primarily used in choral, orchestral, and operatic settings. Although it declined in popularity as early as the 19th century, modern composers have rediscovered the instrument and it has begun to make more appearances in modern compositions.
The alto trombone is pitched in Eb and was commonly used from the 16th to the 18th centuries. The slide is shorter and the positions are different from the tenor and bass trombones. The instrument is primarily used in choral, orchestral, and operatic settings. Although it declined in popularity as early as the 19th century, modern composers have rediscovered the instrument and it has begun to make more appearances in modern compositions.
Trombone
The trombone is characterized by a telescopic slide with which the player varies the length of the tube to change pitches. The position of the slide combined with the vibration of the air column inside the instrument caused by the player's lips determines the pitch that is being played. The word trombone derives from the Italian tromba (trumpet) and -one (large), so the name actually means "large trumpet". The most frequently encountered trombones are the tenor and bass trombones.
The trombone is characterized by a telescopic slide with which the player varies the length of the tube to change pitches. The position of the slide combined with the vibration of the air column inside the instrument caused by the player's lips determines the pitch that is being played. The word trombone derives from the Italian tromba (trumpet) and -one (large), so the name actually means "large trumpet". The most frequently encountered trombones are the tenor and bass trombones.
Bass Trombone
The modern bass trombone is pitched in Bb and is identical in length to the 9' tenor trombone. The bass trombone was developed from the 19th century tenor bass trombone, but has a wider bore and a larger bell which causes it to have a weightier tone in the lower register. It also has one or two valves that will lower the key of the instrument when engaged.
There is usually 1-2 bass trombones in a standard symphony and it is also seen in a variety of brass group ensembles.
The modern bass trombone is pitched in Bb and is identical in length to the 9' tenor trombone. The bass trombone was developed from the 19th century tenor bass trombone, but has a wider bore and a larger bell which causes it to have a weightier tone in the lower register. It also has one or two valves that will lower the key of the instrument when engaged.
There is usually 1-2 bass trombones in a standard symphony and it is also seen in a variety of brass group ensembles.
Contrabass Trombone
The contrabass trombone typically refers to a large trombone in F, usually having two triggers, and to having a double slide. Double slide meaning four tubes on the slide instead of two. The original versions did not have double slides or multiple triggers, but instead were just very, very long and required a handle in order to extend the slide far enough to play certain notes.
The contrabass trombone typically refers to a large trombone in F, usually having two triggers, and to having a double slide. Double slide meaning four tubes on the slide instead of two. The original versions did not have double slides or multiple triggers, but instead were just very, very long and required a handle in order to extend the slide far enough to play certain notes.
Valve Trombone
The valve trombone is a trombone with no slider. It has been built in every size from alto to contrabass, but in normally seen as a tenor valve trombone. The valve trombone enjoyed its greatest popularity in the 19th century when the technology of rotary valve and piston valve instruments was developing rapidly.
The valve trombone is a trombone with no slider. It has been built in every size from alto to contrabass, but in normally seen as a tenor valve trombone. The valve trombone enjoyed its greatest popularity in the 19th century when the technology of rotary valve and piston valve instruments was developing rapidly.