Trombone

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A trombone

The trombone is a brass horn musical instrument. It is similar to a trumpet, except the player pushes and pulls on a long part, called the slide, to make sounds. It sounds deeper than a trumpet and is usually said to be one of the bass clef instruments. This is because most people have an easier time playing notes from the bass clef, but some who are good at playing high notes play in the treble clef instead.

[change] History

The forerunner to today's trombone was called the sackbut. It was first used in the 16th century during what was known as the Renaissance era of music. In the centuries that followed, the sackbut was gradually improved into today's trombone. Many different types of music use the unique sound of the trombone to add colour and depth. You can find trombones and players called trombonists in orchestras, concert bands, marching bands, brass bands, big bands, swing bands, jazz bands and jazz ensembles. In the hands of a skilled trombonist, the trombone is a very versatile instrument and can play many styles. From smooth, sweet jazz ballads and peaceful slow melodies, to rousing, raucous and sometimes very loud marches, the trombone delivers.

[change] Types

There are a lot of types of trombones, each one is for different playing ranges (how high or low you play). There are contrabass trombones, bass trombones, tenor trombones, alto trombones, soprano trombones, and piccolo trombones. These trombone types are arranged in order from the lowest (contrabass) to the highest (piccolo) sounding trombones. The soprano trombone is also called the slide trumpet.