Types of Trombones:

-Bb tenor trombone

a. Standard
b. Found in many different ensembles
The Tenor Trombone with F attachment
- Similar to Bb tenor trombone
o Has a larger slide width and bell: more projection and
larger sound
o Has a trigger that allows the trombone to play into a
lower range
The Bass/Contrabass Trombone
- The largest of the trombone family
- Bass trombone can use 1 or 2 valves but the 2 valve option
is more common for professionals (allows the performer
access to more slide options for tuning and smoother slide
changes)
Alto Trombone
- Smallest common trombone
- Pitched in Eb
- More popular for educators (young trombonists)
Piccolo/ Soprano Trombones
- Often played by trumpet players because of the tight
embouchure and aperture required
- Used to play upper register, treble clef parts in some
ensembles
Best Trombones for beginners:
Bb trombone- most beginners start out on this because it is a
rarely inexpensive trombone and are lightweight. Some beginners
may have trouble reaching the 7th slide position.
Tenor trombone- occasionally used to start beginners because it
is smaller, easier to handle, and beginners are able to reach all
slide positions.
Yamaha, Bach, Conn, Bundy, and Getzen all sell good quality
beginning, intermediate, and advanced trombones
Fundamentals:

1. Hand positions and holding the horn:

a. Entire weight of horn on left hand.
b. Index finger should extend toward the mouthpiece
c. Other fingers should wrap around the horn
d. Right hand should be free to move
e. Hold the slide between the thumb and first two fingers
2. Posture
a. Sitting or standing with straight posture, and head
looking toward the horizon.
b. Bring instrument to the lips
c. Dont tilt head or neck
3. Embouchure
a. Mouthpiece should be centered on the lips from left to
right, but may vary from top to bottom. Most prefer 2/3
upper lip 1/3 lower lip
b. Lips together
c. Jaw low and slightly out
d. Chin flat
e. Corners firm
f. Avoid excessive pressure and puffy cheeks
4. Articulation
a. Tip of the tongue generally touches the back of the
teeth slightly when tonguing
b. Tongue should be relaxed and motion should be up and
down not back and forth
c. Use syllables Toe or taw to expand space in the
mouth
d. For legato articulations, maintain a steady stream of air
and use a softer syllable doe daw or noe naw
e. *Beginners should avoid glissandoing by moving air
continuously and moving the slide quickly.
Ensembles
Video?