Trombone
The trombone emerged as
a variation of the
medieval
trumpet when the
slide, in the form of a U-bend, was created (mid-15th century),
immediately producing an efficient and unique low brass instrument capable
of playing all chromatics. From that time to the present, the instrument
has consisted fundamentally of a bell section including attached inner
slides, outer slides, and mouthpiece, the tube being cylindrical up to a
gradual expansion toward the bell. The early trombone (sackbut) differs
from its modern counterpart primarily by its narrow tube of heavier metal,
its small expansion at the end, and its funnel-shaped mouthpiece similar
to the horn, the result being a mellow tone with command of soft through
moderately loud dynamics, eminently suitable for combining with voices,
soft woodwinds, or strings. It was soon characterized as a solemn
instrument to be used at court, church, and civic functions. By the end
of the 18th century, the trombone had acquired a flared bell and tubular
stays. It had also lost popularity temporarily. Its revival was sparked
by the need of the developing military bands for a brighter sound with
louder dynamics. Makers responded to this demand, thinning the metal,
enlarging the bore, and changing the mouthpiece to a hemispherical shape
with a sharp edge at the throat. Opera, having used trombones
sporadically, now exploited their brilliant tone, and by the mid-19th
century German orchestras had adopted three as a standard: the E-flat
alto, B-flat tenor, and F bass. The French, however, used three tenors.
Eventually the French usage prevailed, and the alto became obsolete. The
third tenor was combined, by means of a left-hand thumb valve, with tubing
to extend the horn to the bass range. Experiments were made within the
19th century, including the production of valved trombones, which
sacrificed the unique chromatic accuracy of the slide without contributing
compensating advantages. Lasting changes included the addition of a tuning
slide with a weighted balancer, a water valve, additional stays, a
receiver pipe for the mouthpiece, and metal alloys and overlays,
especially applied to prevent wear in the slide and to reduce friction in
movement. Changed in function, but little in design, from their
Renaissance origins, trombones together with trumpets provide a
magnificent choir of brilliant brass tone for both orchestra and band.
Here are the trombone players of WHS
Terrence Simmons
Chris Francin
Chris Fontinella
Jennifer Additon
Brad Emmit
Jacquelyn McHugh
Julie Schundler
Maria Kazmierezale