Name of Instrument:
Trombone
Family:
Brasswind
How to Play:
It is played by vibrating the lips against the mouthpiece and moving the u-shaped slide which functions as the valves. By pulling the slide in or pushing it out, the musician can play in various pitches.
Types:
During the 19th century, trombones with valves that did or did not have slides developed. Trombones come in varying sizes and shapes, the most commonly used today is the B-flat trombone. There is also a bass trombone that is used to play orchestral music.
First Known Trombones:
The trombone came about during the 15th century and is believed to have evolved from the trumpet. It used to be called the sackbut and was used in instrumental music. The trombone enjoyed prominence until the 17th century; it was utilized by such composers as Henry Purcell and Giovanni Gabrielli. During the 19th to 20th century, the trombone was used as an orchestral instrument. Nowadays the trombone is mainly used in jazz music.
Trombone Players:
Some known trombonists are: Jack Teagarden, Tommy Dorsey, Kai Winding and J.J. Johnson.