Trombones

The Trombone was developed as a Brass instrument which could produce any note within its range, a feat which was eluding the other brass instruments before the invention of valves.  Despite its unique ability, the Trombone had difficulty establishing itself in the orchestra because its warm, sonorous tone was more suited to church music.

The Trombone is an S shaped tube with a large flared bell and contains a slide, which can be adjusted to produce any required note.  The Trombone's unique way of producing sounds provides it with a distinctive repertoire, especially the glissando but it isn't suited to quick, precision playing.  For this reason, it is rarely used as a solo instrument although Frank Martins 'Ballade for Trombone and orchestra' is an interesting example.

Approximate Range	2 1/2 octaves
Length	272cm