The trombone - a brass friend with a slide and a sense of humour
There are instruments that sing and instruments that shout - then there’s the trombone, which somehow manages to do both and still look elegant while it’s doing it.
Loved by brass-band stalwarts, jazz soloists and orchestral players alike, the trombone is the perfect blend of power, lyricism and joyful unpredictability - not least because its slide gives it a theatricality no other wind instrument can match.
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| Cartoon by Nigel Sutherland shown on a Magnet |
My cartoon, which I've used to illustrate this article, shows a trombonist at his desk using the extended slide as a washing line, clothes pegged and flapping in the breeze, captures something very real about the instrument.
The trombone invites creativity and a bit of mischief, and players the world over will smile knowingly at that image.
A short history of the trombone
The trombone has a proud lineage stretching back to the fifteenth century, where its ancestor - the sackbut - was a key voice in sacred and ceremonial music.
Its slide made it unique: while other instruments were fixed in pitch, the sackbut could glide between notes with uncanny smoothness.
By the Baroque and Classical eras, the trombone had found a home in church ensembles and opera pits, before rising to prominence in symphonies, military bands and eventually brass bands of the nineteenth century.
Jazz then gave the trombone a new playground, with legends like Jack Teagarden and J.J. Johnson showing just how expressive the instrument could be.
Today, the trombone thrives everywhere from traditional brass bands to salsa groups, big bands and contemporary ensembles.
Caring for the slide
Every trombonist knows that the heart of the instrument is the slide. A smooth, effortless action is what makes the trombone sing, so it’s worth giving it proper attention.
Regular cleaning with warm water and a flexible snake brush keeps the inner tubes clear of residue. Many players use a light mist of water to keep the slide moving freely during practice or performance.
Modern lubricants - sprays, creams and oils - give different feels, so it’s worth experimenting to find your favourite. And, of course, a moment’s care when putting the trombone down prevents those all-too-common knocks and dents that every player dreads.
Practice tips for players
A few simple routines can make a world of difference. Long tones at the start of a session help build breath support and a centred sound. Slow legato exercises across the slide positions are excellent for developing accuracy and smoothness.
Scales, while not glamorous, are invaluable for intonation and flexibility. And no practice session is complete without some fun - a favourite tune, a cheeky glissando or a riff from the band room - because enjoyment is what keeps players returning to the trombone year after year.
Many brass band trombonists also swear by playing in duets or trios with section mates, which sharpens ensemble skills and strengthens camaraderie.
The trombone community
Whether you’re polishing slides, swapping mouthpieces or sharing stories of concerts that went gloriously wrong, trombonists tend to be a warm and humorous bunch. The instrument itself seems to invite that mix of discipline and fun.
In a brass band the trombone is both the glue and the joker - holding harmonies together one moment, and raising a grin with a bold gliss the next.
So next time you hear the confident swell of a trombone section, spare a thought for the players behind the sound - keeping their slides smooth, their lungs full and their sense of humour intact.
For trombone lovers everywhere
This post is a little celebration of the trombone, but it’s also a nod to the people who play it.
Trombone enthusiasts know that no two players sound quite the same, and that’s part of the magic. Brass band trombonists, with their steady commitment to rehearsals and concerts, keep community traditions alive, while jazz trombone players push the boundaries of style and improvisation.
Whether you play in an orchestra, a street band or a small ensemble, you’re part of a worldwide community that values both excellence and humour.
And if your slide occasionally doubles as a washing line - well, that just makes you even more authentic as a trombonist!
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