How Does
How Does the Trombone Work?
What Is a Trombone?
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A trombone is a musical instrument in the brass family. The word "trombone" comes from the Italian "tromba," which means "trumpet." The addition of the suffix "one" at the end of "tromba" means the word "trombone" translates to "large trumpet." Beethoven first made trombones popular in his symphonies, and now trombones are often highlighted in symphony orchestras. Other types of music that feature the trombone are jazz, reggae, ska, and big band.
Slide Trombone
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A slide trombone is the most popular type of trombone. If someone tells you he plays the trombone, he is probably referring to the slide trombone. The farther the slide is pulled out, the lower the pitch of the instrument. The player makes sound by buzzing his lips into the mouthpiece. The vibration causes the air inside the instrument to vibrate, resonating throughout the instrument and out through the bell. The bell can be dampened with a mute or the rubber end of a plunger. The slide must be lubricated frequently with slide grease, or the friction of the sliding will wear away the finish on the trombone and limit the effectiveness of the slide.
Valve Trombone
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Valve trombones are far less popular than slide trombones, and are not frequently seen. They are known as a cult instrument, as the vast majority of players prefer the slide trombone and find the valve trombone difficult to play and keep in tune. Rather than a slide that moves in and out, the valve trombone requires three valves to be pressed to create pitches, much like a trumpet. Valve trombone enthusiasts suggest that valve trombones are easier to play on long, melodic runs with complicated notation. A valve trombone will probably be more expensive than a slide trombone of similar quality.
eHow Article: How Does the Trombone Work?
