Writing Music for Television and Radio Commercials (and more): A Manual for Composers and Students

Arranging and Orchestration Concepts !! 125

played in some marching band music. Trombones blend well with the
lower strings, French horns, and tubas.
Whether arranged in harmony or unison lines, trombones have a dis-
tinct blend. The glissando is the most recognizable sound of the trombone
because of the player’s ability to slide from one note to another. Arrangers
must study the instrument before writing a glissando since not all notes
can slide to other notes. Low, percussive pedal tones are also a signature
sound of the trombone. Some solo trombonists (e.g., Tommy Dorsey and
J. J. Johnson) play with amazing dexterity, considering the limitations of
the instrument.
The trombone is not popular as a solo instrument in the classical genre,
although it is included in much brass chamber music.
Range:The tenor slide trombone is a nontransposing instrument. Parts
are written in the bass clef. If notes are written in a high register, the tenor
clef may be used. The lowest note is E, two octaves below middle C, and
the highest note is B-flat, above middle C, which is notated in the tenor
clef. Some trombonists can play higher. (Arrangers should not write too
high without knowing the performer’s ability to play the part.) They use
the same style mutes as trumpets. The plunger is the most recognizable
because as it enters and exits the bell, it creates an unusual ‘‘wah-wah’’
sound (see example 6-25).

Example 6-25 Tenor slide trombone range.

Valve trombones are rare. Some slide jazz trombonists also play valve
trombones because it allows them to play faster. There is a distinct differ-
ence in sound between a valve and a slide trombone. Be certain of the
desired sound before writing.

Bass Trombone in C

!!During the Civil War,

the marching bands used

valve trombones with the

bell facing over the trom-

bonist’s shoulder. The

troops behind them could

hear the sound more

clearly. Other brass instru-

ments were designed in the

same manner.

The bass trombone is a valuable addition
to the low end of a band or orchestra. It
provides a unique resonant and rich
sound. No other instrument creates the
same resonance when playing low notes.
It is effective when playing in unison with
tubas.
Range:The bass trombone is a non-
transposing instrument. Parts are written in the bass clef. If notes are writ-
ten in a high register, the tenor clef may be used. The lowest note is B-flat,