[Trombone-l] Blazhevich Clef Studies

[Adrian Drover]

> From: Keith Marr
> 
> The first and second
> parts both have passages in concert pitch treble clef. 
> Never come across that before although I understand that jazzers
> occasionally write high passage in it to escape the usual telegraph poles


Yes, I've used concert pitch treble on occasion to write extreme high parts,
both for trombone and 'cello.  Most musicians, even if their first
instrument is normally written in bass clef, are familiar with treble clef
from their theory studies, so why not use it for passages that are all or
mostly above middle C?  After all, pianists read both clefs simultaneously
with clusters of notes on both staves.  It's a doddle to read single notes
on one clef at a time.   

As a bass 'bonist, I'm hardly likely to encounter treble clef in my own
playing, but in high trombone parts it looks quite natural and certainly
easier to decipher than telegraph poles.  As a writer, on the few occasions
I have found it necessary to switch to treble clef, I always imagine that I
am playing the part myself.

The only time I have ever had this queried, was when the player wanted to
know whether I had switched to concert or transposed treble.  I would have
thought the answer to be obvious, but then I have been known to behave
irrationally on the odd occasion.

A.