[Trombone-l] alto trombone question

[Andy/Shannon Skaggs]

Jason -

If you are planning to play the alto in a professional capacity, I would
urge you to learn the correct positions without transposing, since this
is the only way you'll ever see parts written in a practical setting.
Having said that, I think it's a good idea for someone learning the alto
to start by playing familiar etudes in corresponding tenor positions
(like Rochuts up a 4th, for example).  That way, you'll be able to
accustom yourself to the intonations quirks and really be able to lock
in to the right alto positions.  

Once you're feeling comfortable, practice reading alto parts in the
proper transposition (excerpts might be better, since they're less
involved than solos).  Use top line G (1st pos.) as a reference point
since a lot of alto 'bone parts center around that register.  I'm
confident you'll find it MUCH easier to read and play alto parts in
concert pitch once you get used to it.  

If you own the Gordon Cherry CD-ROM, try printing the Mozart,
Mendelssohn, Beethoven excerpts.  Have fun!

- Andy

-----Original Message-----
From: trombone-l-bounces at server5.samford.edu
[mailto:trombone-l-bounces at server5.samford.edu] On Behalf Of Jason Smith
Sent: Wednesday, December 06, 2006 4:17 PM
To: bone list
Subject: [Trombone-l] alto trombone question

I have recently purchased and am struggling to learn
the alto trombone.  I bought a copy of L Mozart's
concerto and am trying to learn.  My question is this 
Why is alto trombone music not written transposed like
so that the positions correspond to the notes on tenor
rather than learn a whole new set of notes and
positions.  To me it would seem to facilitate
switching back and forth, tuning tendencies would
correspond to the same position on the harmonic series
etc.  I entered the music into finale but in bass
clef,  did a quick transposition and now I can
actually come close to playing rather than trying to
learn a who new set of positions?


 
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