[Trombone-l] Bb Bass Clef (was alto trombone question)

[Al MacDonald]

Raymond Horton wrote:

RH> Trombone parts have never been transposed (other than British Brass Band 
RH> and this new, rumored, "World Music" bass clef in Bb thing that is 
RH> springing up).

The Pines of Rome offstage brass parts (flicorni) are in Bb bass clef.
They should be played by conical brass for contrast with the onstage
brass, but frequently trombones are used.  I believe that real
tenor, baritone, and bass flicorni read Bb bass clef, although it
would be good if someone could confirm that.

And I've seen Bb bass clef elsewhere.  It's pretty rare, and makes no
sense.  I suspect that some composers and arrangers "know" that the
trombone is a Bb instrument and reads bass clef, so write the parts
that way.

Al MacDonald