[Trombone-l] When to use what instrumentation

[Wayne Dyess]

Good answer.

My rule of thumb is, if I'm having trouble with a high Eb (or other  
"high" note)... reach for the alto.

Otherwise, play what got you there.

W


On Nov 8, 2007, at 4:21 AM, Howard Weiner wrote:

> At 19:53 07.11.2007 -0800, Mark Mohwinkel wrote:
>> How do you decide whether or not to use an alto trombone or tenor
>> trombone for the first part in orchestral works.  Some parts are
>> written for "trombone" in alto, tenor and bass clef.  Some are
>> written for alto trombone, tenor trombone, base bone, etc.  But I
>> also know that alto clef doesn't necessarily designate alto
>> trombone.  Don't say ask the principal - that's me.  Also, I don't
>> think the conductor will know for sure (or really care) since it's a
>> very amateur orchestra.  I'd prefer to play the alto clef parts on
>> alto bone (for practice) but I'd just like to know how to figure it
>> out.  How do you decide (if you're the one making that decision)?
>
> Although I usually argue that from a historical point of view many,
> if not most orchestral first trombone parts were not intended for
> alto trombone, in practice I tend to take a pragmatic view: use the
> instrument on which you feel most comfortable and/or that fits best
> to the situation. If you want to get some practice on the alto, do it
> -- as long as the conductor remains happy and it doesn't cause an 
> imbalance in the section. In other words, use your own judgement.
>
> Howard