[Trombone-l] When to use what instrumentation

[james meador]

Hey Mark,

I recommend the advice of Ralph Sauer (and many others) on the matter...use 
the alto when the alto sound is appropriate.  In other words, you shouldn't 
use the alto because it is easier to hit the high notes (there is some 
debate on that issue since the same notes are being played), but because a 
lighter, more delicate sound is desired.

As a bass trombone player, I honestly have no preference one way or the 
other (usually!) UNLESS intonation becomes a problem.  There is nothing more 
excruciating than having the top voice be out of tune because of alto 
positions and fine tuning problems, etc.

Also, keep in mind that not only will you be making a change but so will 
your colleagues.  I take a different approach to playing bass when the 
principal is using alto instead of tenor.

James

======================
James N. Meador, Bass Trombone
Orquesta Sinfónica de Yucatán
011-52-999-221-5845 cell
jamesmeador at hotmail.com

From: Mark Mohwinkel <mooseherd004 at yahoo.com>
To: trombone-l at server5.samford.edu
Subject: [Trombone-l] When to use what instrumentation
Sent: Thursday, November 8, 2007 3:53 AM
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)?
Thanks (I lurk a lot, contribute little, learn a ton!).

  Mark Mohwinkel
  48H in Hudson (WI)