The video shows Adam Gordon and Sam O’Connell 4th Class 2013-2014 interviewed and performing in Senior Orchestra in the programme “Meet The Orchestra” recorded in May 2013 and aired on RTE Junior in September 2013
The trombone is a member of the brass family. As with all brass instruments, the sound is produced by buzzing the lips into a mouthpiece. A unique feature of the trombone is the slide. While other brass instrument change pitches by pressing valves to change the length of the air flow, the trombone player simply moves the slide in and out to the change the length of the instrument.
The trombone is stored in the case in just two pieces. It is played with the bell on the left side of the slide. The slide is held in the right hand and the bell portion is held with the left. Some trombones include an “F” attachment with a trigger or a valve for the left hand. These instruments are not typically for beginners.
Almost all trombones come in just one size. Several have the optional “F” attachment but the instrument plays in the same way as a trombone without an “F” attachment. The “F” trigger just allows a player more alternate slide positions for difficult passages. Other sizes of trombones are strictly for advanced players. They include the bass trombone and the alto trombone.
The trombone is not nearly as popular as other brass or woodwind instruments. Less students performing an instrument means that the competition will not be as fierce. Good trombone players are considered very valuable assets by orchestra and bands since there are so few of them.
The trombone is considered one of the most widely used instruments. We can hear trombones in bands, symphony orchestras, jazz groups, brass quintets and as solo instruments.
St Canice’s trombone players perform in the Junior orchestra and Senior orchestra and may also get together with fellow brass, woodwind or string players to form smaller performing groups.
All instruments have limited availability and will be distributed for hire on a first come first served basis. Tombones are available for hire for two years. Lesson costs depend on the size of the group being taught and can alter annually. Please ask for further details.