Trombone

The trombone is a highly distinctive member of the brass family. It uses a slide to help alter the pitch of the instrument while the trombonist blows through the mouthpiece. There are two types of trombone, with or without valves (which were developed later). The trombone was particularly effective in the wide acoustic spaces of cathedrals and many large-scale liturgical compositions from the Renaissance period contain prominent parts for the instrument.

The trombone can be found in a a variety of settings: as part of a modern orchestra, wind ensembles and brass bands. Its use in the 20th century has stretched to jazz (although its popularity declined significantly after the big band era) and popular music. While not as fashionable as the trumpet or the saxophone, the trombone has had a rich and varied history and still retains an important role in contemporary orchestral compositions.