I believe that trombonists are just like hornists in range of intelligence. In the orchestra in which I play, the principal trombonist has an IQ of a rock, and claims that his instrument was 'tuned at the factory' when questioned about his intonation (which frequently occurs). But the second uses his free time (which is long and often with the music we play) to read his Time magazine or some other current events publication. Jeff is very bright, articulate fellow, and on the rare occasions he has been called upon to play first has always done a marvelous job. The bass trombone is good, too, though has more trouble with intonation than the 2nd, but no worse than many hornists out there. Another man I know has actually switched from trombone (on which he played in a smaller pro orchestra some time ago) to horn, and plays very well now after only 2 - 3 years. It is interesting to me that he had alot of intonation problems during his first year, but these have largely been cleared up. Horns produce a more complex sound, what with all the overtones, and I think he had trouble at first homeing in on the center of pitches, but he does alot better now.
Fred -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Evan Hayes Sent: Saturday, October 04, 2003 9:17 AM To: horn list Subject: [Hornlist] trombonists In response to the comment about trombonists who are of below-average intelligence, I have found this quite true with most that I have met. They have an instrument that is capable of playing with perfect intonation, yet are always atleast a quarter tone off. The trombone is mechanically the simplist instrument, yet they tend to neglect their horns. Now, I started playing trombone 6 months ago to participate in several jazz ensembles. Besides having a wider range, and better intonation (developed from years on horn), playing the trombone (I play trombone, I am not a trombonist; I am a hornist) has strengthen my horn playing. The less resistance in the instrument has resulted in using more air and less pressure on the horn, as well as increased endurance on both instruments--switching between horn and trombone for a few hours and the difference in mouthpieces works out and relaxes my embouchure. Then again, it could just be my own experience. -Evan Hayes --------------------------------- Do you Yahoo!? The New Yahoo! Shopping - with improved product search _______________________________________________ post: [EMAIL PROTECTED] set your options at http://music.memphis.edu/mailman/options/horn/fbaucom%40sbcglobal.net _______________________________________________ post: [EMAIL PROTECTED] set your options at http://music.memphis.edu/mailman/options/horn/archive%40jab.org
