Expert: Kenton Scott - 9/16/2007

Question
I am trying to find information on the history of the trombone in America. When it first came to this country. Who made the first trombone in the US. Slide vs. Valve. ...
Any interesting factoids about the instrument that would be of interest to an audience.
Thanks.

Answer
The trombone is certainly older than the US.  It is the oldest of the chromatic brass instruments.  The valved version came much later, in the mid 1800s.  It was originally considered an instrument for religious use, and was felt to be inappropriate for secular use.  When they finally made it into the orchestra, they were generally use as a trio; alto, tenor and bass.  The bass trombone in G had such a long slide that a handle was attached to the slide to extend it full length.  

The trombone is composed of primarily cylindrical tubing and only goes to conical tubing to flare into the bell.  The style of tubing gives it a bright penetrating sound.