PRESIDENT’S TOOLKIT

Best make it a double …

BY SIMON MINSHALL

A few topics sprung to mind for this feature. I settled on something that I myself need to think about and strive to improve, so I hope these musings will be deemed somewhat useful.

The nature of the trombone ensures that nearly each and every facet of the music world may feature us at some point in time. Due to this we may sometimes find ourselves a little further away from home base than we would like. I'm talking about doubling, tripling and more, not just in regard to instrument and equipment choice, but also to style.

Now, doubling on a related instrument often comes about due to a difference in style from what you're used to or where the music dictates a change of equipment. For example, a big band musician may opt for a large bore trombone for a symphony, although we know it's not as simple as that.

Usually doubling comes in an assortment of euphonium, bass trumpet, sackbut, classical trombones, tuba, contrabass trombone, baritone and alto trombone to name a few. It also means moving from large bore to small, to bass and perhaps back again. I'm working on the basis of trombone being our main instrument here. Some of us even began life on valves...

We all have somewhere we call home and for me it's the bass trombone. It's the instrument I warm up on and where I do the majority of my practice. Changing instruments and mouthpieces can be very daunting to some and can cause issues in playing when done incorrectly and without thought. I find it important to remind myself of what I deem the most important foundations and basics of my playing.

What am I going on about? Playing a related instrument can enable you to have a lot of fun and develop your skills in different styles. It can keep music interesting and fresh. As a professional and semiprofessional, it can earn you extra income, but more importantly, it will make you a much more rounded musician.

We know it isn't just a simple act of picking up a different instrument. Your ears need to be so switched on and your brain open to learning. Immerse yourself around people playing in the style you want to achieve, be a sponge and soak up all the nuances in their playing. Length of notes, vibrato, articulation, timing … so much more.

Should I change my mouthpiece? This question is sometimes viewed with shock and horror with the answer waited for with bated breath. Yes, changing too frequently can cause long term problems if you are very set in your ways, but be smart and aware. Playing a few of our related instruments will mean more time in the practice room keeping things in shape but, as I said, can enable you to enjoy each and every style of music we are lucky to play as trombone players.

Go get your euphonium or tuba out and down to a brass band rehearsal. Rally round some friends who want to experience playing sackbuts or even get together with a friend and play some contrabass trombone duets. Most importantly, don’t neglect where home is and go have fun.

If there is anything you would like to ask, suggest for an article or correct me on (I want to learn too), then please do send me an email at president@britishtrombonesociety.

Enjoy some music making! ◆