trombone

The trombone is a brass instrument found within the low brass section of the band. The trombone, when held in playing position, extends forward from the mouthpiece, then curves back around at (Usually) just past the length of the musician's arm, then returns, passing the player's head, and curves once more, passing the head again, and opens up into the bell of the instrument. The trombone has seven positions, cleverly name: 1st-7th position. Each of these said positions extends from 1st, where the slide is completely retracted, moving out at specific intervals, although the intervals may change slightly to accept slight variations in pitches, until it reaches the seventh position and the player's arm is fully extened, exposing the 'sox' of the slide. Having 'bone' in the name(Also a common nickname), the Trombone has been used in many differant innuendos, the general reactions are laughter(Most in the section), disgust(Several outside the section), or confusion(Sousaphone Players). "In my opinion the trombone is the true head of that family of wind instruments that I have named the epic one. It possesses nobility and grandeur to the highest degree; it has all the serious and powerful tones of sublime musical poetry, from religious, calm and imposing accents to savage outbursts. Directed by the will of a master, the trombone can chant like a choir of priests, threaten, utter gloomy sighs, a mournful lament or a bright hymn of glory, they can break forth into awe-inspiring cries and awaken the dead or doom the living with their fearful voices." -Hector Berlioz, Treatise on Orchestration