Front Row News – No.5 – Focus on the Trombone

The Trombones

Often the trombone section is the least featured section of the band but the Front Row Big Band are working hard to change this. Trombones are essential to give the mid-section sound of the band the depth it needs. Nothing sounds better than a controlled section playing in close harmony. If you’d like to hear our trombone section in person, then please check our upcoming dates to book tickets to see the Front Row Big Band today.

So, what are the attributes needed for the trombone section….

Matt on Lead trombone, performing with the Front Row Big Band in Norwich, Norfolk, UK. The Front Row Big Band are also able to perform in Suffolk, Cambridge, Essex, Lincolnshire, and other surrounding counties.

Lead Trombone

On lead, you have to be positive at all times and make the most of any featured sections you play. A full sound and top register are essential. Matt, our lead player, has recently returned after 3 years at University and leads the section with real authority.  He’s also an excellent, confident jazz soloist. His other main quality is that he brings down the average age of the band!

Toby on 2nd trombone, performing with the Front Row Big Band in Norwich, Norfolk, UK. The Front Row Big Band are also able to perform in Suffolk, Cambridge, Essex, Lincolnshire, and other surrounding counties. 2nd Trombone: The ‘Jazz’ Chair

On 2nd trombone you still have to have a great top register sound and the ability to improvise confidently. Toby, our 2nd trombone player, is a graduate of The Birmingham Conservatoire so brings a touch of class to the band. He’s a fine jazz soloist whose laid-back personality hides a razor-sharp musical mind.

Phil on 3rd trombone, performing with the Front Row Big Band in Norwich, Norfolk, UK. The Front Row Big Band are also able to perform in Suffolk, Cambridge, Essex, Lincolnshire, and other surrounding counties. 3rd Trombone

The 3rd trombone seat is a vital part of the harmonic structure of the band. Phil, our 3rd trombone player, has a superb sound and blends beautifully into the section. He plays in many varied local ensembles which makes him a versatile player. His amiable personality makes him a popular member of the band and also, as a match day steward at Carrow Road, he has met more famous people than anyone we know.

Chris on Bass trombone, performing with the Front Row Big Band in Norwich, Norfolk, UK. The Front Row Big Band are also able to perform in Suffolk, Cambridge, Essex, Lincolnshire, and other surrounding counties. 4th Trombone

At the bass end of the section, you need a big full tone and the ability to blend with the baritone sax, as you’ll be playing lots of unison passages together. The audience always loves the occasional feature.

Chris, our bass trombonist, plays in even more bands than Phil. A superb, controlled yet fruity tone makes him the ideal low-end of the band sound specialist. He also strenuously denies that he has loads of work around Christmas (come and see the band in person to appreciate this).

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