Category: Demos

All video examples of downloadable PDFs

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Bach Chorale 57

I wanted to go back in time a bit for this one. In college, the trombone choir would play a lot of Bach Chorales. It’s a great workout and a beautiful experience. I picked a new one and tried it out here. Also wanted to see what I could do with audio simply picked up on my iPad, instead of using mics and an interface as I usually do.

Planning on recording more of these soon (with some quality mics and editing), and uploading four versions, each with one part missing. Students will be able to use these as playalongs, so keep checking back!

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New Section and Resources!

Many kids have started learning a band instrument this fall with no band to play in! To help give new trombonists some encouragement and clear guidance, I’ve started a video series called Learn to Play Trombone. So far, it demonstrates some key concepts and beginning exercises in the Tradition of Excellence method book. Hit the playlist button in the top-right corner of the video screen to browse, and let me know if you have questions or suggestions on what else I should cover!

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Matt Finders, Duet 2 (Bb Blues)

I like this duet for students learning about how to play over a Bb Blues. It’s got several good bebop and blues ideas, while keeping in a comfortable register. The accompaniment track isn’t any generic groove, either! It had hits in all the right places, making it much more lifelike when you’re playing along. There’s a little more unison writing than I’d generally like, but for students, it’s excellent affirmation when playing the same licks as your partner.

(If you’re careful not to disturb your camera, you can apply a mask effect over two layered vids to make a clone of yourself!)
Finders Duet 2Download
Trombone 1 w/ rhythm
Trombone 2 w/ rhythm
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Dance Monkey w/ FX

Recorded as a guest post for the Harwood Union High School Band, Spring 2020.

Equipment Used:
Warm Audio 47jr microphone
TC-Helicon Harmony GXT
TC-Helicon Create
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 interface
mixed and edited on Garageband and iMovie

Shout out to Molly for the inspiration!

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Gigue (Corelli)

From Repertoire Classics for Trombone, ed. Alan Raph

A challenging triple-time piece. Though the range is moderate, the lack of breathing opportunities make this a test of stamina. I found the opening section to be easiest, because it’s repeated several times. Focus more on the middle section (around 0:47 to 1:03), remembering to relax into those lower notes.

Gigue (Corelli) PDFDownload

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Danse Bacchanale (Saint-Sæns)

Practice recordings of Danse Bacchanale for VYO trombone section. Original audio sourced from Gustavo Dudamel conducting the Berliner Philharmoniker (video below). Overdubs hastily recorded by me.

Recording with all trombone parts
minus 1st trombone
minus 2nd trombone
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Slama #22

I absolutely love the Anton Slama book. There are so many studies in here which start like a basic scale exercise, but then take you someplace completely different. Many others are much more like a Bordogni vocalise. Regardless of style, tempo, or key (all sharps and flats found in here!), they always interest me.

In #22, I like to disregard the tempo marking of Moderato in order to get the whole thing done in one breath. Slide position suggestions are useful with a straight horn, but don’t make a lot of sense with an F attachment. The key is to practice difference lines slowly, and frequently switching the target areas, always staying cool and relaxed.

19 measures, one breath.
Slama 22 PDFDownload