Trombone Range edits

• May 7, 2017 - 20:35
Reported version
2.2
Type
Functional
Severity
S5 - Suggestion
Status
closed
Project

Bottom Line is "Tenor Trombone" range is correct. "Trombone" range should be amateur E2-B4, pro C2-D5. "Bass trombone" range should be amateur Ab1-Ab4, pro Eb1-C5.

Here's an explanation of why:

Tenor trombone (no F attachment) is shown as having a pro range of E2-D5, which is correct. The problem comes in between the instruments labeled "Trombone" and "Bass Trombone." The lowest note of the Musescore "Trombone" is shown as B1, while the lowest note of the "Bass Trombone" is shown as C2. In reality, if we think of the generic "Trombone" as a tenor trombone with an F attachment, its lowest note before pedal tones would be a very sharp C2 and it would not be able to hit B1. This is what makes Bass Trombone different, because by using both valves, it CAN play B1. So, without counting pedal tones, the lowest playable notes should be E2 for "Tenor Trombone," C2 for "Trombone," and B1 for "Bass Trombone." Bass trombone is also much more difficult to play high notes on than tenor trombone. (Don't listen to the websites that tell you that tenor and bass trombone have the same range. If they did, then why would both exist?)

Now to get into pedal tones. Bass Trombone is a unique brass instrument because it is the only one that regularly uses pedal tones as legitimate notes in solo (and occasionally orchestral or big band) repertoire. A high school (amateur) bass trombone player will most likely be able to play at least to Ab1 with good tone, and a professional will be able to play down to Eb1 (and even down to Bb0 but with less clarity/flexibility).

Again, the "Tenor Trombone" range is correct as is. "Trombone" range should be amateur E2-B4, pro C2-D5. "Bass trombone" range should be amateur Ab1-Ab4, pro Eb1-C5.

I love this notation software, I hope these changes can be made so composers can write better for the trombone!


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