I don’t have any trombone history entries or images on Halloween, per se, but this depiction of a carnival procession from 1589 includes a trombone and involves some fairly elaborate costumes. The image, by artist Nicolas von Riedt, is titled Fastnachtszug and originates from Basel, Switzerland (Salmen, Musikleben im 16 80-81).
Trombone Image: 19th Century Parisian Orchestra
October 30, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Added the following image and entry to the 19th Century Trombone History Timeline (2nd half):
c. 1883—Paris, France: Jean Beraud’s painting, The Box by the Stalls, offers a view, through a patron’s box seat, of a Parisian orchestra. Included is a clear depiction of a trombone (see facing image; public domain).
College Professor Among Best Jobs in America
October 28, 2009 By Leave a Comment
I was a little surprised to see College Professor listed as #3 in Money Magazine’s “50 Best Jobs in America” (Nov 2009). I love my job, but I have never really seen it as one of those high-paying or “trendy” careers that often fill these kinds of lists. The rankings are based on several criteria, including pay, job growth, and quality of life. Here’s a link to an online version of the article.
Note from Adam Woolf, His Majestys Sagbutts & Cornetts
October 19, 2009 By Leave a Comment
I got a nice note about the site from Adam Woolf, alto and tenor sackbut player in His Majestys Sagbutts & Cornetts and a number of other prominent early music ensembles. He is currently working on a sackbut tutor, the first of its kind. Please check out his excellent website–many sound clips of beautiful sackbut playing!
Where do you come up with this stuff?
October 16, 2009 By Leave a Comment
One of the most commonly-asked questions resulting from this site is “Where do you come up with this stuff?” (read: “Why don’t you get a life?”). The reply is that I enjoy collecting this stuff, and, like a lot of collectors, I don’t mind a little browsing and detective work. It kind of goes like this: browse, read the footnotes, follow up through library/Worldcat/Interlibrary Loan, scan (if necessary), repeat. Interspersed in the above pattern are practice sessions and pleadings from my wife to please move some of my books & junk out of the office. The life of a nerd-trombonist…I like it!
Trombone History: 17th Century Ensemble
October 16, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Added the image below to the 17th Century (first half) timeline. Seems like the trombone’s always in the back…(see also here).
1600s—Italy: An anonymous Italian painting portrays an instrumental ensemble with diverse dress and a mixed grouping of winds, strings, and keyboard (see facing image; public domain).
Jazz Trombone History: Miff Mole
October 15, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Added the following to the 20th Century Trombone History Timeline:
1922—New York trombonist Miff Mole records with the Original Memphis Five, of which he is an early member. He later becomes one of the most active freelancers in New York City, eventually joining the NBC Orchestra and performing under Toscanini. His continued activity in jazz leads to extensive recording with Red Nichols, in addition to performances with such jazz notables as Paul Whiteman, Benny Goodman, and Bix Beiderbecke. Credited with the expansion of technique in early jazz trombone playing, he develops a cleaner, more technical approach than the New Orleans “gut bucket” style (see facing image; public domain) (Dietrich 30).