There are many instruments in the trombone family. However, the
most common are the tenor trombone and the bass trombone. The
trombone is a featured member of symphony orchestras, concert
bands, and chamber ensembles (e.g., brass choirs and brass
quintets). Like the trumpet and saxophone, the trombone is also
a mainstay in popular genres including jazz (all eras), big
band, and Latin music. On all wind instruments, tonguing is an
essential technical skill used to play rhythms (e.g., triplets)
and expression marks (e.g., staccato). On each instrument,
syllables are “tongued” or enunciated; this purposely interrupts
and structures the airflow. Single, double, and triple tonguing
patterns are employed so that a multitude of rhythms and
articulations may be created. The trombone's long telescopic
slide allows the trombonist to change pitch without the use of
valves. As the slide is pulled out, the pitch gets lower; as the
slide is pulled in the pitch ascends. However, with the
exception of the slide, the trombone