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Putting Your Trombone Together
Take out the bell section
Hold it securely by the brace or tubing.Take out the slide section
Keep the slide lock on while you’re assembling the trombone.Connect the slide and bell sections
Carefully fit the two sections together and tighten the connecting nut just enough to hold them securely.Add the mouthpiece
Gently place the mouthpiece into the receiver with a small twist.Check the slide
Once the trombone is safely assembled and in playing position, unlock the slide and make sure it moves smoothly and quietly. If it feels slow, rough, or difficult to move, don’t force it and ask Ms. McDonald for help.
⭐ Trombone rule: Keep the slide locked whenever possible. If your trombone doesn’t have a slide lock, keep one hand securely on the slide whenever it is out of the case.
Making Your First Sound
Start without the trombone.
Bring your lips together naturally and keep the corners of your mouth gently firm. Take a relaxed, full breath and blow a steady stream of air through the centre of your lips to make them buzz.
Once you can make a comfortable buzz, try the same thing on the mouthpiece. Then place the mouthpiece gently into the trombone and try again.
💡 If you don’t get a sound right away: Keep the air moving and let your lips vibrate. Don’t press the mouthpiece harder against your face.
Videos to Help You Get Started
After You Play
Lock the slide before you start putting the trombone away.
Empty the water key to remove moisture from the instrument.
Remove the mouthpiece and place it safely in its proper spot.
Carefully separate the slide and bell sections.
Put both sections securely in their proper places in the case.
Close the case completely before you pick it up!
Stop & Ask Ms. McDonald
Please ask for help if:
The slide becomes slow, rough, or difficult to move.
The slide is bent or has been dropped.
The slide has come apart or fallen out.
A section won’t go together or come apart.
The mouthpiece is stuck.
The water key is loose or damaged.
The trombone has been dented.
Something feels loose or rattles.
The trombone suddenly becomes much harder to play.
Please don’t use force, tools, glue, or tape to try to fix your trombone yourself.
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