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The 10 worst things about playing the trombone

8 July 2018, 14:58

From emptying spit valves to soundtracking slapstick, a trombonist's lot is not a happy one. Here are the 10 worst things that could only happen to you…

1. Slapstick is your default

Trombonists trump even the legendary 'ba-dum tish' sound when it comes to comedy. There's the tragic wa-wa-wah, the pratfall waaaa-oooo-aaaap, and the Jonny Briggs theme tune for starters.

2. Emptying the spit valve is a public health hazard

Discreetly trying to empty your spit valve is the musicians' equivalent of leaving the toilet seat up.

(Via reactiongifs)

3. It's just not that portable

Trombonists are known for their hard-drinking lifestyle, but few people get to this sacred, terrifying place and manage to bring their trombone with them.

trombone hat fail

(via theleek.com)

4. Marching and playing trombone at the same time is very difficult indeed

Especially when there are swords.

5. All that resting

You spend years honing your craft and making sure you're nimble enough to deal with even the most impossible-looking piece of music, and this is what you get.

6. Your slide will, at some point, come off

Probably during a concert. Attended by The Queen. With you as a soloist. And television cameras everywhere.

7. Trombone lips

The whole embouchure issue is just horrid anyway, but fewer things are less attractive than the redness that surrounds the trombonist's mouth after playing. Yuck.