The trombone in itself has been around for over 600 years. Trombones were introduced to the orchestra in the 18th century. Trombones were found in churches during this time because they were known for their vocal support. This tradition of using trombones in a church setting continued well into the mid-19th century. Fanny Mendelsson-Hensel’s Oratorio is an example of the trombone use, used in the early years of the trombone. During the mid-19th century, bell-size became wider as a larger, louder sound was introduced for the performance in bands. This was also used to generate louder volume in the orchestra. By the mid-19th century the role of the trombone in band and classical music was in place. It was not until the end of the 19th century where the trombone found itself in the hands of jazz musicians in New Orleans. There were multiple types of jazz such as New Orleans jazz which was popular during the 1870’s until the 1920’s, Ragtime (1890-1930), The Jazz Era (1920-1930), the Big Band/Swing Era (1930’s-1940’s), the Bebop Era (1940's- 1950's), The Avant Guard Era (late 1950's), Free Jazz (late 1950's), and Fusion (1960's-1970's). However, when jazz was in the beginning stages the trombone was more often used as a single instrument. Early jazz bands consisted of a many instruments, but by the 1930's it became standardized, consisting of four trombones, four saxophones, four trumpets, and the rhythm section which was made up of bass or tuba, drums, piano, guitar and banjo. (“Where Did The Trombone Originate From?” steadmogi.livejournal.com (06/10/2011) http://steadmogi.livejournal.com/9214.html)
Dixieland was the earliest and most recognized form of jazz and was improvised music. This style began in New Orleans during the early 1900s. Dixieland was performed by small jazz bands which used the trumpet or cornet, trombone, clarinet and rhythm section. The trombones role in Dixieland jazz was to play a counter melody which was pretty
Bibliography: “Where Did The Trombone Originate From?” steadmogi.livejournal.com (06/10/2011) http://steadmogi.livejournal.com/9214.html Dave February 21, 2010 “A Stylistic Analysis of Jazz Trombone Through Transcribed Solos.” (06/10/2011) http://www.wilktone.com/?p=121