So im an incoming freshman to Berkeley. Trombone is very important to me, but thinking its probably a good idea to get some science degree.

Definitely considering a minor (or dual major) in music

I'll be doing marching band at minimum 1st semester. On waiting list for an audition based ensemble (music 142) that will not sort out until after school starts.

I see there is a student run Jazz band. Definitely checking that out.

Something really cool is if you are in one of the music classes you get access to tutoring.

For me as a bass trombone player with aspirations to play contra trombone, my tuder would be someone named David Ridge. That guy is amazing! Plays bass and contra for the SF opera and SF symphony!

Anyways, wondering if any of you went to Berkeley?

And how was the music (trombone/brass) scene?

I’ve heard that some CC cases fit rotary valve horns better than Thayer valves because the valve section is bulkier. Does anyone here use a CC case with a Thayer trombone? Which model do you recommend? Does the valve section fit comfortably without putting pressure on the Thayer?
Any brands or models I should avoid?
Photos of your setup would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Is a Getzen trombone with no model number, just the brand and the Wisconsin location, automatically a 300 series ?

I'm entering my senior year of high school this fall and I am fairly lost in regard to where I want to go and what I want to do. There is one thing I'm certain on though, I want to continue with music in some manner, preferably as either a second major or minor. I would appreciate any advice regarding my situation, from potential schools, what I should do to help determine it myself, what role I should allow music to play in my life, potential second or just majors to go alongside music, anything and everything would be appreciated!
Some more information that could help, I'm open to anything with nothing truly off the table, I live in a southwest suburb of Chicago if there's any particular schools in the area that would be recommended, and I'm academically strong enough I could most likely get into any school I wish (minus any ivies that sorta thing.) Thank you, and I appreciate any and all perspectives that are shared!

any recordings of this etude out there? I was looking but had trouble

I’m going on a family vacation, and that means I’ll be away from the trombone for around a week. I don’t think I’ve gone this long without playing ever since starting college. How detrimental will this break be? I’ve had friends and colleagues recommend taking a break from the horn to relax before our audition in late August, but I’m still stressed. I’ve been practicing very consistently before this, so it’s anxiety-inducing to not be around my trombone at all

I’m a high school trombonist and I currently have an All-State audition in 3½ months. My comfortable upper range is currently around F4, but I need to be able to play a scale up to at least B♭4 for the audition. Sometimes I can play higher notes, but it’s very inconsistent.
What kind of exercises should I do, and how should I work on my range without hurting myself?
How much should I practice my range compared to my audition music?

I quit marching a long time ago and just picked my trombone up a few days ago because I missed him. His name is Giovanni. Anyways I'm incredibly inconsistent in tone, but I can still absolutely blast stand tunes after a long time of warming up. I kinda don't remember how to play all the notes or where to find them on my slide. I was always naturally talented at the Trombone but I seem to be having trouble getting my skills sharpened back up, especially without an instructor. Any tips?

This is following up to my previous question about whether it was worth investing in a valve trombone for banda music.

If anyone has a valve trombone in the key of C that they’d be interested in selling, please let me know. I’ve got a budget of $1000.

If not, I’ll probably end up buying a new one, but I’d like to explore all my options first.

So whenever I try and start playing I have this crazy intense hesitation, and genuinely just can’t bring myself to self to play. It doesn’t happen when I start my notes with air, just tongue, and counting myself off helps sometimes. it’s worse some days than others. I haven’t really had this problem before. please help if you can, I’ve tried working on it in so many ways, and there’s like a feeling when it happens that’s super weird, I feel like it’s worse than just hesitation.

Lots to keep working on but posting this to mark my one year milestone! I look forward to following up again in a year, hopefully much improved!

I’m looking to purchase a flugabone. I’ve been searching online and haven’t had much luck so far. If anyone is selling one lmk!

I have to stop listening to what people paid before COVID and tariffs.

Please give me costs on the (my opinion) best student vintage tenor trombones.

Criteria:

With Case, VG+ to FINE. Good used market supply. Current brand.

GETZEN 351

GETZEN 451

YAMAHA 354

?

Throw in what you want. I am not buying OLDS brand for no reason other than I have several other brand preferences, such as KING 606.

People are always asking for playing advice and stuff on here so I thought I would just give everyone something nice to listen to

Does this affect the sound?

Advice is greatly appreciated. 🙏

Hello! I’ve recently converted my custom BAC straight tenor into a “Screwbell.” Main reason is for ease of travel. I’m now in the market for a case that is flat, compact, but still adds a decent amount of protection. My horn models off of a King 2b, so very similar if not identical dimensions. Any help would be greatly appreciated :)

Are directional instruments doomed?

I play in a small combo a couple times a year (in a different country with friends) and I find every time that I get feedback that I couldn't be heard as loud as other instruments.

Got out of a great jam today but I was absolutely blowing my chops out to get enough volume, pushing almost against double buzzing and an overly brash sound... And even then I heard that I wasn't as loud.

Saxes have the advantage of an instrument where the sound comes from the whole instrument. All the instruments are the same (piano/drums) or better yet, have amps (bass/guitar). We're also a bit disadvantaged in the mechanics of articulation and endurance especially when playing high pitches at high volumes for a long time.

I use a Stork T2 which is a relatively shallow and conical mouthpiece that's on the brighter side, faster and sharper attack.

Short of getting a microphone and speaker (since the setup doesn't make it very easy).….. what do I need to do to get my volume to match? Is it just a matter of practicing playing loud a lot? Do I need to try to use a horn with a larger bell?

The quality of my improvisation and sound suffers because of having to blast. And then the people my bell isn't facing don't even hear me.

I'm looking for some help on finding a new mouthpiece after picking up a Getzen 3047. I used to play bass years ago and I've been a little all over the place trying to find a new tenor mouthpiece. Bach 1.5G & 2G were too big and the Bach 4G & 5G felt too small. I'm now currently trying out both a Laskey Alessi 67 Solo & 67 Symphony, preferring the Solo over the Symphony. Now I'm looking to see what mouthpiece size options there are between the Bach 4G and 67s leaning closer in size to the 67s rather than the 4G. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciate. Thanks.

Took this right before we took a shot, he’s a cool guy who likes to drink but he had another gig after that night