How to Play Lead Trombone in a Big Band

What are the responsibilities of a lead trombonist? How can a lead trombonist work with the section to make the ensemble sound unique in its phrasing and approach? Vincent Gardner, lead trombonist for the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, explains more.
Learn more at our Jazz Academy! Visit academy.jalc.org
Vincent Gardner - Trombone
Eric Suquet - Director
Bill Thomas - Director of Photography
Richard Emery - Production Assistant
Seton Hawkins - Producer
Recorded May 28, 2013

[@agee.prononcedagasmies7602]

A solid lesson in who lays down the section style, volume etc. Goes for all section leaders.

[@josephwilliams2006]

I met him back in 2006 when wynton marsalis band was in Miami and after the show I was able to talk to him I just finished high school and I also play trombone and I still do and I do gigs till this day

[@matthewlockyer5571]

dam..that is one cool trombone.

[@Idk-gn8ov]

No it must be shiny.

[@ScratchySlide]

@@Idk-gn8ov Why? Sound is more important than cosmetics.

[@PumilateVFX]

@@Idk-gn8ov haha i prefer not shiny

[@mikesosa1146]

Thank you so much for this tutorial Mr. Gardner. I am beginner trombone player but appreciated your sharing your knowledge.

[@geraldnichols2722]

I have played my trombones for over 60 years, and have never played in an orchestra as lead trombonist, or even as 2nd or 3rd. What you describe sounds impossible to perform for me!
I do improvise without any written music, strictly from ear and memory. This of course restricts the type of work I can get. ;)

[@SJG94]

great! thx for uploading!

[@simgingergirl]

I like that there's no trigger.

[@bobcat24]

How come?

[@ayochayce8185]

Exactly old school ^-^

[@ayochayce8185]

I wish I have my old bucket slide bone but I replaced for a F Trigger because I thought I was doing bass or stay kn3rd bone for Jazz band but then I was in 2nd and sometimes lead bone I only did one bass 4th part where I had a solo color note at the end of the chart with a low but good tone Gb to make a standing out fil in chord I am a sophmore in College btw ^-^

[@silviegutz]

This was really helpful for me!💖 I gotta got to school now😂 gotta go fast. And I'm in jazz band too!

[@tiantian6128]

Any idea who made that trombone?

[@Idk-gn8ov]

Valerio Aleman how do you know?

[@keithe.7716]

Josh Landress in NYC

[@qnote729]

what is that mouthpiece

[@keithe.7716]

Monette

[@allmightylee6055]

We’re can I buy that trombone

[@keithe.7716]

Josh Landress in NYC

[@ManuelHernandez-bi9ds]

I play bass trombone , I am the only bass trombone

[@ajbfwb]

In the world??

[@carlenger9707]

ajbfwb No silly, in his band.

[@themoniathansnest5404]

Manuel Hernandez you only need one XD

[@ciadevjar]

What kinda mouthpiece does he have

[@seabasszamarripa8252]

ciadevjar it’s a monette prana. Not sure what size, but I use a ts11s1

[@reachdanny]

No! It's every man for himself! lolol just kidding. Very good guidelines for section leading.