Hopeful Trombonist

RisF · Hopeful Trombonist

Hi everyone, my name is Stephen and I've played a brass instrument for about 10 years (I started on the trumpet, but moved to the trombone 5 years ago due to an unfortunate bike accident). I've got grade 8 distinction and I'm currently in my 3rd year at college (because of a move from another college) and I love performing - so had originally been thinking about music college, however, I've sort of begun to open my eyes slightly and realise that there are a lot of other things available, like the Band Service for instance. I'd known about the band service for a long time, as a friend of mine from the Hampshire County Youth Band got in as a Solo Cornet player a couple of years ago and I continually hear great things about it from him/his parents and other people.

So basically I've decided to pull out all the stops and try and get in. I've got my RT coming up in October, and I would be grateful for any advice/tips to do with the whole process. Especially from trombone players!!

Many thanks.

2nd Clarinet

No trombone tips from me.....(Clarinet/Viola Player)

But as one of many on this forum who have served;

Go for it.....!

Good Luck.....!

Have a great time....!

admin

Have a look here... hopefully it will help a little
http://www.royalmarinesbands.co.uk/actionmusic/Index_recruiting.htm

Failing that just read the threads on here, enjoy...

RisF

Thanks guys

Just out of interest... Would you know if the trombone is one of the more sought after instruments in the bands? i.e are there more vacancies available for trombone players?

Jimbo

No way mate, Bassoon is the way to go, thats where the money is, they all want to play those bad boys. (I would suggest a change of track for you young man, go with bassoon!!)

My two-penneth

joe90

Hornblower

It's over there >>>>>>>>

Next to your glasses

joe90

Oh, is that the two circles in the office that are in focus?

RAB

joe90

RAB

..The bait was for him Alick, not you....But thanks for accepting it.. That's another pint you owe me mate...

joe90

Bugger it, seen off again!

RisF

thanks for all this guys

RisF

Jimbo

RAB

RisF

Jimbo

Top tip ... if you can't spell it, don't eat it!!!!
Don't eat anything bigger than your head!!!

mrbassbone

...And Practice ONLY on the days you eat!!!!!

2nd Clarinet

SlideMan

Trombone is the way to go matey!.. There are spaces at the mo.. So if all goes well on audition you should be fine.

The RM have been buying a variety of Bones.. from Raff Banes, Vincent Bach and Conn. Not sure what the current prefered model is, but I had a Raff R2 - which is great!!

Good luck with it all!!!

admin

Wee Mac

Mr Bass Trombone

I never got my Bike stuck in a gap, always managed to get it in and out, oh not that sort of bike. Go for it young man you will make some great pals, we all did. I was in for 25 long years man and boy(been out 23) enjoyed every minute of it, I always tell people what I did for hobby as a young lad paid me money and took me round the world.
A question are you involved with the Hampshire Youth band???? if so is my old pal Wes Garner still kicking around??
Rab you missed me got my old No1 instead must be your round see you at the weekend, same time same place.Mmmmmm.

RisF

boneflyer

Risf - as ex RMB and RNCM I have experience of both establishments and having compared the two, there is a lot to be said for both. It just depends what exactly you are after, and how the auditions go. Neither are a walk in the park or a dead cert!

I would have to say that for facilities, the old RMSM knocked the RNCM into a cocked hat, however I have no idea what the new one is like. I remember always having a practice room at the RMSM whereas at the RNCM, practice room were like finding hens teeth....I remember practicing in the JCR (student bar) with half a dozen other trombonists mostly.

When I was at RMSM at Deal, I used to get at least 2 lessons a week from that fantastic Prof Albert Thompson (RIP), whereas it was usually only one a week at RNCM. Don't forget that you will only be at college for 31 weeks a year. Now correct me if I am wrong but I don't think that the RMB gives you 21 weeks off a year these days.... So in the 2 yrs 8 months at the RMSM I reckon you will get more tuition than in the 4 years at the RNCM...food for thought. By the way, who teaches trombone at the RMSM these days?

On the subject of instrument purchase etc, there is a great scheme called the take it away scheme run by the arts council. Basically its an interest free loan scheme run by the arts council to assist with buying instruments. Lots of firms use the scheme - just google the name and you will find something. You will need a deposit I think and then monthly payments over a year. In this financial climate you should be able to get a new Conn 8H for about 850 - 950 if you shop around and haggle like a b****rd! If you are struggling for a deposit you could contact the Princes Trust. They are a fantasic organisation that support all sorts of causes. Give them a call.

On the subject of trombone teachers, I don't know anyone in Hampshire, but could recommend a few not too far away. In my personal experience I found Lindsay Shilling to be a fantastic teacher. He teaches in London at the RCM but also teaches from home. I don't know what he charges now, but unfortunately I don't think that £50 ph is uncommon for top players in London. On the upside, you will get a lot out the lessons and probably won't need to go every week. You could always give Kevin Morgan a bell down in Bournemouth. He is the prinicpal trombone of the BSO and is an awesome player, although I am not sure if he teaches.

Trombone choice? Its personal and depends on what you want to sound like, but if you want my opinion, go for the Conn 8HT or 88HT - nearest you will find to the fantastic Elkharts of the 1960's. Don't take my word for it - have a listen to recordings Dudley Bright, Lindsay Shilling, Denis Wick, the great Derek James.

Good luck with the tests/ auditions.

RisF

Thanks boneflyer! This is exactly the sort of info I've been looking for!

I've just read what I wrote in the previous post and realised that it does sound as though there'd be no problem getting into the RMB/RNCM :bang:

I'd just like to make it clear that I don't think that at all!!!

At the moment the trombone I play is a Conn 88H... But I tried a Bach Strad recently and thought it was beautiful - any opinions? Also (this is waaayy out of the price league - but interesting) have you heard that Shilke are making trombones now? I'd be interested if anybody's played one.

As a matter of fact I was going to have a consultation lesson with Dudley Bright a couple of months ago, but due to a lot of RAM commitments and various concerts, he was the one who referred me to Katy.

So (boneflyer) did you go to the Northern then the RMB or the other way round? And I guess the other thing you left out when comparing the Northern and the RMB was that you have to pay to go to the northern...

I'm afraid I don't know who teaches trombone... Although hopefully I will soon

Just an update... Today I passed my psychometric test... And I've got the interview on the 31st...

boneflyer

Congrats on getting the first bit out the way. I am sure there are more recent joiners than me who can advise you on the next bit. I guess that current affairs, defence spending / commitments etc...

Schilke have only been doing trombones for a while and no one seems to be using them yet. I haven't tried one but have heard less than average reviews from those in the known. Bach are good and are solid instruments that can take a bit of stick, but the Conn 88H are the best. Try a new one!

I did the RMB first, then RNCM. I got a grant and had to pay no fees when I went. The difference now is that you will have to pay the fees..

RisF

mm. I had a Shilke 50 mouthpiece when I was on a small shank and (although it made me excessively sharp) I really liked it, so I'm interested to see what people say about their trombone.

I'm using a brand new Conn 88H at the moment - the only criticism (and this is only a small one!) I have to make is that I'm finding the metal really soft! But apart from that the slide and tuning is beautiful... I suppose I'd just like to see what else is available.

RisF

Boneflyer - the current Prof of Trombone is a brilliant guy called Gordon Campbell.

RAB

Wolfy

No No! Rab. With a name like that he must be a Scot. Duh. Don't you know Nuffink????????????

RAB

Wolfy

Easy Mistake to make Rab. It's like Jones, McJones & O'Jones! Those ones always confuse me too!!

I didn't want anyone taking the pi$$. Specially as you only just came back.

boneflyer

I seem to recall the late - great Prof Albert Thompson speaking very highly of Gordon Campbell, and pointing out the fact that he was the product of Kneller Hall, before ending up with the BBC Big Band

and then at RMSM.

RAB

Wee Mac

RAB