Principal Applied Trombone

Course Description

MVB2323 — Principal Applied Trombone is an applied music course in trombone for students whose principal instrument is trombone. Despite the "2" prefix indicating sophomore-level positioning in the SCNS numbering scheme, in the Florida applied-music inventory the MVB2323 course code is widely used at the sophomore principal level for trombone (preceded at the freshman level by MVB1313). Students develop fundamental trombone technique, range, slide accuracy, articulation, tone production, and graded etude/solo repertoire through weekly private one-on-one lessons supported by daily individual practice and concurrent participation in an allied ensemble.

This course is offered at approximately 26 Florida public colleges and universities, including Valencia College, Miami Dade College, Hillsborough Community College, Florida State College at Jacksonville, St. Petersburg College, Daytona State College, Santa Fe College, Palm Beach State College, Florida SouthWestern State College, Pensacola State College, Northwest Florida State College, and Broward College. It articulates to the corresponding applied trombone sequence at FSU, UF, UM Frost, UCF, USF, UWF, FAMU, and other State University System music programs subject to placement audition.

The Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS) encodes information about applied music courses in the digits of the course number. Following the convention documented by Florida State University's College of Music, the first digit indicates academic level (1 = freshman, 2 = sophomore, 3 = junior, 4 = senior), the second digit indicates the applied music placement (2 = secondary, 3 = principal, 4 = performance), the third digit repeats the first, and the fourth digit indicates the specific instrument within the prefix family.

For MVB2323, the prefix MVB denotes Applied Music: Brasses; 2 indicates sophomore level; 3 indicates principal placement; 2 repeats the academic level; and the final 3 places trombone in the brass score order (preceded by trumpet = 1 and horn = 2, followed by baritone horn = 4 and tuba = 5).

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

Upon successful completion of MVB2323, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate healthy embouchure formation, breathing technique, and air-supported tone production across the full sophomore-level trombone range (typically pedal F or lower through high B-flat or C above middle C).
• Demonstrate accurate slide technique: legato slide motion, alternate-position knowledge, and clean articulation between positions.
• Perform major and minor scales (harmonic and melodic) at varied tempos, full instrumental range, with appropriate articulation and slide-position choices.
• Perform chromatic scales and arpeggios across the full sophomore range.
• Apply varied articulation: legato (using natural slurs, lip slurs, and tongued legato), marcato, staccato; introductory multiple tonguing.
• Prepare and perform etudes from standard sources: Bordogni-Rochut Melodious Etudes for Trombone (Books 1–3); Tyrell 40 Progressive Studies; Kopprasch 60 Selected Studies; Bona Rhythmical Articulation.
• Prepare and perform solo repertoire from at least two contrasting style periods: a Baroque or Classical work (Galliard Six Sonatas; Marcello Sonatas transcribed; Pergolesi Sinfonia) and a 20th/21st-century work (Davison Sonata; Pryor Thoughts of Love; Larsson Concertino).
• Demonstrate improving sight-reading at a level appropriate for jazz combo, brass chamber, and intermediate orchestral repertoire.
• Perform a faculty jury at the end of the semester demonstrating prepared scales, etudes, and solo repertoire.
• Participate concurrently in an allied ensemble (wind ensemble, symphonic band, jazz ensemble, brass choir, or orchestra) and apply applied-study skills in the ensemble context.

Optional Outcomes

• Demonstrate F-attachment trigger technique for instruments equipped with the F valve.
• Develop jazz/commercial style elements (swing articulation, blues scales, basic improvisation) where institutional emphasis includes jazz studies.
• Apply introductory orchestral excerpt study (Mozart Tuba Mirum; Wagner Tannhäuser; Rossini La Gazza Ladra; Berlioz Hungarian March).
• Engage in brass chamber music through brass quintet or trombone ensemble.
• Develop bass trombone introductory technique where program permits.

Major Topics

Required Topics

• Embouchure and Tone Production: Lip formation, mouthpiece placement, air column, vibrato (where stylistically appropriate), tonal consistency across the slide.
• Slide Technique: Coordination of slide and breath, legato slide motion, alternate-position knowledge, technique for avoiding glissando in legato passages.
• Breathing and Air Support: Diaphragmatic breathing, breath capacity, breath control across long phrases (trombone repertoire frequently demands long sustained lines).
• Range Development: Systematic range expansion through long tones, lip slurs, octave studies, pedal-tone work (low register), and graduated high-register approach.
• Articulation: Tongued legato (the primary trombone legato style), single-tongue clarity, marcato, staccato; introductory multiple tonguing.
• Scales and Patterns: Major, natural/harmonic/melodic minor scales; chromatic scale full range; arpeggios; thirds and sixths patterns.
• Foundational Etudes: Bordogni-Rochut Melodious Etudes for Trombone (the foundational lyrical text adapted from vocalises); Tyrell 40 Progressive Studies; Kopprasch 60 Selected Studies; Bona Rhythmical Articulation.
• Solo Repertoire: Galliard Six Sonatas; Marcello Sonatas (transcribed for trombone); Pergolesi Sinfonia; Davison Sonata; Pryor solos and showpieces (Thoughts of Love, Blue Bells of Scotland); Larsson Concertino; Saint-Saëns Cavatine.
• Daily Practice Routine: Warm-up sequence (long tones, lip slurs, scale work), technical drill, etude, repertoire, cooldown.
• Equipment Awareness: Tenor trombone (B-flat) versus tenor with F-attachment; mouthpiece selection (Bach 6.5AL, 5G, or 4G are common college starting points); slide care and maintenance.

Optional Topics

• F-Attachment Technique: Use of the F-trigger valve for low register access and alternate slide positions; coordination of trigger and slide.
• Jazz Trombone: Swing articulation, basic improvisation, blues scales, jazz lineage (J.J. Johnson, Slide Hampton, Bill Watrous).
• Orchestral Excerpts: Mozart Requiem "Tuba Mirum" (the iconic trombone solo); Wagner Tannhäuser Overture; Rossini La Gazza Ladra; Berlioz Hungarian March; Mahler symphonies.
• Bass Trombone: Introductory study (mouthpiece, double-trigger configurations, bass trombone repertoire).
• Brass Chamber Music: Trombone quartet, brass quintet (Ewald, Ewazen).

Resources & Tools

• Studio Faculty Member: Primary applied teacher (typically a part- or full-time trombone professor) who delivers weekly individual lessons (typically 60 minutes for principal-level study).
• Practice Facilities: Dedicated brass practice rooms with adequate ventilation; mutes (straight, cup, plunger) typically available institutionally.
• Foundational Methods: Arban's Complete Conservatory Method for Trombone (the trombone edition of the foundational brass method); Bordogni-Rochut Melodious Etudes for Trombone (Books 1–3, the most widely adopted lyrical study text).
• Etude Books: Tyrell 40 Progressive Studies; Kopprasch 60 Selected Studies; Bona Rhythmical Articulation; Schlossberg Daily Drills; Vobaron 34 Etudes.
• Solo Anthologies: Solos for the Tenor Trombone Player (Schirmer); Concert and Contest Collection for Trombone (Rubank).
• Equipment: Quality intermediate or professional tenor trombone (institutional or personal); F-attachment trombone preferred at the sophomore level for repertoire requiring extended low range; standard mouthpiece (Bach 6.5AL, 5G, or 4G).
• Studio Class: Weekly group meeting for performance practice, peer feedback, masterclass discussion.
• Jury Committee: Multi-faculty panel for end-of-semester performance evaluation.
• International Trombone Association (ITA): Professional organization providing the ITA Journal, the annual International Trombone Festival, competitions, and pedagogical resources.
• Florida-Region Performance Opportunities: Florida State University and University of Florida host trombone-specific events; the Florida MENC/FBA activities provide additional ensemble and competition opportunities.

Career Pathways

• Music Educator (K–12, post-completion of BME and Florida teacher certification through FTCE Music K–12).
• Performing Musician in regional orchestras, opera and ballet pit orchestras, theatre productions, jazz ensembles, and chamber groups. Florida hosts the Florida Orchestra (Tampa Bay), Naples Philharmonic, Jacksonville Symphony, Orlando Philharmonic, Sarasota Orchestra, Palm Beach Symphony, Florida Grand Opera, and the Sarasota Opera.
• Theme Park & Entertainment Performer at Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, and Disney Cruise Line.
• Cruise Ship Musician for vessels homeporting at Florida's major embarkation ports (PortMiami, Port Canaveral, Port Everglades, Port Tampa Bay, Jacksonville).
• Worship and Liturgical Musician for churches across Florida's metro and rural communities.
• Private Studio Teacher, often credentialed through the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) or instrument-specific Florida professional associations.
• Military Musician with U.S. Armed Forces premier bands or regional service bands (audition required; competitive).
• Studio Recording & Session Work, particularly in the Miami, Orlando, and Tampa recording markets.

Students intending to pursue performance professionally should plan on completing a Bachelor of Music (BM) in Performance at a Florida university — typically Florida State University, University of Florida, University of Miami (Frost), University of Central Florida, University of South Florida, University of West Florida, Florida Atlantic University, Florida International University, Florida Gulf Coast University, or Florida A&M University — and continuing to graduate study or competitive auditions.

Trombone graduates have additional career destinations specific to the instrument: military service bands (the Marine Band, Army Field Band, Air Force Band); orchestral trombone positions (extremely competitive nationally; Florida Orchestra and Jacksonville Symphony are regional examples); theme-park ensembles at Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando; cruise-line big-band positions; commercial/studio recording work; and jazz combo and big-band performance.

Special Information

SCNS Transferability

Applied music courses with prefixes MVB, MVH, MVJ, MVK, MVO, MVP, MVS, MVV, and MVW are not automatically transferable under the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System. Per FSCJ's published policy on the SCNS, these courses require evidence of skill achievement (audition, jury performance, or portfolio) and must be evaluated individually by the receiving institution. Students transferring to a four-year music program should plan to audition with the receiving institution's applied faculty regardless of credits earned. The Florida Common Prerequisites Manual (available at floridashines.org) lists state-wide prerequisite expectations for music majors transferring to State University System institutions; faculty in the receiving program place students into the appropriate applied level based on audition.

Audition and Placement

Admission to MVB2323 requires a placement audition with the applied trombone faculty. The audition typically includes prepared solo repertoire (one or two contrasting selections), scales, and sight-reading. Students whose technical level is below the principal placement may be assigned to a pre-principal sequence (e.g., MVB1011 or MVB1213) or to class instruction until they reach the principal standard.

Credit Hour Variation

Credit values for MVB2323 vary across Florida institutions, ranging from 1 to 2 credits per semester. The 2-credit / 60-minute lesson model is most common at institutions with established music programs. Students should consult their institution's catalog for the credit value, lab fee, and instrument-loaner policy.

Co-requisite Requirements

Most institutions require concurrent enrollment in a major ensemble (wind ensemble, symphonic band, brass choir, jazz ensemble, or orchestra), in music theory and ear training, and in another music course (any MUx-prefix course other than Music Appreciation).

Lab Fee and Equipment

Most institutions charge a private lesson lab fee in addition to standard tuition (typically $75–$200 per semester). Students are expected to provide their own instrument; institutional loaner instruments may be available for harder-to-acquire trombones (bass trombone, alto trombone) for upper-division students.

Continuation Sequence

MVB2323 is followed in the standard sequence by a continuing sophomore semester (often a repeat of MVB2323 or progression to MVB2324) and then by MVB3333 at the junior principal level. The sequence continues with MVB4343 at the senior level. Successful completion through MVB3333 (by jury) is a degree requirement for the Bachelor of Music Education and similar music degree programs at Florida four-year music schools.