Hi, I recently applicated to the O.S.J.S. "Orchestre Symphonique de Jeunes de Sherbrooke" and I have been selected and I'm the first chair. I'm a french canadian so sorry for my poor english but my question is: What is the trombone position to play B-natural over the upper staff. In french, we call it Contre-Si but I dont know in english, I know it s hard to play high tone, like b-flat, but I never learned how to play a B-natural that high.
thanks a lot
For most horns, that B natural would be played in a slightly longer second position. It can also be played in 4th, but I don't recommend it.
But as with all "positions"... it's wherever it is in tune.
OMG! Calm down! He probably just got confused buy your English.
A B-natural 1 octave high is in 4th, just remember as the notes get higher they tend to get in the upper positions. Alternate positions also allow you to play it in 7th (also for example like a high C would be played in 3rd, but you can play it in 6th, just like a normal C) but that would be crazy to do that, so to make it a lot easier just play it in 4th.
Also when the notes start to get two octaves high, then the notes start to easily get out of tune, also like a 1 octave high G, you could play it in 4th, but you would have to sharp the note to in between 3rd and 4th, also called a partial.
Alright folks, relax a sec...
First of all, this is the part of the original question that made me answer the way I did..
I know it s hard to play high tone, like b-flat, but I never learned how to play a B-natural that high.
I was under the impression that the question was about the B natural an octave above the one you are referring to. And I suspect I am right.
After all, the B natural that sits on top of the staff is hardly considered playing high and even beginners wouldn't think it was a "high" note. And if I am correct, then yes, a high B natural can be played in a long second position (with alternates available, but second is most stable for someone just starting to work in that range).
One more thing...
There is a reason more experienced players don't come here to share their knowledge... Because they don't want to be called out by a seventh grader with a whopping year and a half experience. Have some respect for people (remember, you never know who you could be talking to) and you just might learn something.
Ok folks, relax. Listen to Steve. The man knows what he is talking about.
And for the 7th grader who sits first chair and has 1.5 years of experience... Remember you are in a public forum, and there are folks, like Steve and myself, who have been playing for decades. Literally. I don't know about Steve, but I started in 1987. But, I digress.
You have to remember that there are more then 1, or even 2, B naturals. When we speak of "high" B Natural, we aren't talking about the one on top of the staff. High B Natural is the next octave up, or 4 ledger lines above the staff. And yes, it is in ever-so-slightly-flat 2nd. You can play it in 4th, hell, you can play it in 7th, but ever-so-slightly-flat 2nd is it's preferred home.
But also, like Steve said, every horn is different, and every player is different, so it could realistically be in a different spot on different horns, or even different spots on the same horn with a different player.
When it comes down to it, the note is where it is in tune.
So, to the original poster, here is the best answer I can give you. High B Natural is in the neighborhood of 2nd, probably a tad lowered.
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