OTJ Authors
Tom Ervin
Tom Ervin is emeritus Professor of Music at the University of Arizona, where he was on the faculty for 36 years, during which time he was also Principal Trombonist for the Tucson Symphony Orchestra. He is internationally recognized as a premiere trombonist in both the classical and jazz arenas, and is a past president of the International Trombone Association. His books include Rangebuilding on the Trombone (now out of print but available from Cherry Classics), Twenty Counterparts (accompanying the first 20 from the old version of Bordogni/Rochut, and also now distributed by Cherry Classics), and Sixty Counterparts (accompanying the entire Voxman Selected Studies for Trombone).
OTJ Articles
Orchestral Excerpts for the Tenor Trombonist: Schumann Symphony No. 3
September 01, 1997This challenging excerpt is among the most requested passages in orchestral trombone auditions. Usually only the first 8 bars are requested , but the rest of the piece is tricky also, and it would not be unfair of them to ask for more.
Orchestral Excerpts for the Tenor Trombonist: Bolero
April 01, 1997There are many challenges in performing this solo. They include waiting through so many "verses" before you get to play, making a perfect "bulls-eye" entrance, using an excellent ballad legato, and maintaining accurate control as the pitches descend. Also keep in mind that this solo has long phrases which may require the performer play louder than they might like.
Getting Ready for College Auditions
December 01, 1996A trombone student requested advice on college auditions, and this was my advice. (Much of this could also apply to other auditions and tape producing, such as for regional competitions, all-state tryouts, graduate schools and summer camps.)
If You Practice
October 01, 1996Let us discuss the benefits that come from focused practice, and the need for such practice by any trombonist who is ambitious, or is considering a musical career. This article was originally submitted to the trombone list in September 1996. The list also holds many fine posts on structuring and optimizing practice time.
OTJ Reviews
Blues for Cook: A Review
By Tom Ervin • January 01, 1999The majority of the works on this release are well known tunes, presented in the time-honored standard mainstream and bebop format. There's a pleasant variety of tempi and styles, and the mix is almost always very good indeed. The trombone sound is particularly well recorded.
Absolute Trombone: A Review
By Tom Ervin • November 01, 1997