A trombone quartet is a musical group made up of four trombonists. Trombone quartets can play a wide range of music, despite being less popular than other types of quartets. A trombone quartet is a small brass ensemble that uses different trombone sizes to accommodate different compositional ranges. The term “trombone quartet” can also refer to four trombone players performing musical arrangements and compositions.
There are no restrictions on the types of trombones that can be used in a trombone quartet. The composition of the group is usually determined by the musical requirements of the piece to be performed. The trombone quartet might use bass and contrabass trombones, for example, if a work extends into very low registers. If the work is more demanding, at least one trombonist may play the alto trombone, but sopranos are rarely used due to their difficult tuning and trumpet-like embouchure. Two tenors and two basses, two tenors with a bass and contrabass, an alto and tenor with a bass and contrabass, three tenors and a bass, all tenors, all basses, or an alto, two tenors and a bass are all common configurations.
Due to the wide range of timbres and techniques available to trombone players, a trombone quartet can play almost any type of music. Although composers have not focused much on writing for these quartets, much of the music available for trombone quartets is arrangements of works written for other ensembles. Even though trombonists and arrangers can put together music from any genre, they are limited by the fact that there are only four players. This limits the complexity of the work. They may not be able to play in full antiphon, in which two groups respond to each other, and they may not be able to play anything that requires more than four pitches to be played at once.
Other musicians, such as a drummer in a jazz piece, may be required to assist and support trombone quartets on occasion. The use of supplemental or peripheral musicians does not change the group’s designation in these cases. Because the four trombone players are featured with prominent parts, it is still referred to as a trombone quartet. Even if the supporting group is a full band or orchestra, a work can still be called a trombone quartet.
Trombone quartets are most common in schools, especially at the college level, where musicianship is taken more seriously and players are more concerned with developing exceptional ensemble skills. They are not as well-known in the professional world as other quartets, but they are a favorite among brass players. Trombone quartets often find it easier to market themselves if they play more popular music, but some have had great success specializing in a specific genre or era of music. Many professional groups make a point of visiting schools to demonstrate trombones for educational purposes.