The trombone is an ancient brass instrument that developed from the trumpet at around the time of the Renaissance. Indeed the name trombone is derived from the Italian word tromba , which is suffixed with -one (meaning "large"), thus providing the full name meaning a "large trumpet". A player of a trombone is called a trombonist.

Sound is created by the instrument when the player's vibrating lips, or embouchure, cause the air column contained within the instrument to vibrate. Unlike most brass musical instruments, the trombone does not usually have any valves, but instead alters the length of the instrument via a telescoping slide mechanism to vary the pitch of the note produced.



The earliest historical evidence of a trombone-like instrument is to be found in the late 15th century fresco painting The Assumption of the Virgin by Filippino Lippi in Rome.

Along the trumpeters, trombonists were employed as civil servants in Germany. Their duties included heralding the arrival of important guests to their city.In Germany and Northern Italy, trombonists featured in so called 'piffari' bands which were employed by governments throughout the 16th century to entertain in public squares, and to lead processions for festivals.

Today, the trombone is widely used in many ensembles from symphony orchestras and military bands, to brass choirs and marching bands. Trombones are also well represented in chamber music, as well as in popular music such as salsa, jazz, and New Orleans brass bands.