West Side Story 2nd trombone

[BenM]

My community orchestra is doing an unstaged production of West Side Story this fall, using the "Concert Version" of the music. There are only two trombone parts, and I'm playing second.

Is this part usually played on a bass or tenor? There are some very bass-like parts (down to low C), but other parts are very tenor-like (up to C three octaves higher). I've been able to get by pretty well on my large tenor (Shires .547), but it seems like maybe a small bass might sound better overall. Anyway, I guess it's pretty much academic, since I don't own a bass trombone. I was just curious if anyone who's played this part or seen it performed live has any opinions.

-Ben

[Fafner]

It’s a bass part with tons of high stuff—famous for hurting players actually. I don’t think there’s a big problem with playing it on tenor.

[Schultz]

I’d bring and use both.