Review

Sarah Paradis
Smooth Sailing: A comprehensive legato method for the beginning trombonist

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2024
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

63 pages

Primary Genre: Study Material - method

Smooth Sailing by Sarah Paradis offers a meticulous and structured approach to developing legato technique in young trombonists. Although targeting beginners, this book will benefit older students with poor articulation habits.

Paradis, an Associate Professor of trombone and euphonium at Boise State University, begins by emphasizing essential tips for success, including the use of a metronome, playing with a full sound, breathing well, good slide hygiene, and faithful practice.

The book is organized into five chapters, with two preparatory sections that lay the groundwork for legato technique. In the first preparatory section, "Buzzing and Sound," Paradis introduces buzzing exercises without specific pitch designations, focusing on full air and a consistent buzz sound. Students begin with breath attacks and progress to a "toh" articulation as proficiency develops. Glisses are also introduced to promote smooth transitions.  The second section emphasizes long tones initiated with a "toh" syllable. Paradis asks that each exercise be performed with a metronome.

The first chapter, "Lip Slurs," presents 40 slurring exercises that progress from whole notes to more challenging rhythms. Again, each slur must begin with a "toh" articulation. None of the exercises exceed d1 or drop below low E. Paradis also introduces triple and compound duple meters in this section. 

Chapter two presents slurs with slide changes. The early exercises begin with slurs on the same partial to serve as a guidepost for the slide changes that follow.

It is not until chapter three, "Legato Tonguing on the Same Note," that Paradis introduces legato tonguing. The exercises move throughout the narrow range of a beginner, but all on a single note. As the exercises progress, Paradis incorporates simple melodies. The melodies require slide movement, but the legato tonguing only occurs on repeated notes. Clear articulation markings ensure students understand the desired technique.

In Chapter four, "Legato Tonguing with Slide Movement," Paradis introduces legato tonguing with slide changes. Students review legato tonguing on one note and then progress to adjacent slide positions. Songs at the end of the chapter provide a musical context for the newly learned techniques

Chapter five, "Melodies," combines all the skills learned earlier. Now the articulations are no longer isolated activities, but part of the musical fabric. Specific guidelines are provided under each note (N for slurs, T for "toh" articulations, and D for legato tongue).

Smooth Sailing is a valuable resource for trombone teachers seeking to develop legato technique in their students. Often articulation problems begin with air problems. The emphasis Paradis places on buzzing, long tones, and slurs creates a solid foundation for effective legato tonguing. Her painstaking approach will require patience, but the student will be rewarded in the end.