[Dixielandjazz] Here's your T'bone player

[Bob Romans]

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Selection Committee

220 S. Michigan Avenue

Chicago, Illinois

Gentlemen:

I wish to apply immediately for the job of Second Trombone and I 

already have the two trombones. Although I have not played much in 

an orchestra, I have played along with lots of classic (no vocal) records. 

I found that if I slowed them down a little that the songs 

automatically went into the flat keeys which are much easier, but I 

think I could do the sharp keeys in a short time. I was a student 

for several years of Mr. Remington (Allan, not Buck) and then went with 

the circus band where my tone really got great. You don't have to 

worry about my being able to blast through on the Vogner stuff, that's 

for sure. 

After I watched "10," I got out my horn and worked up a 

really great solo on "Bolero". (Do you know that there is a dance by 

this name too?) Does your arrangement sound the same all the way 

through, too? I still have trouble knowing when to come in with the 

record, though. 

Anyway, I know that if I get the job that the people in Chicago will like 

my version, which is do-wop. Would I have to sit real 

close to the violins? They never seem to play very loud, and my tone 

sort of cuts off if I have to play too soft. It would be best if I 

could sit in front of the drums, like in the circus band. Also, I'd 

kind of like to sit on the outside so that people could see me. I am 

practising every da y for the audition and am working on a new thing 

called legato, but it's still a little smeary. I think you'll like it 

though. But, if your music is anything like this Rubank stuff, it will be a

challenge to my teck...techininuque... tequch... ability.

There is a position on trombones called 5th, but hardly any notes are 

there. Does your music have many of these notes, and if so, what are 

they? I'd like to know all of this before I pay bus fare down to Chicago. 

How much does the job pay? I'm really looking forward to coming 

down, but tell me why would I have to play behind a screen in the 

winter?



Sincerely,

"Slide" Rafferty

P. S. I have lots of music stands and probably have one like you guys 

use, so that would be a cost saving.

Warm regards,
Bob Romans,
Cell Block 7 Jazz Band
1617 Lakeshore Dr.
Lodi, Ca. 95242
209-339-4676
www.cellblockseven2002.net
Cell 209-747-1148
Because I play trumpet, I envy no one.
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