[Dixielandjazz] Trombonists

[jim at kashprod.com]

The "middle finger" habit mentioned by Eric is a terrible no-no for  
anyone attempting to play seriously.  It's going to slow you down,  
period.  Having said that, I have been spotted by a fellow trombonist  
doing it.  I found that very upsetting, and "watched myself" for  
awhile.  Turns out, the only time I do it is when using the plunger  
mute, and I will occassionally flip out the finger, but it has to do  
with getting the mute readjusted while I support the horn with the  
other finger. It is definitely wrong to get into this bad habit. I  
won't be impressed by someone telling me so & so does it & he is one  
of the big ones.  It is still a bad practice, and the big name that  
does it has just worked around what is still a bad habit.

Jim