I assumed that we were talking about real notes. As in comparing the ability on trombone with that of trumpet players (screamers) such as Arturo Sandoval, Bobby Shew, Maynard Fergusen, Doc Severinsen, Paul Cacia, and many others. Yes, of course we can do it, but it does not sound good, nor does it have that much of a purpose, outside of fooling around and showing off. (Which, of course, is a lot of fun)

To me, it`s like an orchestral bass player playing a volin part way up at the top of their register. Of course they can play it, but it would sound silly and pointless.

I hate to sound "Clintonesque", as they say ("It depends what your definition of `is` is), but I think there is some confusion about the quotidean term "can". I was interpreting to "can" to mean a thing a typical (non-student) trombonist is actually capable of because he`s actually done it, not a hypothetical thing a hypothetical trombonist from outer space could potentially do on some distant planet or other.

Good call, Scotch. The trombone, as all brass instruments, technically has a limitless range as defined by the overtone series in nature. The problem comes in when we add the human element. There is only a certain amount of dexterity the human face and lungs can put forth, so while the instrument may have limitless range, the person playing it does not.

As for screaming, it is possible, if by screaming we mean that laser tone sound a trumpet player can get while playing extremely loud and high. It is possible, I know, since I can get that sound out. Back in my college marching band days, at the end of the warmup, during the tuning chorals (most of us should know and love those) I would take my last note up an octave and a fourth, and blast out the high Bb two octaves above tuning Bb. With the amount of air and force I would use, I got that laser tone out of the instrument. While it was fun, it did not sound the greatest. Plus, the melophones next to me would regularly get yelled at for bad tone, since the note I hit was an octave above theirs.

lol, I know what you mean Erik, I did the same thing; only the 3rd trumpets sitting in front of me recieved the director`s ire. Good times!

That`s pretty funny, if nevertheless cruel.