The trombone is a special instrument. Extremely simple in design, it is essentially a flared metal tube of variable length but the range of sounds possible is enormous; depending on the type of metal used, the bore of the tube and especially the lips driving the machine. John Kenny has been developing extended techniques for the instrument across his entire career and it is time to make solid documentation of this work so that it can be disseminated easily across the world.
Sound library and sound categorisation techniques are useful tools in Sound Design and composition. A major development in recent years is the prevalence of computer technology in live performance with instruments. Martin Parker has been developing work in this area for a number of years and seeks ways to extend the trombone further by implementing real-time computer based processing on the live/archived signal. The intention is to develop new music based on the gathered library of techniques and to produce software that can travel with the library, allowing performance where neither the composer nor original performer need to be present.