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About this quote

What does it mean?
Strauss humorously advises ignoring trombones to avoid encouraging them.
In plain terms
He jokes that looking at trombones makes them play louder.
What can you take from it?
Humor is used to manage difficult parts of an orchestra.

Where it applies

  • conducting
  • rehearsal
  • orchestral study

Putting it to work

  • stay focused
  • use humor
  • manage sections

Questions to consider

  • Why are trombones hard to balance?
  • When is humor helpful?

Another view

Not all musicians appreciate this advice.

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