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In tenor clef, middle C is on the 2nd line down from the top.
In alto clef, middle C is on the middle line.

These clefs allow you to play higher without having to read a bunch of leger lines.

MA

First, you'll have to grow one of these: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleft_chin

Start by learning the tenor clef. As a trombonist you'll use it more than the alto clef. As a tubist and trombonist, learning tenor clef also gives you the ability to read Bb treble clef parts. The book, Introducing the Tenor Clef by Reginald H Fink is a good book to start with. Once you have learned tenor clef, you can start on alto clef.

By the way, it is spelled clef not cleft.

bigdog90210 wrote:Hello i play the tuba and trombone i am a junior in high school and i would like to know how to play tenor and alto cleft can anyone send me a chart or something. Thanks!!!!!!!!!

The tenor and alto clefs have a symbol with a cleft in it. That cleft is right in the middle of the clef. The line of the staff that goes through the cleft of the clef is C.

Rick "hoping that clears it up" Denney

I think there's a Blazhevitch clef studies book for trombone, isn't there?

I had to do this when i played in an ensemble in which I played a bassoon or cello part. The only practical application of the C clefs is to avoid using lots of ledger lines above or below the stave.
the way I did it was this- to identify the sound I made when playing an E, for example. In the bass clef it is in the 3rd space on the stave, in the tenor clef it on the top line. The sound is the same, the note is written in a different place. After a while it becomes easier than trying to transpose.

Charlie Goodman wrote:I think there's a Blazhevitch clef studies book for trombone, isn't there?

Yeah, but the ^$#*&^%(*&*%$# Blazhevich is far to advanced for a Junior High player. I can't remember hating anything quite as much as that book. Try the Fink instead, one for tenor and one for alto. They start from a basic explanation and go all the way to favorite orchestral studies written in the clefs. They also iniclude some of the better Blazhevich excerises. Google Reginald Fink to find them.

As a young low brass player, you're not likely to run into either tenor or alto clef for some time. As a trombonist, though, it will come up. But I'd relax until you get your first part with it.

I've often been surprised by the number of euph players who can't read tenor clef. Boggles the mind... As a eupher, I would expect tenor and Bb treble to be staples. But not until college. Ah well... I'll admit to being less than comfortable on alto on tenor bone, but I have yet to be called to do so, so I'm not really in a panic

J.c.S.

Euphonium410 wrote:The Blazhevitch clef studies book can be done by someone who is a junior in high school, as long as it is done with patience. Personally, some of the etudes in the Blazhevitch have become some of my all time favorites. Oh, and reading clef is very very similar to reading trombone or euphonium in treble clef... just a hint.

...tenor clef, that is...

J.c.S.

tbn.al wrote:

Charlie Goodman wrote:I think there's a Blazhevitch clef studies book for trombone, isn't there?

Yeah, but the ^$#*&^%(*&*%$# Blazhevich is far to advanced for a Junior High player. I can't remember hating anything quite as much as that book. Try the Fink instead, one for tenor and one for alto. They start from a basic explanation and go all the way to favorite orchestral studies written in the clefs. They also iniclude some of the better Blazhevich excerises. Google Reginald Fink to find them.

Also, I think there might be a notable difference between what's "to advanced for a junior high school player" and what might not be too advanced for a junior IN high school.

Charlie Goodman wrote:

tbn.al wrote:

Charlie Goodman wrote:I think there's a Blazhevitch clef studies book for trombone, isn't there?

Yeah, but the ^$#*&^%(*&*%$# Blazhevich is far to advanced for a Junior High player. I can't remember hating anything quite as much as that book. Try the Fink instead, one for tenor and one for alto. They start from a basic explanation and go all the way to favorite orchestral studies written in the clefs. They also iniclude some of the better Blazhevich excerises. Google Reginald Fink to find them.

Also, I think there might be a notable difference between what's "to advanced for a junior high school player" and what might not be too advanced for a junior IN high school.

Oops! I really should read more carefully. I do like the Fink books because they have the good stuff from 3 sources. If you really want get frustrated try the LaFosse books. They are evil devious manuscript things with sometimes 3 clef changes per measure.