The trombonist has become the butt at too many jokes regarding odd jobs and lack of musical acheivement. I however, beleive that the trombone is by far the most musical instrument in any ensemble.
Trombonists lead a more healthy life that a string instrument.
A few yars ago I was playing in a pit orchestra for the trombonist's favorite musical, The Music Man . It was on July 3rd 1996. We played to the intermission and at that point the conductor put his arms down and before the audience had gotten out of their seats, the string players where making a mad rush to the backstage doors with a crazed rage in their eyes. I almost died laughing. As I walked outside I attempted to feel my way through the thick cloud of smoke before finding some freash air.