Above: The Crimson Slides, the University of Alabama’s Trombone Studio

Everyone knows the University of Alabama has a great football team. Now it’s time to meet some new players.

The University of Alabama’s Trombone Studio showcases some of the finest student-musicians in the country. Its ensembles are making a beautiful noise throughout the Tuscaloosa campus and community.

One of those ensembles has a familiar ring to it.

“The Crimson Slides,” said Trombone Studio director Jonathan Whitaker. “I was already thinking about how to market this thing, get some social media going.

“I literally woke up in the middle of the night,” he added. “I went over to the computer and bought the domain name, ‘RollSlide.com.’”

The Crimson Slides is a jazz trombone ensemble with a rhythm section. On Wednesday, Nov. 18, they performed a free concert at the Moody Music Building concert hall.

Listen to “There Will Never Be Another You” – Crimson Slides

Jonathan Whitaker, Trombone Studio director

Led by graduate student director Dan Kolan, the players took turns soloing over jazz standards by Cole Porter, J.J. Johnson and others.

“Trombone players, being the nerds that they are, love to get together and play,” said Kolan.

Another Trombone Studio ensemble is making waves with its precision sound. The Trombone Choir features musicians mastering songs not traditionally led by the instrument.

“Normally there are a lot of other instruments in the orchestra that carry the load, and it’s our job to be supportive,” said Whitaker. “The Trombone Choir puts the instrument and those individuals’ musicianship out front. And it challenges them.”

Part of the university’s School of Music,  the Trombone Choir performs concerts on campus and plays at some athletic events. It also reaches out to the surrounding community. On Wednesday, Dec. 9 it will play a Christmas concert at the Chapel Hill Baptist Church in Northport.

“One of the goals I wanted to do this year is to try and get the Trombone Choir out into the community around the holidays,” said Whitaker, who grew up in Kentucky.

Those expecting to see all these fine musicians playing for the Million Dollar Band on Saturdays in Bryant-Denny Stadium may be disappointed. Whitaker said only about a quarter of the 20 trombonists in the choir participate in the marching band: “It’s a major time commitment.”

Nevertheless, the Trombone Studio, which has a Facebook page and a Twitter account, is gaining renown.

“Nationally, we have a lot of guest artists,” said Whitaker, “and they can’t wait to come to Tuscaloosa and see a game.”

John Herr with Alabama NewsCenter recently caught the Crimson Slides and Jazz Standards Combo performing live.