Inclusivity. It is a widely and easily used term. Also in the music world. But what about inclusivity in the trombone community?

The approach of the Slide Factory festival is: “Everyone can participate, regardless of who or what you are”. This is of course easy to say, but what does this really mean? Is everyone welcome and does it feel that way?

Why is it that (at least in the Netherlands) relatively few women/girls play the trombone? Do we find that a problem? Do we want to change that? And how?

At the same time, serious cases, scandals, have come to light worldwide, which are often related to abuse of positions of power. Consider, for example, “The Voice of Holland”, but conservatories and orchestras worldwide are also confronted with such issues.

All topics that touch on the same theme. In this short forum we want to talk about diversity and inclusivity in the trombone world in a respectful way.

Sasha Romero, one of the festival artists, gives a short introduction about herself. She is transgender and shares personal experiences in music practice from various perspectives.

Also present is Emily White, who, just before this forum, played a well-thought-out, one might say, inclusive program with many female composers from the Renaissance. The third forum guest is Sebastiaan Kemner, who after the forum will play his program Club Church with the theme of the complex relationship between religion and queerness.

We are curious about the experiences and opinions of these diverse trombone players. The public is also cordially invited to ask questions or participate if a discussion arises.