26 trombones

It will sound like a scene from "The Music Man:" At 7:30 p.m. tonight, the Trombone Choir will take the stage at the School of Music Recital Hall.

For graduate student Andrew Cech, the concert will be his last performance for the school and the culmination of six years at Ohio University.

"It's really sentimental and bittersweet but also exciting because it means I'm getting ready to take the next step in my musical career," said Cech, who also completed a bachelor's degree at the school.

Homogeneous chamber ensembles, like the 26-piece Trombone Choir, have a long history and originated in Europe before coming to United State when the country was still just developing, Cech said.

"When people think of musical concerts they always think of band, orchestra and marching band. This is an opportunity for people to see that there are ensembles outside of large bands," Cech said.

The ensembles repertoire includes classical works by Handel and Brahms, the band Chicago, the musical "Hello Dolly" and big band.

"Personally, the Trombone Choir is my favorite homogenous instrument ensemble because you have such a nice variety of low to high range and a really mellow sound that we can maintain without becoming harsh or abrasive," Cech said. "The approach to chamber ensembles like the trombone choir is completely different than playing in the orchestra, and it gives us the opportunity to play intimately with other musicians and really show off our musicality."

Admission to the concert is free and yes, members will perform "76 Trombones" from "The Music Man."