u/ChipOk7125

I’m a trombone player getting into arranging, and I’ve noticed in a lot of HBCU and marching band music the trombone section will hold chords for a long time instead of always moving.

I’m trying to understand what those held chords are actually doing for the band. Like what makes them so important? Is it mainly about filling the middle of the sound, locking in the harmony, making the band sound bigger, or something else?

I’m just trying to understand the role those chords play so I can use them better when I write. Any insight helps