Writing For Trombone (Quasi Horn)

Here's a question for any trombonists: I'm trying to write a new piece where the trombones play quasi-horn under some singers. Questions:
1. As a trombonist, would you rather see "Quasi horn" in your score than have to clamp on a bucket mute?
2. If I just write "Quasi Horn," will it wind up much louder than if I write "bucket mute, N.V.?"  Does the bucket really mellow the timbre that much? (This is a consideration, given the singers, and also given the desire to have a horn-like sound)
3. How do your fellow trombonists usually react when they see "quasi horn?"  Just turn their bells into the stand and nix their vibrato?  Or do they actually muffle their bells with their hand?  I’d like to spare my players the mute but am wondering if some of them won't bother to muffle the sound.

Thanks for any and all nuggets of wisdom.

If I see "quasi horn". I get DEEP in the stand and spread the sound WIDE (i.e. air-wise).  I've not ever used my hand.  For me it's allmost more of a psychological method,  requires serious control of your air/sound, but much less tricky to tune.  

Bucket will be extremely fluffy and warm (it's precisely like playing into a pillow would sound).  Less experienced players will lose tuning and control, especially on the lower end of the horn.  Also, many trombonists will not own a bucket // the poor man's substitute is playing into the stand.

Articulations and the "front" of the note will be very soft with a mute, you won't get any of that awesome 'horn'-like punch if you stick a bucket on.

Many thanks.  Swell tips.  Say, how would I mark the end of the "Quasi Horn" section?  Just write "As Trombone" when they don't have to spread the sound anymore?

Many thanks.  Swell tips.  Say, how would I mark the end of the "Quasi Horn" section?  Just write "As Trombone" when they don't have to spread the sound anymore?

Glad to help.

I would mark the end with "End quasi horn".... or something.  Just make it super clear ;)

Glad to help.

 

I would mark the end with "End quasi horn".... or something.  Just make it super clear ;)

Got it.  Thanks.