Review

Various
Ceremonial And Commencement Classics:

Arranged by David Uber

B-flat trumpet, F horn, and trombone

Delevan, NY, United States
Publisher: Kendor Music
Date of Publication: 2006
URL: http://www.kendormusic.com

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Brass Ensemble - 3 brass

The selections in this collection include: Giuseppe Verdi, Triumphal March from “Aida,” grade 3, playing time 1:50. Trumpet carries the lead for most of the piece; its highest note is b-flat2. The horn and the trombone parts are less difficult. Samuel A. Ward, America The Beautiful, grade 3, playing time 1:15. Trumpet has the lead with the exception of two bars played by horn. John Stafford Smith, The Star Spangled Banner, grade 3, playing time 1:20. There is a brief fanfare at the beginning and one at the end; otherwise, the usual setting of parts. These three pieces contain no range problems and the trombone parts do not require an f-attachment.

Edward Elgar, Pomp And Circumstance (March No.1), grade 4, playing time 2:00.
This is the most difficult of the four pieces. The piece is played twice with a short introduction both times. The first statement is pitched in G major, the second in D Major, providing intonation challenges. Trumpet carries the tune throughout. There are a few flourishes for the trumpet and the horn after bar 90 that may need extra practice. The trombonist will need an f-attachment.

Endurance will be an issue if Verdi/Elgar are used in commencement ceremonies since the three players play constantly. Doubling parts can help alleviate this problem if the procession is too long. Though this music does not lack for other arrangements, their availability for this instrumentation is an attractive consideration. Presentation is excellent.

-Mike Halverson
Minneapolis, MN