Review

David F. Wilborn
Reflection and Celebration: for 8-part Trombone Ensemble
Six tenor, two bass trombones

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2019
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 8 trombones

This octet was composed to celebrate the life of Raymond Conklin who taught trombone at Murray State University in Kentucky for 45 years. It is, according to the composer, “…a musical homage to a man who was revered for his mentorship, musical intellect and delightful humor.” Remaining mostly in the key of B-flat, it is scored for six tenors and two basses with all parts remaining in bass clef. It ranges up to b-flat¹ in the first part but does not overly tax endurance. On the low end, it drops to BB-flat and will likely require actual bass trombones on the bottom two parts for a successful outcome. Overall, the piece uses a slow-fast-slow ternary form with the slow sections taking on a reverential quality.

The piece opens with a simple solo in the first part, presenting a five-note motif which, according to the composer, “is a symbolic reference to students learning and accomplishing under Conklin’s mentorship.” This motif becomes a unifying theme in the piece. This slow passage builds in intensity reaching an heroic climax, which leads directly into the faster, more playful middle section. This middle section is driven forward by repeated eighth notes in the lower voices and syncopations throughout the ensemble arriving at a climax which repeats the fanfare figures of the slower opening. The music finishes once again in a peaceful manner.

A good high school level group or younger college level group should be able to handle this piece well. There are no major rhythmic challenges and parts often move together. Wilborn does a good job of passing motives around through the ensemble so that everyone gets something to do.

This review copy is in pdf format but, as is the case with other offerings from this publisher, the option exists to purchase a physical version of the music. As long as you have a first trombonist who is comfortable with high b-flat¹ and a couple of bass trombones, this piece is a solid composition that shouldn’t be too hard to put together.