Review

Nathaniel Cleophas "Shorty" Davis
Miss Trombonism:

Arranged by Aaron Hettinga

Three solo trombones and concert band

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2021
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Score and parts.

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 3 trombones
Secondary Genre: Chamber Music

This transcription is in F, with the Trio section in B-flat. It is scored for three solo trombones plus piccolo, 2 flutes, oboe, bassoon, clarinet in E-flat, 3 B-flat clarinets,  bass clarinet, soprano saxophone, 2 alto saxophones, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, E-flat cornet, 3 B-flat trumpets, 4 F horns, euphonium, tuba, and a percussion section of bells, cymbals, snare drum and bass drum, requiring four players - 32 players altogether.

Trombone parts are given in bass clef, all topping out at f¹; none requires an F attachment. First and second parts are given together; they are divisi in only 21 out of the 87 numbered measures; all three parts are otherwise mostly in unison. Slide positions are indicated for the numerous glissandi that characterise this style. Mutes are not required. First trumpet part tops out at g² and second at f². The arrangement is suitable for a good, high school level band.

Nathaniel Davis was born in Tennessee in 1888 and died in Atlanta, Georgia in 1972. At the time this piece was published, he was serving in France with a segregated Black regiment of the US Army as a military bandsman. A short biography of the composer written by Douglas Yeo is included in the publication. Aaron Hettinga is a trombonist and arranger based in Western Michigan. Further information about the composer may be found at https://aaronhettinga.com.