The Beginning Brass Quintet Series is designed for younger brass players getting their first experience with a small
ensemble (and weekend warriors who may not have the time to keep their chops at a professional level and professionals
who like to keep some less taxing arrangements in their concert book). Instrument ranges are written to Level 2
guidelines, and there are no sixteenth note rhythms (except for one measure in "First Noel"). Many phrases begin
with several instruments starting in unison to help young players feel confident and find their partials before moving
into harmony with the rest of the quintet. These arrangements are very straightforward, not too lengthy, and use
a minimum of close harmonies (in other words, the French horn and trombone won't spend the whole chart a half step
away from each other). Despite these guidelines, the pieces all sound very professional and are suitable for any
concert setting.
Good King Wenceslas: This arrangement has a very "N'awlins" flavor as the melody is played over a second line
groove. Trumpets begin with tune, then Trombone takes over the melody the second time through.
Oh Christmas Tree: Done in traditional 3/4 time, this is a very pretty arrangement with some less traditional
harmonies and a nice trombone solo in the second chorus.
Oh Little Town of Bethlehem: Fairly traditional arrangement with a lot of unison mixed with some thicker harmonies.
Silent Night: Trumpet begins with the melody, then horn takes over the second time through yielding to a
trombone/tuba duet. Some nice unexpected harmonies throughout.
Up on the Housetop: Written as a ragtime piece, this is a fun and quirky arrangement with jaunty interplay and
the occasional horse whinny.
Check out the other selections in the "5 Easy" series on sale here.
5 Easy Christmas Classics #1
5 Easy Classical Favorites
5 Easy Dixieland Standards
5 Easy Dixieland Standards #2
5 Easy Scott Joplin Rags
5 Easy Spirituals
5 Easy Stephen Foster Songs
3 Methods of Delivery
Download the arrangement from the link in your
immediate confirmation e-mail
as an Adobe PDF file and pay no shipping fee!
Receive the arrangement as an
e-mail attachment. A $2 handling fee will be included.
(May take 1-2 days.)
