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. 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.
Tiger Rag is a favorite of Dixieland fans (as well as LSU alumni). Trumpets carry much of the melody,
with short solo fills written out for all of the instruments.
Way Down Yonder in New Orleans is a feature for Trumpet 1 and the trombone. Easy going in nature,
with a distinct riff that bookends the arrangement.
Jazz Me Blues is a bit of a finger buster for trumpets 1 and 2 -- this will take a little practice for the
younger musician. There are lots of stop times throughout and will give the quintet a chance to work on
their "group time".
Buddy Bolden's Blues (a.k.a "Funky Butt") is a slow, bluesy classic that features trumpet 1 and the tuba.
If articulated correctly, even young players will be able to make this one swing.
When the Saints Go Marching In begins with a slow funeral prelude, then goes into the beloved street march.
Trumpets carry the melody most of the way, with trombone and horn taking the interlude. First trumpet is written
to a concert G above the staff (a step past our usual guidelines for these arrangements).
Check out a cocktail hour performance of "Way Down Yonder in New Orleans" by The Beltway Brass Quintet.
https://youtu.be/SxBfpi8MCaM
Check out a concert performance of "Buddy Bolden's Blues" by The Beltway Brass Quintet.
https://youtu.be/3LRecZ00dTQ
Check out a concert performance of "When the Saints" by The Beltway Brass Quintet with vocalist DC Washington.
https://youtu.be/n7RONagkZsA
Check out the other selections in the "5 Easy" series on sale here.
5 Easy Christmas Classics
5 Easy Christmas Classics #2
5 Easy Classical Favorites
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.)
