A Coconut Named Alex: 8 Trumpets Score & Parts

This piece transforms a moment of student procrastination into something genuinely musical. Marlatt takes the melodic hook that Alex kept playing and builds a full Latin chart around it, giving the entire trumpet section—and especially the written solo—something immediately rewarding to perform. It's the kind of commission that reminds ensemble members why they show up.

Bright, energetic, and good-natured. The Latin groove carries an upbeat optimism that feels natural in a trumpet section context. There's a sense of playfulness throughout, matched by the colorful title and the story behind it.

Trumpet sections with at least eight players who are ready to blend cornet-like flugelhorns with straight trumpet sound. This works best with high school and college ensembles where players have enough control to balance multiple voices within one section.

• Balance the 4 trumpets and 4 flugelhorns so the two voices breathe together as one section rather than competing; flugelhorns should anchor the harmonic movement without overshadowing the trumpet lead.
• Establish a strong groove with the rhythm section early in rehearsals; the latin feel depends on the drumset locking with the bass line, and the horns will respond accordingly.
• Shape the written trumpet solo with the same care you would a sax solo in a big band; the melody is the payoff, so give it room to sing without dragging the tempo.

This reads well as a concert opener or as part of a Latin-themed set. The contest/festival designation makes it strong competition material, and the piece brings enough personality to stand out on a program of more traditional brass ensemble fare. It also works as a feature moment for your trumpet section when programming a larger concert.

• Balancing multiple trumpet and flugelhorn voices within a single section
• Reading and executing Latin rhythmic feels and syncopation
• Soloing with melodic control and phrasing over a steady groove
• Ensemble listening and blend in a doubled-voice context
• Sight-reading flugelhorn voicings if not all players are familiar with the instrument