Amplitude: 1st B-flat Trumpet
By Vince Gassi
Grade: 2 (Medium Easy)
Item: 00-PC-0017009_T1
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Description
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Amplitude: 1st B-flat Trumpet comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.
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About the Composer: Vince Gassi

Vince Gassi has built a prolific career spanning composition, conducting, and music education across North America. Since joining Alfred Music in 2006, he has published over 100 works that balance creative ambition with accessibility for young ensembles. His compositions appear regularly on contest and concert programs internationally, and his arranging work at the Dick Grove School of Music in Los Angeles informed the energetic, contemporary voice that defines his output.
For 25 years, Gassi has directed instrumental programs at the elementary and secondary levels while maintaining an active schedule as a guest conductor, adjudicator, and clinician. His workshops on creative engagement and digital workflow strategies for music directors have shaped how educators approach repertoire selection and ensemble preparation. He holds a Bachelor of Music from the University of Western Ontario and a Ph.D. from York University in Toronto, and his pieces have been recorded and performed across North America, Europe, and Japan.
Why we love this
Gassi writes rock charts that actually sound current without sacrificing musicality or demanding virtuosity. At Grade 2, Amplitude delivers genuine rhythmic drive and melodic appeal in equal measure, giving your ensemble the confidence that comes from performing music that connects with contemporary audiences. The infectious energy makes it an instant rehearsal favorite.
What to expect
Amplitude hits hard from the first downbeat with a driving rhythm and infectious melodic hook that stays with you long after the final chord. The rock sound is modern and energized without leaning on clichés, giving bands a piece that feels current and performance-ready. It's the kind of chart that reminds students why they picked up their instruments in the first place.
Who it's for
Concert bands at the middle school and early high school level will find Amplitude rewarding both to rehearse and perform. Directors looking for Grade 2 rock repertoire that doesn't rely on simplification will appreciate the genuine musicality and stylistic authenticity. The accessible difficulty means less time on technical hurdles and more time building an engaging, concert-ready sound.
How to get the most out of it
- Lock the rhythm section first. The drums and bass are the engine here; once they lock into the groove, the rest of the band will follow naturally.
- Keep the melody bright and forward in the woodwinds and brass. Gassi's tune is strong enough to carry the chart, so let it speak without overshadowing the rhythm.
- Lean into the rock feel rather than fighting it. Straight eighths and a relaxed backbeat work better than playing it too precisely or metronomically.
- Balance the energy across sections. With this many parts distributed across 136 pages, make sure every instrumental voice can be heard in context, not buried in a wall of sound.
How to use it
Open a concert with this piece to grab audience attention immediately, or use it as a bridge between classical and contemporary repertoire to show your ensemble's stylistic range. It works equally well as a festival selection or a fun contrast in a mixed program, and the 2:25 duration makes it efficient without feeling rushed.
Skills your students will build
- Rock rhythmic feel and backbeat articulation
- Ensemble blend in contemporary musical styles
- Reading and executing syncopated rhythmic patterns
- Dynamics and energy control in a high-tempo setting