Bob Is Not My Uncle: Brass Quintet Score & Parts

Gassi nails the balance between entertainment and musicality that makes a piece actually fun to rehearse. The rhythmic anchor in the low brass gives your section a concrete foundation to lock onto, while the written drum fills keep the whole ensemble engaged without requiring improvisation.

The energy is immediately infectious. A propulsive low brass groove carries the piece from the downbeat, and as the rest of the quintet enters, playful interactions emerge across the five voices. It swings with purpose rather than floating, giving performers something tactile and rhythmically satisfying to dig into.

Brass quintet ensembles at the intermediate level looking for a contemporary piece with real personality and groove. This works equally well for concert settings and is substantial enough to program alongside more traditional repertoire.

• Build the groove in rehearsal by having the low brass play the opening rhythmic figure alone for several run-throughs. Once that pocket is locked, layer in the upper voices one at a time.
• Check the drum part early. The written fills are a crucial structural element, not window dressing, so your drummer needs rehearsal time with the brass section to coordinate transitions.
• Resist the temptation to rush. Medium tempos with funk grooves often feel better slightly under tempo, which gives the ensemble room to breathe and lets the rhythmic precision shine.

Place this strategically in a concert to shift the energy without breaking the flow. It pairs well after a lyrical ballad or classical standard, offering the audience a moment of contemporary style and humor while showcasing your ensemble's rhythmic precision.

• Locking and maintaining funk rhythmic grooves across multiple parts
• Balancing ensemble rhythmic precision with stylistic relaxation
• Coordinating five-part texture while emphasizing the lowest voices as the harmonic foundation
• Interpreting written drum fills and coordinating with percussion accompaniment