Chasing Crimson: 1st B-flat Trumpet Sheet Music Preview

Chasing Crimson: 1st B-flat Trumpet

By Dakota Pederson

Grade: 3.5

Item: 00-PC-0019302_T1

Digital Download
$3.00
Description
Crimson, the deep and rich shade of red, is captured and eloquently displayed in this relentless composition. Chasing Crimson, an aggressive composition by Dakota Pederson, uses a traditional form and melody while incorporating creative harmonies with some dissonance. From measure one, audiences will be captivated by the memorable melody that showcases the power of a strong trombone section. (3:25)

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Chasing Crimson: 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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Sample Video
Additional Details
Series: Alfred Concert Band
Publisher: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-PC-0019302_T1

More about this title

Why we love this

Pederson strikes a rare balance here: the piece reads as immediately engaging and melodically strong without sacrificing harmonic sophistication. A trombone-led melody that drives the entire composition gives students something to latch onto while you layer in those creative harmonies and dissonance that keep the work from feeling predictable. For a Grade 3.5 band program, this is the kind of programmatic work that wins festivals and sticks with audiences long after the final chord.

What to expect

Aggressive and unyielding from the downbeat, yet rooted in a strong melodic anchor. The piece moves with purpose and intensity, painting that deep crimson not as a static color but as something chased, pursued, relentless. Dissonant moments catch listeners off guard without ever feeling chaotic.

Who it's for

Grade 3.5 concert bands ready for programmatic repertoire that challenges harmonic thinking without overwhelming technical demands. This score and parts package serves directors programming festival contests or concert series who want a piece that showcases brass strength and modern compositional language.

How to get the most out of it

  • Bring out the trombone section from the opening measure. This is their showcase, and the melody's power depends on their confidence and tone quality. Rehearse the lead trombone separately if needed to ensure the line sings above the rest of the ensemble.
  • Balance the creative harmonies and dissonance carefully during sectionals. Some moments may sound wrong before the full band context arrives; keep players grounded in the harmonic intent rather than chasing perfect unison.
  • Use the 3:25 duration to calibrate pacing in rehearsal. If the piece drags, the relentless energy dissipates. Check that rhythmic precision isn't sacrificed for dynamics.
  • Mark the programmatic moments in your score where crimson intensity peaks. These are your cues to push energy forward rather than backing off into safety.

How to use it

Open a concert with this to set a bold, contemporary tone immediately. The memorable trombone melody makes it equally at home as a festival selection where impact matters. Pair it with lyrical or classical works on the same program to showcase your band's range.

Skills your students will build

  • Balancing strong melodic lines against supporting harmonic texture
  • Navigating dissonance and creative harmonies with harmonic awareness
  • Sustaining ensemble energy and relentless forward motion over 3:25
  • Interpreting programmatic intent through instrumental color and dynamics

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