Combo Blasters Take 3!: Part I (B-flat) (Trumpet, Clarinet) Book

This collection gives you genuine flexibility: whether you're fielding a skeleton lineup or a full marching band, every arrangement works without awkward holes. López's ear for orchestration means each tune sits naturally on the B-flat instruments, and the roster of titles spans enough musical ground that you can program anything from parade classics to contemporary funk.

These arrangements land somewhere between concert band accessibility and marching energy. You get recognizable melodies that audiences love, catchy grooves that keep students engaged, and the kind of straightforward orchestration that lets players focus on tone and ensemble blend rather than wrestling with complex part-writing.

Directors running smaller marching units, beginning band programs, or groups with fluctuating instrumentation will find this collection invaluable. It works equally well for trumpet and clarinet players developing their chops in an ensemble context.

• Balance the melody across your trumpet and clarinet sections. Mark who carries the lead in rehearsal so both parts understand when they're in front and when they're supporting.
• Lock the rhythmic figures in tunes like Conga and Jungle Boogie early; even small ensembles need tight rhythmic precision to land the groove.
• Use the flexibility to your advantage by rotating parts across rehearsals if you have uneven section sizes some days.
• Pay attention to articulation markings, especially in uptempo numbers. Clean tonguing on fast passages will keep the sound crisp regardless of ensemble size.

Slot individual titles into your marching season setlist, or run through several in a single rehearsal block to build variety and keep energy high. The mix of standards (Star-Spangled Banner, Happy Birthday) and contemporary pop (Margaritaville, Smooth) gives you programming flexibility for community events, football games, or informal performance showcases.

• Reading and performing B-flat transposed parts with accuracy
• Maintaining consistent tone and blend in smaller ensemble configurations
• Executing syncopated rhythms found in funk and Latin-influenced arrangements
• Balancing melodic and supporting roles within trumpet and clarinet sections
• Responding to dynamic and articulation changes across diverse musical styles