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

This collection gives you fifteen recognizable titles in a single book, spanning pop, standards, and Americana. Each arrangement scales gracefully from four players to full band, so you can actually perform these in rehearsals, pep rallies, and concerts regardless of who shows up on any given day.

You get a snapshot of American popular music from multiple eras, all arranged with straightforward energy. The selections feel accessible without sounding simplistic; they sit comfortably for developing players while remaining engaging to perform.

This book serves trumpet and clarinet players in marching band or combo settings who need flexible charts for both full rehearsals and smaller performance groups. Directors looking to keep energy high during warm-ups or fill gaps in concert programming will find these arrangements especially useful.

• Balance the melody between first and second parts; the B-flat parts often share solo duties, so listen for when each voice takes the lead line and adjust volume accordingly.
• Establish the groove early in rehearsal for the funk and pop tunes (Jungle Boogie, Conga, Smooth). These arrangements rely on crisp rhythmic articulation to land their character.
• Treat The Star-Spangled Banner with the same preparation as any patriotic opener; even in a small combo setting, this deserves intentional phrasing and control.
• Lock in with your section partner. With four to seven players, intonation problems are immediate and noticeable, so spend time on blend and tuning before worrying about speed.

These work beautifully as pregame or halftime fillers when your full ensemble isn't available, or as a flex option for concerts where a smaller group takes the stage. You can also pull individual titles into existing sets without disrupting pacing or style.

• Reading and playing in B-flat transposition with consistent intonation
• Balancing melody and harmony roles within a small ensemble
• Adapting articulation and style across multiple genres (pop, funk, swing, patriotic)
• Responding to dynamic and phrasing cues with limited section reinforcement
• Sight-reading unfamiliar arrangements under performance pressure