Competition Solos, Book 1 Trumpet, Tenor Sax or Euphonium TC: Trumpet Book

Nine contrasting vignettes that range from the spirited folk charm of Cripple Creek to the lyrical grace of Swan. Each piece is brief enough to master but substantial enough to develop phrasing, intonation awareness, and interpretive choices.

Trumpet players in their first or second year of study who are preparing for solo competition or exploring what lies beyond method book exercises. This book also serves teachers looking for graded solo material that reflects actual state competition requirements rather than generic educational arrangements.

• Listen to the audio accompaniment multiple times before rehearsing with the recording. Hearing the harmonic context and tempo reference first builds security and musicality.
• Work through each solo slowly and separately from the piano part initially. Once you own the melodic line and rhythm, the accompaniment becomes a partner rather than a distraction.
• Pay close attention to style markings and articulation in pieces like Gavotte and Harvest Waltz. These solos live or die on their character, not just accurate notes.
• Record yourself periodically and listen back. Solo repertoire demands a different kind of listening than ensemble work.

Select solos from this book as required or optional competition repertoire, and pair your choice with your state's specific list to confirm eligibility. You might also program a finished solo in a studio recital or holiday concert, or use individual solos as performance assessments throughout the year.

• Playing musically with shape and phrasing in short forms
• Matching tempo and style to recorded accompaniment
• Managing intonation and tone quality in exposed melodic contexts
• Building confidence in solo performance before full audiences
• Reading and responding to style markings (waltz, gavotte, articulation patterns)