Concerto For Trombones: Concert Band, Solo Brass with Ensemble, Conductor Score & Parts

Leyden constructed this concerto as a showcase for trombone section growth: solo spotlight in movement one, collaborative duet work in movement two, and full three-part writing in movement three. Your strongest players get real, satisfying solos while the band provides genuine accompaniment rather than mere background, and the escalating complexity keeps rehearsals engaging across multiple weeks.

Leyden's writing keeps the trombones singing across all three movements, balancing lyrical melody with the instrument's natural warmth. The band arranging sits comfortably in the middle registers, never overshadowing the brass, and the overall arc feels purposeful rather than episodic.

Bands with capable trombone soloists ready to carry substantial passages and a mature section that can handle three-part writing at concert pitch. Directors seeking repertoire that builds solo confidence while keeping the full ensemble engaged will find this piece essential.

• Balance the solo trombone in movement one by keeping the band's dynamic support controlled; the soloist should project forward without the ensemble swallowing the line.
• In the duet section, ensure the two soloists match tone quality and vibrato speed so they blend as a unified voice rather than competing for attention.
• Use the three-trombone finale to solidify your section's ensemble intonation; the tight thirds and unisons expose any tuning inconsistencies immediately.

Position this as a mid-to-late concert piece where your trombone soloists and section have earned their moment. It works equally well as a feature within a larger wind ensemble program or as the centerpiece of a brass-focused concert.

• Solo performance under pressure with full ensemble accompaniment
• Three-part trombone writing and section intonation in close intervals
• Balancing lyrical phrasing across extended passages
• Ensemble listening and accompaniment roles for non-featured players
• Sustaining tone quality and consistency across multiple solo sections