Cougar Fanfare: 5 Trombones Score & Parts

Cougar Fanfare arrives with brass authority and ceremonial brightness. The piece projects confidence and unified energy, building excitement through tight rhythmic control rather than technical complexity.

Trombone quintets and larger trombone choirs working with young or intermediate players who can handle rhythmic precision and clean articulation. The accessible length and level make it valuable for groups preparing concert openers or festival entries without needing extensive rehearsal.

• Establish the articulation pattern early in rehearsals. The exactness Dunn calls for depends on all five players interpreting tonguing the same way; use a consistent syllable and reinforce it across multiple run-throughs.
• Give the fifth trombone extra attention during sectional rehearsals. Those quarter-note triplets require independence from the harmonic foundation the other four players provide, and isolation work pays dividends.
• Shape the piece as a complete arc rather than a sprint. Even at just over one minute, there's room for slight dynamic breathing that prevents the fanfare from feeling relentless.

Lead your concert with this. Its compact length and immediate impact make it the perfect opening statement, setting a professional tone and showcasing your trombone section's articulation and ensemble precision before moving into longer works.

• Exact articulation and tonguing consistency across a section
• Precise execution of triplet figures
• Rhythmic independence of the fifth part against quarter-note pulse
• Brass section balance and unified dynamic control
• Short-form ensemble cohesion and listening