Festival of Lights: 6 Trumpets Score & Parts

Marlatt constructs this piece as a musical conversation, weaving tributes to Cheatham, Chance, and Reed into a cohesive original work that challenges players without requiring virtuosic technique beyond their reach. The result is a sextet that rewards careful ensemble listening and phrasing while remaining engaging enough for festival and contest settings.

The piece moves through distinct musical landscapes, each shaped by the compositional voices Marlatt admires. You'll encounter moments of lyrical melody, rhythmic drive, and textural sophistication that keep the six players engaged and the audience attentive.

This work suits intermediate to advanced trumpet ensembles seeking a substantial piece for festival or contest performance. The medium-difficult level expects secure fundamentals and musicianship but invites players to develop their collaborative listening skills in a chamber setting.

• Balance the six voices carefully during quoted passages; the homages work best when listeners can hear each layer without one trumpet overwhelming the texture.
• Mark articulation patterns consistently across all parts before rehearsing, since the piece likely uses stylistic variety to distinguish its musical references.
• Listen to recordings of the composers being honored (Cheatham, Chance, Reed) to internalize the musical contexts Marlatt is drawing from; this deepens your interpretation.
• Rehearse the transitions between thematic sections slowly to ensure clean handoffs and unified interpretive choices across the sextet.

Pair this with a contrasting work in your contest or festival program; its medium-difficult level and substantial length make it a strong centerpiece that showcases your ensemble's musicality without dominating the concert. It works well in a program that includes lighter fare or solo features, providing architectural balance.

• Ensemble blend and balance in a six-part brass texture
• Recognition and interpretation of compositional homages and musical quotations
• Phrasing and articulation unity across a sextet
• Sight-reading accuracy when learning parts with layered thematic material