Firedance: Trumpet & Keyboard Part(s)

Marlatt constructs Firedance around genuine compositional ideas rather than difficulty for its own sake. The ABA architecture gives trumpet players a clear journey, and the contrasting middle section prevents this from becoming a relentless display piece. A strong solo that earns its place on a contest program or recital.

Firedance captures restless energy and forward momentum. The opening A section propels itself through rhythmic complexity and bright upper register writing, while the contrasting B section offers a moment of different character before the return. The piece feels driven and accomplished when played well.

Trumpet students in their final year of high school or early college years who are comfortable with advanced technical vocabulary and ready for the physical demands of extended range work. This is ideal for someone preparing an ambitious contest solo or a recital program that showcases growth.

• Prepare the triple-tonguing passages at half tempo with the recorded accompaniment, then incrementally increase speed. The piano part maintains a steady pulse that becomes your reference point once you're confident with the articulation.
• Work the lip trills separately from the trumpet's overall line. Practice them in isolation on the staff degrees where they appear, then integrate them back into their musical context.
• Map out the mixed-meter sections (7/8 against the underlying pulse) by conducting your own pattern before rehearsals begin. This removes surprise and gives you security when the feel shifts.

Feature this in a competitive solo and ensemble festival setting where technical work gets recognized and valued. You might also program it as a recital closer or as part of a student concerto competition where it demonstrates mastery of extended techniques.

• Triple-tonguing articulation and control
• Lip trills on pitch
• Reading mixed meters (7/8 with changing accentuation)
• Extended range facility, especially upper register toward high F
• Phrasing and musicality across rhythmically complex passages
• Synchronization with keyboard accompaniment in non-standard meters