The Wizard of Oz Instrumental Solos: Trombone Book & CD

These arrangements honor the cinematic sweep of Arlen's melodies while respecting what intermediate trombonists can actually accomplish. The mix of famous numbers and the rarely heard Jitterbug gives students repertoire that feels culturally significant without requiring advanced technique, and the included CD removes the barrier of finding accompaniment recordings.

These arrangements capture the wonder and adventure that Arlen embedded in Oz without requiring virtuosity to convey genuine emotion. Playing through this collection feels less like etude work and more like stepping into a beloved story; the melodies are immediately gratifying, and the orchestration balances clarity with orchestral warmth.

Intermediate trombonists (Grade 2-3) who are ready for songs with real harmonic interest and familiar melodies that motivate consistent practice. Students benefit from the historical context and visual materials as much as the music itself, making this collection valuable for units on American musical theatre or film scoring.

• Approach the legato sections in Over the Rainbow with a long, connected breath; resist the impulse to tongue between phrases when the melody line suggests smooth continuity.
• Balance your tone carefully in ensemble passages where the trombone sits against a fuller accompaniment; these arrangements are designed to integrate, not dominate.
• Let the rhythmic vitality of We're Off to See the Wizard drive forward with crisp articulation and consistent pulse rather than dragging into the accompaniment.
• Use the CD demonstrations to calibrate your interpretation before settling into your own approach; hearing the intended tempo and character first saves rehearsal time.

Program one or more selections on a spring concert to bridge classical training and popular music literacy, or use the collection as part of a thematic unit exploring how film music shapes cultural memory. The historical essay and photographs provide talking points that elevate a solo performance into a genuine educational moment.

• Sustaining legato phrasing across moderate ranges
• Reading and executing rhythmic figures in jazz-influenced contexts (The Jitterbug)
• Balancing solo prominence with accompaniment-driven arrangements
• Interpreting melodic content with expressive intent rather than default approaches
• Sight-reading through multiple pieces with varied harmonic vocabularies