I've Made My Plan for the Summer: Trumpet & Keyboard Part(s)

Sousa's waltzes offer something often missing from the easy solo repertoire: genuine musicality paired with genuine simplicity. This piece gives developing cornet players a chance to explore rubato and lyricism rather than just articulation, and the moderate difficulty means students can focus on shaping phrases instead of fighting the mechanics. It's the kind of music that reminds young players why they started playing brass in the first place.

A graceful turn through the ballroom: straightforward enough to feel immediately playable, yet refined in its melodic contours and harmonic movement. The waltz meter invites a natural lilt, and Sousa's gift for songlike melody shines throughout the piece.

Beginning to intermediate cornet and trumpet players looking for solo repertoire that builds musical expressiveness without technical overwhelm. This piece works equally well for students preparing for solo competitions or planning their first recital performances.

• Shape the melodic line with subtle dynamic swells; let the accompaniment support your phrasing rather than drive it.
• Approach the waltz time signature as a governing rhythm, not a rigid pulse. Allow gentle flexibility in the tempo to bring out the character of the phrase.
• Balance tone production across the range; the register shifts in this piece should feel seamless and singing rather than awkward.
• Communicate clearly with your pianist about tempo and rubato before rehearsal begins. A responsive accompaniment makes the difference between a dutiful performance and a charming one.

Program this waltz as a change of pace between more robust brass solos or as part of a recital that spans multiple styles. Its modest length and gentle character make it an excellent choice for competitions where variety in programming is valued, or as a warm personality piece to conclude a student recital with style.

• Shaping lyrical phrases across the cornet range
• Playing rubato and flexible tempo within waltz meter
• Balancing tone production in moderate to high register
• Responding to and collaborating with keyboard accompaniment
• Executing smooth register transitions