Rhythms & Rests: 2nd B-flat Trumpet Book

Erickson's structure here is genuinely smart: he isolates the rhythmic concept, drills it with purpose, then immediately places it in a musical context where students hear how it functions in real band writing. The flexibility to use etudes as solos or duets means you can adapt this to your section needs without buying additional materials.

The rhythm drills feel like focused problem-solving; the etudes transform those problems into actual music. Moving from the drill to the full band arrangement creates a satisfying moment where students recognize themselves contributing something they've just mastered to the larger ensemble sound.

Second trumpet players in middle school and early high school bands who need systematic work on rhythmic independence and rest notation. This book serves players who are ready to handle metric variety but benefit from structured, graduated reinforcement.

• Start with the prep rhythm drills before moving to the full band arrangement. These focused exercises build confidence before students encounter the rhythm in a busier ensemble texture.
• Use the duet options to reinforce rhythmic accuracy between first and second trumpet parts. The call-and-response nature locks in coordination naturally.
• Give the rests as much attention as the notes. Mark them visually in pencil so students internalize the silence as part of the rhythmic phrase, not just empty space.

Weave units through your fall and winter rehearsals, using the full band arrangement as a concert-ready piece once your section has internalized the rhythmic material. The 24-page length makes it manageable to cycle through without derailing your regular repertoire study.

• Reading and performing rests in varied metric contexts
• Executing changing eighth-note rhythms (5/8, 7/8, and other asymmetrical meters)
• Maintaining rhythmic independence while balancing with ensemble texture
• Transitioning from isolated rhythm drills to embedded rhythms in full arrangements
• Playing duet passages with rhythmic precision and balance