Rhythms & Rests: 1st Trombone Book

Erickson understands that first trombone players need targeted work on rhythmic control and rest placement to play confidently with the whole band. The structure here is brilliant: prep drills build pattern recognition, etudes work as solos or duets for flexible rehearsal use, and the full band arrangements at unit ends show exactly why this precision matters in context.

Focused and purposeful. Each drill zeroes in on one rhythmic idea, then the etude lets you stretch that idea across a complete musical phrase. The band arrangements anchor everything in real sound, so abstract rhythm suddenly becomes a living part of the ensemble texture.

First trombone players in developing concert bands who need to build confidence navigating changing meters (5/8, 7/8) and complex rest patterns without falling behind. This is essential preparation for players ready to move beyond steady quarter- and eighth-note rhythms but still building rhythmic independence.

• Practice the prep rhythm drills in sequence before moving to the etude. They're designed to make the etude accessible, not as optional warm-up.
• When playing etudes as duets with another trombonist, lock your rhythmic foundation with your partner before worrying about balance or expression.
• Study the rest placements as carefully as the note passages. Rests shape the line just as much as notes do, especially in band scoring where silence creates texture.
• Reference the full band arrangement at each unit's end during individual practice. Knowing how your part sits rhythmically against the ensemble removes hesitation in rehearsal.

Assign units sequentially during fall rehearsals when first trombone players need technical foundation before tackling repertoire. The 24-page length suits weekly or biweekly assignment cycles. Pair with your regular band music so players experience the rhythmic concepts they've practiced applied immediately in context.

• Reading and performing meters in 5/8, 7/8, and other changing patterns
• Recognizing and playing through rests as active musical events
• Executing syncopated and mixed eighth-note rhythms with accuracy
• Building rhythmic independence against contrasting ensemble parts
• Sight-reading with confidence in rhythmically complex passages