Rondeau: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

This arrangement strikes an rare balance: the piece is short enough to fit comfortably into any program yet substantial enough to reward serious musical attention. Most of your audience will recognize it immediately, which creates real engagement from the opening notes. The way Marlatt's scoring alternates the trumpet feature with full ensemble passages keeps the energy alive throughout and gives you natural opportunities to showcase multiple sections of your band.

Stately and ceremonial, with the sprightly confidence of a Baroque fanfare. The famous melody moves with dignified clarity, supported by clean brass harmonies and the crisp articulation of period style. There's an almost conversational quality to the alternating sections, as if the trumpet soloist is greeting the full ensemble with each entry.

Concert bands working at Grade 1.5, including developing high school ensembles and community bands. This arrangement works equally well for programs that want to feature a strong first trumpet player and for directors seeking a recognizable masterwork that doesn't demand advanced technique from the full ensemble.

• Shape the opening trumpet solo with forward motion and clarity; the Baroque style benefits from incisive articulation on the eighth notes without heaviness.
• Balance the brass choir passages so the inner voices support but don't overwhelm the lead trumpet. Tight voicing and consistent dynamics prevent muddiness.
• Use the sudden dynamic shifts as structural markers for your ensemble. Crisp attacks and releases on these contrasts define the character of the piece.
• Lock the rhythmic precision of the full band sections; when the entire ensemble enters after the solo passages, any unevenness becomes immediately audible.

Open a concert with this piece to establish sophistication and energy from the start. The familiar melody gives you immediate audience connection while the musicianship required signals to listeners that your band takes ensemble playing seriously. It also pairs gracefully with other Baroque masterworks or works well as a bridge between classical and contemporary repertoire.

• Baroque articulation and phrasing (clean tonguing, shaped legato lines)
• Dynamic contrast and sudden changes in volume
• Brass choir voicing and balance
• Rhythmic precision and ensemble lock in full band sections
• Solo trumpet confidence and projection within ensemble context