Seguidillas: Repetitions and Ostinatos for Tuba Ensemble: Tuba, Choir, Score and Parts

Forte builds tremendous ensemble cohesion through the relentless interplay of stacked third intervals, making every player feel essential to the texture. The optional percussion parts give directors flexibility while providing an additional energy boost when you have players available. This is one of those pieces where the compositional concept directly serves your rehearsal goals: tuning thirds, locking rhythms, and building confidence in younger low brass players who thrive on forward momentum.

Seguidillas pulses with infectious, unbridled energy. The title itself suggests something spiraling forward relentlessly, and Forte delivers exactly that: waves of third-interval figures that overlap, reinforce, and drive the listener forward without ever feeling static or mechanical. There is genuine joy in the forward momentum.

Tuba ensembles with at least eight experienced players (four euphoniums and four tubas) looking for a contemporary piece that combines rhythmic drive with harmonic sophistication. This work suits festival programs, recordings, and concerts where you want to showcase the low brass section as a complete ensemble rather than in a supporting role.

• Balance the euphonium and tuba voices carefully so neither group drowns out the other; the third intervals need clarity from both registers to land effectively.
• Anchor the rhythmic pulse with a steady, unwavering tempo; the relentless repetition depends on collective precision rather than expressive rubato.
• If using percussion, integrate them into early rehearsals so the ensemble discovers how the added colors enhance (rather than obscure) the core brass texture.
• Let the energy build naturally across the piece; resist the urge to push the tempo even as the repetitive motifs create momentum.

Program this as a centerpiece for a low brass or tuba ensemble concert, or pair it with other contemporary works to demonstrate the versatility of the modern tuba choir. It also works beautifully as a finale if you want to send the audience out with undeniable rhythmic energy. The piece was written for recording, so it translates especially well to capturing ensemble achievement on disc.

• Locking unison and octave doublings across different registers
• Tuning and balancing major third intervals in ensemble context
• Reading music with persistent rhythmic figures and minimal melodic variation
• Responding to and maintaining forward harmonic and rhythmic momentum
• Balancing with optional percussion parts and adapting ensemble balance on the fly